10 fun facts about Durban

Durban has the largest Indian population outside India, which means the cuisine is infused with incredible flavour. One particularly popular dish is the Bunny Chow (no actual bunnies, don’t worry!), which is a hollowed-out loaf of bread packed with mutton, chicken, or bean curry. This was developed by the indentured Indian labourers as an easy takeaway curry container that didn’t fall apart like roti. It was originally called ‘bania chow’, which evolved into the name we know now. 

Also read: The best Indian restaurants in Durban

The young Indian lawyer Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Durban in 1893… and left a political icon. His experiences with racial injustice shaped his philosophy of satyagraha (non-violent resistance), sparked activism like the Natal Indian Congress, and led to the establishment of the Phoenix Settlement.

Durban’s port is a monster. It’s the busiest port in South Africa, the 2nd busiest in Africa (after Egypt), and the 4th busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. It handles more than 60% of the country’s container traffic. Further north, KZN is also home to Richards Bay, which is South Africa’s biggest bulk port, transporting coal, minerals, and LNG. 

The legendary warrior king, Shaka Zulu, united more than 100 chiefdoms into the Zulu nation, with his battle techniques revered the world over. Today, his legacy lives on throughout Durban, including the King Shaka International Airport, Shaka’s Rock, and uShaka Marine World – the fantastic water park and aquarium. 

Also read: The best things to do in Durban

Every winter, billions of silver sardines surge up the coast – primarily the KZN South Coast - coming incredibly close to shore in what’s known as the planet’s greatest biomass migration. These delicious fish are chased by a hungry entourage of dolphins, sharks, whales, diving birds… and humans! Locals sprint to beaches with nets to capture the sardines for delicious local cuisine while visitors enjoy the chance to witness this natural phenomenon, from land, boat, or in the ocean. 

Also read: Where to find the wild ones near Durban

There’s a good reason that Durban Tourism’s tagline is ‘The Warmest Place to Be’. Durban’s year-round subtropical climate and warm Indian Ocean provide the perfect holiday destination weather. Summer days can get hot and humid, while winter is an absolute dream! With gloriously sunny weather and even warmer people, it’s a traveller’s haven.

Did you know Durban ranked number two as Time Out's most underrated winter sun destinations?

There are endless beaches found in Durban, as well as along the KZN North and South Coasts – ALL great for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or just floating. Durban’s popular Golden Mile along the beachfront – which is currently undergoing a multi-million-rand upgrade that includes the construction of a world-class amusement park – is one of the most scenic spots for jogging, cycling, or simply strolling. 

Check out our picks of the best beaches in Durban

One of the best things about Durban is that it’s within driving distance of anything you could want. Just two hours inland is the Drakensberg, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg. Hike, fish for trout, go horse riding along the valleys or cycle up the dramatic Sani Pass like a hero. This is the most scenic relaxation destination. 

Need accommodation near the Drakensberg? Check these out.

More interested in checking out the Big 5? Easy! It’s just a few hours' drive from Durban, where you will stumble upon Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, as well as many private game reserves offering a luxury experience in the heart of the African bush. Head north to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park where you can experience Big 5 viewing; hippo and crocodile spotting on a boat cruise; and even turtles hatching in season.

Durban is home to a variety of top dive sites, some of which are considered the best in the world. Along the KZN South Coast, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks – both Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – are home to sharks, rays, and kaleidoscopic reefs for diving, snorkelling, free diving, or even shark cage diving. Up the KZN North Coast is another MPA, Sodwana Bay, which is renowned for its rich coral reefs, abundant fish, and endangered marine life like turtles and coelacanths. 

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