What To See

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal’s largest city, is Africa’s ultimate coastal playground! Durban is blessed with balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise. Durban is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city of over four million people – a city where east meets west – a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, and experience the nightlife and relax. This idyllic outdoor lifestyle in subtropical paradise offers you that much more. The magic of Durban is that you can enjoy both worlds, because here they live side by side, mostly in peaceful co-existence.

We at Gibela look forward to introduce you to this vast array of thrilling adventures… in this charismatic, multi-faceted and progressive city the Zulu people know as Thekweni.

Durban in a NUT – shell

Central – City Centre, Marine Parade, Small Craft Harbour, Glenwood, Musgrave, Morningside and Berea
North – Durban North, La Lucia, Umhlanga, MT Edgecombe and Umhlodti
South – Bluff, Amanzimtoti, Umkomaas, Aliwal Shoal and Scottburgh
West – Westville, Pinetown and Valley of a 1000 Hills, including Kloof, Hillcrest and Botha’s Hill

TOURIST INFO OFFICES

Airport- King Shaka International Tel: 032 – 436 6585
Beachfront – North Beach Tel: 031 – 322 4203/5
City – Head Office – Florida Road Tel: 031 – 322 4164
uShaka Marine World – Mahatma Gandhi Road Tel: 031 – 322 2858

ENTERTAINMENT (Jazz, Cocktails, Clubs & Bars)

Durban after dark is a buzz with elegant lounges, funky taverns and cosy inns…distinctive local theatre and live music…trendy clubs, pubs and discos. Rave ’till dawn and catch sunrise over the vast Indian Ocean horizon – this is nightlife in a modern, authentic African metropolis! Florida Road is an exciting blend of old world charm and stylish hotspots, with some of Durban’s best restaurants and hottest bars along this beautiful tree-lined street.

JAZZ

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music – presents live music of interest to locals and tourists every Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. during term time. The CJPM features student bands and university ensembles, but also internationally renowned performers from South Africa and beyond. The cash bar has drink specials and snacks. Bookings can be made by phone.

Shepstone Building, University of KZN, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue http://music.ukzn.ac.za/concerts/cjpmtrios.aspx Tel: 031 – 260 3353

Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club – Founded in the early 1980’s, The Rainbow has a colourful cultural heritage, and was the first restaurant in KwaZulu-Natal to open its doors to people of all races. The Rainbow remains a popular jazz venue and concerts offer a genuine township vibe.

23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown – N3 West http://www.therainbow.co.za Tel: 031 – 702 9161

The Chairman – A sophisticated world class bar that stimulates the imagination and bends all rules and conventions. The Chairman is a work of art. Aesthetically and politically so! Its architecture, its chairs and interior design, the food, the artwork in the lounge and in the gallery, the music, which includes both well-known and upcoming jazz musicians.

146 Mahatma Gandhi Road http://thechairmanlive.com Tel: 078 – 387 1408

The Joint – A restaurant nestled on the picturesque Beach Front. The Lounge, a second level of the venue presents a close and comfortable setting where urban musicians and jazz aficionados hang around to listen to live music and inspired DJ sets till late at night around great drinks and food. Authentic Shisa Nyama goes hand in hand with a fine selection of artisanal meals and drink.

98 OR Tambo Parade, Durban Beachfront – Tel: 031 – 332 0805

COCKTAILS

Moyo – one of the best locations in all of Durban for those looking to enjoy some splendid cocktails. Moyo (which means heart) is situated right at the end of one of Durban’s famous piers, offering a panoramic view of the Golden Mile as it gently curves from the harbor to Moses Mabhida Stadium and beyond.

1 Bell St, uShaka Marine World, Point, Durban – Tel: 031 – 332 0606

Taco Zulu – Durban’s upbeat Mexican grill house and cocktail bar. Enjoy the carnival atmosphere, friendly service, contemporary Mexican cuisine and legendary cocktails. The beverage menu incorporates Mexican classics with an extensive cocktail list that include classic Mexican flavours such as tequila and mezcal.

237 Florida Road, Morningside – Tel: 031 – 303 9584

The Panorama Bar & Pool Deck – It’s hard to compete with the views, but the Panorama Bar and pool deck at Elangeni & Maharani is a talking point all of its own. Heated pool, cocktails and a menu perfect for sharing or savoring. The cocktail menu is a colourful and flavourful mix of classics and reinvented long drinks. The food menu is light and well paired to the sunny climate.

OR Tambo Drive, Durban Beachfront

CLUBS

Absolute – Absolute redefines velvet rope laid back exclusivity, positioning itself as the flagship for all things fabulous in Durbans high-end party scene. The drinks, the dance, DJ’s and the special events all make for a night at Absolute unlike any other.
258 Florida Rd, Morningside – Tel: 082 – 893 7596

Club Altitude – Club Altitude is found on Windemere Avenue and is known for its wonderful atmosphere, a house-party feel rather than a night club. Even if you aren’t part of the LGBT community, you will still have a good time. With friendly staff and an even friendlier owner, Durban’s trendy cosmopolitan nightclub is for anyone who is different and fabulous. Monday to Saturday – 19H30 till 04H00
25 Silver Avenue, Stamfordhill – http://www.clubaltitude.co.za – Tel: 074 – 157 6937

Origin Nightclub – Set across 3 floors beautiful Historic Winston Hotel, the Origin is your entertainment hub. They have 5 dance floors and 9 bars to keep your thirst satisfied. With ample space to move around the venue features lounge areas, a balcony, rooftop terrace and various chill out areas. One of the biggest clubs in Durban, it’s a local favourite. Music covers every genre of electronic dance music, and just about every kind of non-dance music too, from smoky French house to Mississippi blues, from thumping techno to grunge rock, from psytrance to thug hop. Saturday 20H30 till 06H00
9 Clark Road, Umbilo http://www.theorigin.co.za – Tel: 031 – 201 9959

Tiger Tiger – is the perfect place for party animals of all ages, hosting big name DJs and themed events with many giveaways. With state of the art sound equipment, 2 stellar dance floors and six bars to choose from offering a variety of drinks specials and two dance floors, Tiger Tiger is the place to go wild. This modern and ultra-sophisticated design creates an ambience that just has to be experienced, which is why the club is a favourite destination for party-goers. Friday and Saturday – 20H00 till 04H00
67 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Kings Park http://www.tigertiger.co.za -Tel: 031 – 303 9712

Ultra Bar – Ultra Bar is Durban’s go-to nightclub, with its lavish decor and classic architecture it promises a night of opulence. The club has 5 dance floors and state of the art sound and lighting equipment. This multi-level club has different themed levels. It is a club worth exploring, with its cosy nooks for some private small talk and large dance floors, there is something that will appeal to everyone.
178 Mathews Meyiwa Road, Stamfordhill – Tel: 066 – 206 4766

BARS

Dropkick Murphy’s – Situated at the heart of the Durban social scene, Florida Road, Dropkick Murphy’s is dedicated to providing a truly Irish experience, from the frost that forms around our Guinness and Kilkenny taps right down to the artful combination of brick and mahogany. A local bar with a rustic feel that specialises in no-nonsense comfort food, famously known for their chilli poppers, house cocktails and the abundance of craft beer stocked in their fridges.
Friday & Saturday – 12H00 till 02H00 Sunday till Thursday – 12H00 till 01H00
219 Florida Road, Morningside http://dropkickmurphys.co.za Tel: 031 – 825 1858

Joe Kool’s – Situated on Marine Parade, Joe Cool’s is one of South Africa’s most famous beach bars where a cosmopolitan mix of tanned, beautiful people in the latest fashions meet. By day it’s a restaurant filled with sun-worshippersr, but by night it transforms into the beach’s biggest jol. Striking the perfect balance between relaxed and ready-to-party atmosphere, it’s the ultimate beach party in SA. Whether you are looking to enjoy a lazy lunch or restaurant dinner, every day is cool at Joe Cool’s.
167 Lower North Beach, Beachfront – Tel: 031 – 332 9697

Unity – Lively brasserie attracting young crowds, offering craft beers and sustainably sourced comfort food. Good quality local brand liquors and many of our house brands are all from provincial and national South African producers and distilleries. With some really good local brandy, gin, vodka, tequila and grappa.
117 Silverton Road, Silvervause Centre, Musgrave – Tel: 031 – 201 3470

FACTS

• The port of Durban is the ninth largest harbour in the world and has become Africa’s busiest general cargo port and container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Durban is the city where Mahatma Gandhi started his political career.
• Durban has the largest Indian population living outside of India in the world.
• Durban Botanical Gardens are world famous for the original specimens of Encephalartos woodii, a cycad that is still acknowledged as probably the rarest plant in the world.
• uShaka Marine world is home to the 5th largest aquarium in the world by volume of water.

HISTORY

• 1497 – On Christmas Day Vasco da Gama first landed here, and named the harbour Rio de Natal, which was later changed to Port Natal.
• Although the harbour had many pirates, shipwrecked souls and slave traders in the intervening years, no one stayed until November when a group of British merchants from the Cape went ashore and liked it so much that they return the next year.
• 1823 – British colonization began and named the settlement Port Natal.
• 1835 – renamed Durban after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, the then governor of the Cape Colony
• 1860’s – Indentured labourers from India came to work on the sugar cane fields.

MARINAS

The sea plays an important part in this region, with three marinas for yachting purposes – the main marina opposite the Esplanade, served by the Point Yacht Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club, the Wilson’s Wharf marina used predominantly by motor craft and the Bluff Yacht Club facility in the Silt Canal near Bayhead.

SHOPPING

Shopping in Durban can be very first world or totally third world. It’s your choice. You can linger in luxury malls and trendy antique shops or you can buy from street vendors and spaza shops where they may or may not bargain with you.

Galleria Mall – Amanzimtoti, N2 South http://www.galleria.co.za
Gateway Theatre of Shopping – Umhlanga, N2 North http://www.gatewayworld.co.za
Musgrave Centre – Musgrave Road, Berea http://www.musgravecentre.com
The Pavilion – Westville, N3 West http://www.thepav.co.za
Windermere Centre – Lillian Ngoyi Road

The centrally located Victoria Street Market in Durban (off Yusuf Dadoo Street) is a bustling modern version of the original Indian market, which burned down decades ago. Bargain for brassware and African Curios. Incense mingles with curries, spices and the exotic odours of the fish market next door and leads you past colourful saris and a vast array of nick-nacks.
Visit the Warwick Triangle adjoining the Victoria Street Market for a totally different shopping experience. Leave this world behind and emerge in an ancient world of magic and sprits. This is the site of the muthi market where traditional healers sell pungent mixtures of indigenous herbs, plants, bark, snake skins, bird wings, crocodile teeth, dolphin skulls and monkey paws. Do not go alone.

Township people mostly shop in the city at supermarkets or on their way home from work. Unlike suburban people who are able to shop in bulk because most get paid monthly and have their own transport, most township people commute by public transport, so they buy only what they can carry. Prices are marked up in the townships and informal settlements where people can buy in small quantities and consumers often pay greatly inflated prices for the convenience of buying from spaza shops or pavement dealers close to home who sell single cigarettes or sugar by the cup or paraffin or even water and airtime cards.

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

Antiques & Bygones – 437 Lillian Ngoyi Road, Morningside Tel: 031 – 303 8880
Antique Café – 93 Churchill Road, Morningside Tel: 031 – 303 5959 Eclectic – 67 Haden Road, Greyville Tel: 031 – 303 2218
Ike’s Books and Collectables, 48a Florida Road Tel: 031 – 303 9214

MARKETS

I Heart Market – Nestled under the iconic arches of Moses Mabhida Stadium is where you’ll find the I Heart Market on the first Saturday of the month. One of South Africa’s largest design markets, true to the spirit in which it was first conceived, all products are carefully selected for their originality and design appeal. Rrom locally made and designed jewellery, art, fashion, home décor and accessories to environmentally friendly upcycled or repurposed goods, and highly desirable second hand gems.
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road First Saturday of the month – 09H00 till 14H00

Morning Trade Market – The Morning Trade is a top quality weekly food market which focuses on providing an urban space for Durbanites to buy their weekly fresh produce, top quality meats, farm fresh ingredients, delectable specialities and community-conscious foods, as well as being a cool space to meet friends over delicious artisan food and drink… all in Durban’s coolest community-orientated development – the Station Drive Precinct.
5 Station Drive (The Plant), Umgeni Every Sunday – 08H00 till13H00

Shongweni Farmers Market – Attracting stall holders and customers from far and wide, we’re now proud to host over 150 stalls. More than half of which, offer delectable food and outstanding fresh produce.

Often home to special events, particularly on public holidays. Great ambiance and the peace of mind that comes from buying what you need directly from the maker. The most authentic market around.
457 Mr551 Rd, Shongweni Resource Reserve, Shongweni Every Saturday – 06H00 till 11H30

Wonder Market – From home grown veggies to full wholesome warm meals, hand crafted goods including kiddies’ toys, clothing for all, accessories and home décor. On your rounds, you’re bound to find some treasure sparking a fond memory of the days gone by.
Chris Saunders Park, Gateway Last Sunday of the month – 09H00 till 14H00

THEATRES

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre – Founded in the 1980’s as an experimental theatre for the University of Natal’s drama students. Performances range from rock n roll dance shows and dramas with three international festivals held here annually.
University of Natal, South Ridge Road Tel: 031 – 2602296

The Rhumbelow Theatre – tucked away in a residential area of Umbilo, has a bit of an informal atmosphere, somewhere along the lines of ‘Hey gang, let’s all band together and put on a show to save the clubhouse!’ The vibe is definitely relaxed, with many patrons coming early to picnic or braai before the shows. The Rhumbelow hosts many shows throughout the year, the majority cabarets.
Cunningham Road (off Bartle Road), Umbilo Tel: 031 – 205 7602 / 082 – 499 8636

The Playhouse – Durban’s main theatre caters for everyone. The Playhouse Company is one of South Africa’s premier theatre organisations hosting various festivals throughout the year.
231 Anton Lembede, opposite City Hall Tel: 031 – 369 9555

TRANSPORT – Getting there and around

The Central Business District, a hive of activity, is within easy reach of the beachfront and residential areas of Berea, Morningside and Glenwood. There is a frequent and reliable local bus service, called the Mynah Bus running through central Durban, the beachfront and surrounding suburbs.

King Shaka International Airport http://kingshakainternational.co.za situated north of Durban, is a 30 minute drive from the City Centre and is serviced daily by domestic flights, as well as international flights.

There is an airport shuttle bus that does transfers to the city Centre and Morningside. Tel: 032 – 436 6585

AIRLINES

British Airways – http://www.britishairways.com
Emirates – https://www.emirates.com
Flysafair – https://www.flysafair.co.za
Kulula – http://www.kulula.com
Mango – http://www.flymango.com
South African Airways – http://www.flysaa.com
South African Express – http://flysax.com
Turkish Airlines – https://www.turkishairlines.com
Qatar – https://www.qatarairways.com

BUS COMPANIES

Intercity coaches (Greyhound, Translux, InterCape and Luxliners) all run multiple daily departures from Durban to all major destinations through-out southern-Africa. Tickets and schedules can be booked on http://www.computicket.com

Baz Bus runs a hop-on hop-off schedule http://www.bazbus.com

PEOPLE MOVER BUS

This is one of the best ways for visitors and locals to get around Durban. The bus is spacious, air-conditioned and is wheelchair and pram friendly. Buses arrive every 15 minutes between 06H30 and 23H00 daily. Links the beachfront with the CBD, Victoria Street Market and Botanical Gardens. Routes run from the West Street Interchange to the Suncoast Casino in the north and uShaka Marine World in the south. Tel: 031 – 309 5942

TAXI

Zippy Cabs Tel: 031 – 202 7067

DISTANCES FROM DURBAN
CITY	DISTANCE KM	TIME Road	Time Air
Bloemfontein	650 km	07 hours	1h10
Cape Town	1750 km	20 hours	1h50
Drakensberg	280 – 330km	03 hours
East London	680 km	07 hours
George	1320 km	13 hours	1h30
Johannesburg	580 km	6 hours	1h00
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park	300 km	3 hours
Kruger Park -Skukuza	800 km	9 hours
Ladysmith	250 km	2H30min
Maputo – Mozambique	620 km	7 hours
Margate	200 km	2 hours
Maseru – Lesotho	600 km	7 hours
Mbabane – Swaziland	570 km	6 hours
Mthatha	450 km	5 hours
Nelspruit	710 km	8 hours
Pietermaritzburg	80 km	1 hour
Port Elizabeth	990 km	10 hours	1h10
Pretoria	640 km	6H30min
Richards Bay	200 km	2 hours
St.Lucia	250 km	3 hours
Ulundi	240 km	3 hours

 

TAXI HAND SIGNALS

Taxis, not to be confused with the little yellow cars or sedans with drivers and meters that tick over, are mini busses and they have become the cheapest, easiest and also the most complex way of getting around Durban. Taxis stop wherever they like although they often run along an informal route. One word of warning about taxis- they are not for the squeamish – the drivers are always in a hurry and the decibels are usually very high. Many taxis spend more money on their sound system than the value of a small car, so if you have sensitive ears, wear earplugs. You do not need to tell the driver assistant (the small-ish guy who operates the door and takes the bucks) in a taxi where you are headed. One assumes that if you jump into the taxi you would know where you are going because of the hand signs that you made to get the vehicle to stop for you.

Over the past years, a set of hand signals have been developed to signify some of the better used destinations like town centre and The Wheel. The Town sign, this is simply the lifting of the index finger in the air. Then we have the Wheel, South Beach and Point sign which, is the index finger making a circular motion. All these signs will get you from a residential area to the CBD but they become more complicated when you need to get from the CBD to a residential area.

 

VISITOR INFORMATION

BANKS – Banks are open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:30, Saturdays 08:30 to 11:00. Automatic Teller machines (ATM) are available in most towns and cities and offer a 24-hour service. Care must be taken when using ATM’s and under no circumstances must any assistance be accepted by anyone hanging around ATM’s.

CLIMATE – Durban enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate and is famed for its mild, sunny winter climate and year-round “fun-in-the-water” weather. Temperatures range from 16°C and 25°C during the winter months of June, July and August. Summer temperatures can reach 32°C with relatively high humidity during the hot season, November – February. Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees in summer to 18 degrees in winter. The average rainfall for the year is in the order of 900mm. Weather Bureau website http://www.weathersa.co.za

For daily surf conditions look at Sharesurf or our North Beach Webcam.

CREDIT CARDS – Most major credit cards are accepted by most retailers.

CURRENCY – South African currency works on the decimal system with the one Rand equaling 100 cents.

Denominations of notes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 – Denominations of coins R5, R2, R1, 50, 20, 10 cents. ELECTRICITY – The electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz. US made appliances may need a transformer.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police – 10111
Ambulance – 10177
Disaster Management – 031 – 306 4074
Fire & Emergency – 031 – 361 0000
Medical Service – Emergency – 082 911 (Netcare Private)
Mountain Rescue – 080 000 5133
Sea Rescue – 031 – 361 8567

FOREIGN EXCHANGE Traveler’s Cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank. American Express is situated in Musgrave Road close to Musgrave Centre. Thomas Cook offices are situated in Musgrave Centers.

IMMUNISATION – No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. The area close to

Mozambique border – northern Elephant Coast and greater Kruger Park, are subject to malaria. Before

entering these areas, persons are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist to obtain necessary medication.

LANGUAGE – There are 11 Languages in South Africa. English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Swazi, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, and Venda. English is South Africa’s first language and is spoken through-out the country. Most signs are in English.

MEDICAL CARE – Entabeni Hospital in Peter Mokaba Road has a 24Hour Emergency centre with doctors on duty at all times. Tel: 031 – 204 1300

POPULATION – Approximately 4,5 million people. Durban is said to be one of the fastest growing cities in the world with some 25% of South Africa’s total workforce being employed in the Durban area.

TAXATION – Tourist visiting South Africa can have their sales tax paid (VAT) refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of items purchased exceeds R250. Visitors should obtain proof of payments of all items and have goods ready to be shown to Custom officers or VAT refund administrators for inspection as proof of export with tax invoices. Tax invoices to be stamped upon departure. VAT cannot be claimed on restaurant, car hire or other accommodation.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS – South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunications network. International dialing and electronic mail facilities are widely available. Phone cards and cellular phones are also on the market and readily available. International dialing codes can be found in South African telephone directories.

TIME – South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), one hour ahead of central European Winter Time, 10 hours behind New Zealand Winter Time, 8 Hours behind Eastern Australian Winter Time.

TRADING HOURS – Normal trading hours 08:30 to 17:00 on weekdays, 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shopping malls and centre’s have extended trading hours and are open on Sundays.

CONSULATES

Angola 031 – 309 2112
Austria 031 – 261 6233
Belgium 031 – 303 2840
Canada 031 – 536 8214
Chile 031 – 312 8608
China 031 – 563 4534
Denmark 031 – 202 9396
French 031 – 573 1554
Germany 031 – 266 3920
Greece 031 – 301 4880/1
India 031 – 335 0300
Lesotho 031 – 307 2323
Madagascar 031 – 564 4927
Mozambique 031 – 303 7130
Netherlands 031 – 266 9291
Norway 031 – 267 8410
Pakistan 031 – 304 8836
Panama 031 – 336 2682
Portugal 031 – 305 7511
Spain 031 – 205 2254
USA 031 – 305 7600