Durban is blessed with balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise. The beachfront is bordered by five star hotels and luxury apartments, all of which have an idyllic view of the Indian Ocean.

The Central Business District, a hive of activity, is within easy reach of all hotels and convention venues. If however, you wish to travel further afield, there is a very competent public transport system running throughout Durban, as well as an abundance of taxis.

Durban is a major gateway to Africa and is also the largest and busiest port city on the continent. Due to this, there is an extensive road network leading to and from any destination in South Africa. Durban International Airport, is only a 10 minute drive from the City and is serviced daily by domestic flights, as well as international flights. The International Convention Center, centrally located, is an innovative, world class convention center which can cater for conferences of up to 5000 people.

If cultural diversity were the criterion for choosing the capital of the new South Africa, then Durban would be the only city in the running. In a country dubbed the Rainbow Nation, this port city is blessed with the most vibrant mix of the ethnic and cultural paint brush. The metropolis is home to three major social groupings, each with its own rich history and traditions.

It was the labour of the noble descendants of Shaka's mighty Zulu Nation which made the city the commercial and industrial hub of the province. Now with the demise of apartheid, they have become the major political force in the region with members of both the two biggest parties, the ANC and IFP proud to be called Zulus.

In keeping with it's rich cultural diversity, there are many genres of art on display in Durban. From the traditional, oil paintings inspired by the Dutch masters at the Durban Art gallery to the avant garde exhibitions at the NSA Gallery, there's something for every taste.

Durban boasts a number of fine hotels from the stately Royal Hotel to the newly built Hilton. The beach front offers a wide variety of hotels and holiday accommodation to suit every pocket. There are also many bed & breakfasts and backpackers hostels.

Durban is geared towards entertainment. After a hard day on the beach, choose from a wide variety of theatres, clubs, restaurants and shops. There are amusement parks for the kids and leisurely walks for the not so energetic.

Visit some of Durban's fine restaurants for a taste sensation. Succulent seafood and fish are a specialty as is the famous "Durban Curry". Durban's food tastes are as eclectic as it's people and Durban restaurants cater for all tastes. One cautionary note - beware of the Peri Peri. This Portuguese influenced cuisine is delicious but can be a surprise to the novice.

Shop till you drop in one of Durban's many shopping malls or browse the weekend markets for original and second hand clothing, crafts and gifts.

Street side vendors offer flowers, fresh fruit and leather goods at knock down prices.

The International airport, receives direct flights from various international destinations. Various domestic services fly frequently from the airport. Inter-city coaches and trains are reasonably priced and depart daily for various destinations. The MYNAH BUS, is a frequent and reliable local bus service that piles passengers between the north and south beaches, the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

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