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Durban, where the earth and ocean meet |
| Africa's bewitching seaside playground in the sun, Durban has from its earliest days possessed a special charm...a certain mystique that adds 'something extra' to the meeting of warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. The creation of Durban Metro beckons visitors to this sublime paradise with yet another bonus...the addition of three valuable elements to our ever-evolving, ever-widening portfolio of irresistible attractions. Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West...a wealth of influences to entertain with traditional warrior dancers. |  |
| Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, Durban takes full advantage of its coastal glory. With the busiest coastal port in the country, handling cargo and passengers from every corner of the world, the city is a vital link for industry and trade, and a haven for boatmen. |
| Durban International Airport is located 15 km south of the city, and a coach service operates at regular intervals from the terminal at the corner of Smith and Aliwal streets. Mynah buses run regularly from North and South Beach into the city center. |
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| Durban seafront has exerted a magnetic pull since time immemorial...first attracting iron age peoples from Central Africa who began infiltrating about two thousand years ago...then pirates and shipwrecked European explorers of the modern era made temporary homes during the 1700s...and in 1824, British adventurers deceived King Shaka and raised the Union Jack over this gem of his recently-founded Zulu realm. |
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| Zululand has its own unique tale to tell. This is Maputaland...named after the mid-17th century king who established dominion here some 200 years before Shaka consolidated his Zulu empire to the south. Zululand is an area rich in history where remaining battlefields, forts, memorials and museums serve as reminders of the past. Two of the most famous battles in the history of South Africa, both fought during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, took place on the eastern fringe of Zululand. At Isandlwana, the British suffered their biggest defeat ever in the history of their colonial warfare when a British force of 1709 men were annihilated by a Zulu impi of 25,000 warriors; while at Rorkes Drift, a small British garrison of 152 held off an attack by about 4,000 Zulus. |
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| Evocative of grandeur as Zululand surely is - conjuring up images of noble culture, magnificent wildlife and fabulous surroundings - nothing compares to first-hand experience of our Kingdom's heartland...via ultra-modern, efficient infrastructures. An extensive network of expertly-run Nature Reserves and Game Parks, plus a vast and multi-faceted World Heritage Site, ensure not only our flora and fauna's abundant future, but absolute delight for today's outdoor loving traveller. |
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The Dolphin Coast shoreline is a perfect combination of golden beaches and sheltered coves for the water sport enthusiast's ultimate indulgence - or to simply soak up the rays! Saturated with inviting ocean pleasures? Scenic golf, equestrian and even microlight adventures await within a few minutes of the seafront. |
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| Further north of the port of Richards Bay lies the world-renowned, 36,000 hectare Lake St. Lucia. Daily guided tours of the estuary take place on an 80-seater launch to view hippo and crocodile, while the beaches within the reserve are the breeding ground of leatherback turtles. South of St. Lucia, the Mapelane Reserve features the highest forested dunes in the world, while at its northern limits lies the Sodwana Bay National Park, a haven for anglers and scuba divers who flock to its protected bay and coral reefs. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, is one of southern Africa's most outstanding parks, famous as sanctuary for both white and black rhino as well as Big Five game viewing opportunities covering a combined area of 96,000 hectare. |
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| Click for hotels in Durban and surroundings
Click here for recommended sightseeing tours |
 South African Holidays GSA Sun Aviation Co., Ltd. 20th Fl., Vorawat Bldg., 2001 849 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500
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