Durban Tour For Nigerians Travelling To South Africa

Durban is South Africa's third-largest city and one of its leading vacation destinations.

Durban has for a long time been known as a haven for surfers. Long beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, a mild subtropical climate, and excellent infrastructure lure tourists by the millions every year. Located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), this vibrant city can be reached by air within an hour from Johannesburg and two hours, if flying from Cape Town.

An important industrial center and port, Durban owes its cosmopolitan air to its rich ethnic diversity forged from a turbulent history. Clashes between the British traders, who settled here in 1823; the Zulus, on whose tribal land Durban lies; and the Boers, played a part in shaping Durban's modern character. In 1860, contract laborers who hailed from India worked on the sugar plantations but they remained after their contracts expired, making Durban the largest population of Indians in South Africa.

On a trip to Durban, you can experience Durban's rich multi-cultural heritage in the Zulu and Indian markets and walk the beautifully manicured parks along the water, and also taste the delicious Indian-influenced cuisine.

For more ideas on the best places to visit, see a list of the top-rated attractions in Durban:

The Golden Miles

A good starting point for a walking tour of Durban is the "Golden Mile." This bustling beachfront promenade is lined with high-rise hotels, entertainment complexes, shops, and restaurants. The broad, golden beaches are a magnet for water sports enthusiasts who come here to surf, swim, fish, or just bask in the sunshine. Lifeguards and shark nets protect most of the beaches year-round.

Along the busy oceanfront path, pedestrians jostle with joggers, cyclists, Segways, and skateboarders, making the area feel a little like California.

Other highlights along this coastal stretch include a pint-sized replica of Durban, complete with a miniature rail network, airport, and harbor scene.

Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa. Located on the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the city center, the gardens were established in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today, visitors can stroll along the indigenous and exotic subtropical plantings, including majestic heritage trees, some of which are more than one hundred years old.

The main plant collections include cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms, and visitors can also experience the Garden of the Senses. In addition to the rich plant biodiversity, at least fifty different species of birds are permanent residents of the gardens.

Umgeni River Bird Park

In the Riverside district, on the north bank of the Umgeni River, the Umgeni River Bird Park features more than 200 species of birds, and some are the only living representatives of their kind in Africa. On a network of paths running through lush landscaping and waterfalls, visitors can observe a variety of indigenous species, as well as birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, including lories, cockatoos, and aras. One of the highlights of the park is the bird show, where visitors can learn more about the exotic species as they perform.

Indian quarter

Encompassing the Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere, Durban's Indian Quarter is now a multicultural mix of sights, sounds, and exotic aromas. Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Somali street vendors haggle along the narrow pavements, selling everything from spices and saris to beaded sandals, incense, and intricate handmade jewelry. Savvy shoppers will find bargains here, and the restaurants boast some of the most authentic Indian cuisines in Durban.

Mitchell Park and Jameson Park

Mitchell Park, in the upmarket suburb of Morningside, is one of Durban's oldest parks. This park is exceptionally popular for picnics and walks. Thanks to its shady lawns, mass plantings of colorful blooms, and wide wheelchair-friendly paths, great family visits happen here. Children will love the playground, mini zoo, and walk-through aviary, while those seeking well-made delicacies can dine at the Alfresco Cafe. Adjoining Mitchell Park is Jameson Park, which displays more than 200 species of roses.

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World, one of the main attractions on Durban's Golden Mile, is a water-themed wonderland packed with attractions. Sea World, set on replicas of four shipwrecks, features the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, where visitors can get up close to marine life through underground viewing galleries.

Other attractions here include a Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium, and Penguin Rookery. Wet 'n' Wild is an extravaganza of splash pools, slides, and super tubes, while uShaka Kids' World is a paradise for two- to 12-year-olds. Little ones will love the playgrounds, treasure cave, and creative activities here. After a fun day enjoying all the sea-themed attractions, visitors can stroll among the outdoor shops and restaurants at Village Walk.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sporting and event venue on Durban's Golden Mile. The stadium hosted eight of the FIFA World Cup Games in 2010. It provides a spectacular 360-degree view of Durban from the top of the stadium's arch. The Sky Car whisks visitors to the top, or they can climb the 500 steps on foot.

Thrill-seekers will love the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the world's highest. Segway tours of the stadium are available, and visitors will also find a few restaurants on-site, as well as shops selling sporting merchandise.

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple)

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is the largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa. Surrounded by a beautiful lotus-shaped garden, the temple is an impressive confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes.

Besides admiring the lavish architecture, a highlight of a visit here is enjoying a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, Govinda's. Hungry tourists can feast on a vast array of inexpensive Indian vegan dishes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. The restaurant also provides food for the poor and destitute of the city.

Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu

Inland from the popular resort area of Umhlanga Rocks lies the Valley of 1,000 Hills, a beautiful region of gently rounded hills sprinkled with scenic viewpoints, Zulu homesteads, and gorges. The hills rise up along the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows into the Indian Ocean from the distant Drakensberg mountains. The old road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg runs along the southern edge of the valley, an area with magnificent views.

After passing Hillcrest and Botha's Hill, it comes to Phe-Zulu, a typical Zulu village where visitors can see traditional dance performances and witness the rituals of witch doctors.

PheZulu Safari Park has an abundance of animals that can be spotted, and a Crocodile and Snake Park where visitors can go on a tour with knowledgeable guides. The park also offers accommodations for those who'd want to spend the night.

Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umhlanga), found 16 kilometers north of Durban, is a popular, upscale resort town. Long golden beaches, interrupted by a rocky coast, stretch for 200 kilometers north of Durban to the beautiful Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing eight interlinking ecosystems: three major lake systems and Africa's largest estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia.

In Umhlanga Rocks, water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are some of the aquatic pursuits on offer.

Shopping is also a favorite pastime. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping here is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Other attractions in the region include championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature reserves, and museums, including the former dwelling of Mahatma Gandhi.

Acquiring Your Visa To Durban, South Africa.

It can be some stress to get your visa but with a step by step guide, you will find out everything you need to know for your visa application.

You will need to apply at a visa center in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. Always apply for your South Africa tourist visa at least 4 weeks before you travel to allow ample processing time and spare you some stress.

This article will help you with everything you need about securing a visa to South Africa.

Interested in touring Durban on an affordable budget? Kindly fill this form ? we?ve got you covered!

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