The province of KwaZulu-Natal is one that captures the romantic fancies of anyone who knows of the history of South Africa.

Shaka was the Zulu king who still embodies the epitome of an African warrior and leader. The region was named Natal by Vasco da Gama when he landed there on the Christmas of 1497.

In preparation for 2010 South Africa has created a stadium that will remain the crown jewel of Durban’s architecture. Named after Moses Mabhida, one of South Africa’s most iconic struggle leaders, Moses Mabhida Stadium (pictured) was inspired by the South African flag. Its 106 meter high arch symbolizes the unity of a nation once divided. It has the capacity to sit 85,000 people and is surrounded by a complex of other sports centers.

The Kings Sports Precinct, in which Mabhida is located, is not only for the sports fanatics, it’s also popular with shopping addicts and connoisseurs of exotic cuisine. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re there to watch a match or simply to relax with your friends. The climate makes the region excellent for outdoors activities, so you might indulge in a game of cricket.

Durban has approximately 320 sunny days almost every year, and some locals will joke that the city knows only two climates: hot and sunny. Needless to say, Durban draws a lot of tourist traffic. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons flip with those of such regions as North America and most of Europe.

The summer months fall between December and February, and the numerous Durban hotels will ensure your comfort throughout the stay. So instead of cozying up to some old blanket and fantasizing about the warmth of the sun, you could take a South  African flight and enjoy and a winter getaway in Durban.

The winter months will fall between June and August, but even then, the weather is amicable. Don’t let yourself get lost in images of snow storms and glassy ice, winter in Durban simply means that there is less humidity, making the city even more attractive to some people.

So what is there to do in Durban? For one, there is golfing. Durban will give you the ultimate golfing experience. With at least seven country clubs that offer optimal golfing facilities, you need look no further for the perfect tee. Host of the South African opens 14 times and with two championship golf courses, the Durban Country Club is said to be one of the best golfing destinations in South Africa. It is situated in the center of Durban and is a surprising green oasis of calm. The San Lameer Golf Course and the Zimbali Golf Coastal resort offer excellent views of the ocean. The Zimbali is considered something of a challenge, crossing several wetlands and ending at the Zimbali forests, it is a challenge even to experienced golfers.

If you need something less tame, just remember that Durban is considered South Africa’s playground. Bungee jumping, mountain climbing, cycling, nature hikes, diving and surfing are just some of the activities you can partake in.

Durban has one of the few surfing museums in the world. This is a testament to what a surfer’s paradise it is. For generations, international surfing heroes have headed to South Africa to tackle the formidable local waves. Durban is therefore a major surfing competitions center. It is host to the only night surfing competitions in the world.

For a day of family fun in the water, try visiting one of Durban’s water parks. uShaka Marine World combines eco-friendly education with clean old fashioned fun.  Walking through an imitation sea wreck, past the restored skeleton of a whale and through one of the world’s largest aquarium will be the most interesting adventure you and your family experience.

The aquarium showcases South Africa’s rich marine diversity with about 2500 different species of fish and sharks. A good percentage of these are only found in the warm waters around South Africa, and a few of them may be endangered.

A walk through the colorfully tropical marine aquarium will be an education in the beauty and fragility of life. uShaka will also give a chance to get close to those most intelligent of sea creatures—dolphins. uShaka has an impressive population of Atlantic and Indian ocean bottlenose dolphins as well as seals and African penguins.

Shoppers of every kind can find a niche in South Africa. Souvenir hunters will have to haggle at beachfront markets or turn to high end craft galleries. If you are a glamour puss, never despair, Durban has some of the best malls to be found anywhere.

A couple of days in Durban will be simultaneously relaxing and thrilling. By the end of your trip, you’ll be wanting more, and a second trip is simply a given.

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This entry was posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 7:52 am and is filed under South Africa. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.