Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Durban, South Africa

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Durban, on the Southeast coast of South Africa, in the Southern Indian Ocean.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
The Surf City
What about South Africa’s third most popular city draws people so much? Is it the vibrant waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists? Is it the melting pot of ethnicity, with all cultures from Zulu to Indian finding a home here? Is it the laid-back lifestyle that has locals calling it simply “Durbs”? Is it the sweeping landscape? The clement climate? One visit to Durban will quickly make you see why people love it, so it combines all of the above.

Durban has always been a beach city, but the massive investment in the 2010 World Cup put it on the map. A huge revamp of the promenade has brought some fantastic eateries that serve up all kinds of “chow,” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie (a sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India.

Although there is little evidence, it is known that the city of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago. It was first sighted by Vasco de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted a “25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth” to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover from a stab wound. It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960 when it became part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African heritage remains to this day.

SIGHTS
• Durban Beach Front
• Durban Botanic Gardens
• Durban City Hall
• Durban Natural Science Museum
• Hollywoodbets Kings
• Park Stadium
• Kwa Muhle Museum
• Mitchell Park Zoo
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Phansi Museum
• PheZulu Safari Park
• Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
• Ushaka Beach
• Umgeni River Bird Park
• Wilson’s Wharf

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the ultimate shopping, leisure, and entertainment haven! Gateway is the largest retail
destination in the city, offering an unrivaled experience that caters to all ages and interests.

The Victoria Street Market, where the scents of spices and the vibrancy of local crafts create an unforgettable experience.
The bunny chow – the Durban specialty – is unique to the city and consists of a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled
with a curry of your choice. The dish is also called a ‘kota’ in many parts of the country. The original bunny chows were made
only with vegetarian fillings known as bean bunnies.

Today’s Excursion – A Glimpse into Durban’s Indian Heritage
This tour showcases the endemic and richly layered Indian influence in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This unique experience aims to
highlight the significant contributions of Indians in South Africa. Learn all there is to know about Durban’s Indian Heritage
during this half-day day exploration tour.

The Spice Emporium and Durban History Museum
What a fantastic experience! You can technically get anything you want in this spice place. Think you are in India and explore. They have an incredible selection of spices from all corners of India.

Shree Vishnu Temple
With its giant statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is the height of a 3-story building, the largest in Africa.

Hare Krishna Temple & Gandhi Centenary Park
Next, proceed to the largest temple in Southern Africa, the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple or
the Temple of Understanding). Situated approximately 20km south of the Durban City Centre, its three domes of white and
gold rise above a dazzling octagonal roof. The temple has been acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece and a spiritual
wonderland. Following your visit, a short walk opposite the temple sets you on exploring the Ghandi Centenary Park.

Durban Scenes