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South Africa's Pleasure Capital by the Sea Durban is the largest city in the Province of ZwaZulu-Natal of South Africa. Situated on the eastern seaboard of Africa, it is known as South Africa’s pleasure capital by the sea. Durban is a natural paradise with sun-kissed beaches, sub-tropical climate and probably best known for its lifeguard protected beaches. Its famous Golden Mile of beachfront provides any visitor with many seaside activities – surfing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, body boarding and more. This city, however, offers a unique experience that is more than just its beaches. Its rich cultural diversity offers its visitors wonderful foods, festivals and shopping. The…

Some 24 km from Durban, along a road which climbs steeply into the high hills, lies the small administrative, magisterial and trading centre of Inanda, meaning 'the pleasant place'. Inanda is steeped in history and culture. The road passes through an area densely inhabited by African people and ends at one of the most magnificent viewing sites in Africa, with a panorama of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Near Inanda is the 550-hectare Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.

KwaMashu is a township twenty miles north of Durban, with high levels of poverty and crime. It is Durban's oldest township formed by the apartheid state to house the mass resettlement of Africans that were living in Cato Manor during 1958-65. It is the largest of 3 townships in the area (Inanda and Ntuzuma are more rural with a lower population density). In total the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) area is home to approx 500,000 people living on 9,572 hectares of land, with almost 25% having incomes below subsistence level and a 30% unemployment rate. KwaMashu is notable for its lively performance arts scene. Within the township, a lively performing arts scene thrives including Maskandi, hip hop, pansula dancing, dance and drama. Through performance the young people of KwaMashu are…

The seat of the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall, England, is the source of the name of this sugar-growing town in KwaZulu-Natal. William Campbell, the renowned sugar pioneer, settled in the area in 1850 on an estate he named Muckleneuk.Mount Edgecombe lies in a tropical garden setting of flowering creepers, plants and tall trees and is famous for its resorts and a game of golf. A lot of elderly people have chosen it as their retirement home.Two Famous TemplesWhen the Indian indentured labourers settled in Durban, they were faced with a challenge of maintaining their rich culture and tradition in a foreign land. Their first priority was in setting up an area of worship wherever they settled. Majority of the labourers were Hindus and there was always a need to set up a place of worship.…

Phoenix is an Indian settlement northwest of central Durban, minutes away from Mount Edgecombe and the very popular area of Umhlanga. Today Phoenix is the largest “Indian” town in South Africa. Phoenix is one of the attractions along the Inanda Route and is an interesting stop whether you know the history of Gandhi or not. Visitors to the area can enjoy seeing where he lived, a reconstruction of his home was built after it burnt down during the Inanda Riots of 1985 and is called Sarvodaya. Visitors can also visit the landmark printing press he founded. Throughout his life, he was able to inspire people and he dedicated his life to fight injustice and call for peace. Life in Phoenix has its own charm which sings of stories of resilience and triumph. The settlement is close to many…

Sandton by the Sea Umhlanga is a charming, trendy resort town on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal just north of Durban city. A holiday destination of choice for many and an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city for its residents, Umhlanga has fast grown into a popular place to settle for many South Africans. Visitors flock to this coastal village to both relax and to have fun on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The wide sandy beaches are lined with exclusive hotels and apartment blocks, the beaches scattered with umbrellas and bathers enjoying the sunshine. Umhlanga is a playground for all ages and interests offering not only exciting outdoor adventures, but also casinos,…