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Zulus on the outskirts of Durban |
Durban is the second largest and most cosmopolitan city of South Africa. A large Zulu population and the influx of Indians mixed with the white and colored population make Durban the most colorful city in the country. Its colonial history only goes back to 1824 yet it has an importance today for industry, commerce and tourism.
The city is the playground of South Africa with many locals flocking to the beaches during the summer vacation of December and January and offers great beaches in Durban as well as along the unspoiled coast line. The Indian Ocean ensures that you will find great weather and warm climate throughout the year.
I would also say it is the garden city of the country. The subtropical climate offers green lush parks with many exotic and indigenous flowers year around.
Must sees in Durban include the Indian Market, the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere right next door, the Botanical Garden, the Port of Durban, which is the largest on the continent, the new uShaka Waterfront and the historical town center.
Just north of Durban is the town of Umhlanga Rocks, here you find the Natal Sharks Board a unique institution that serves the world with research of sharks.
With the colorful mixture of people the cuisine of this city is also very varied and Durban is known for its good curries and great seafood.
Durban also serves as a gateway to Zululand and the oldest game reserves in Africa, to the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the Battlefields, the various traditional Zulu villages and the Hibiscus Coast to the South.