Durban, KwaZulu Natal

Durban at a glance

Durban has an interesting history, Vasco da Gama’s passing in 1497, Lieutenant Farewell and Shaka. In 1823 Farewell took part in a British expedition to Natal and then decided to start a settlement there. He persuaded 25 other British colonists to join him, and in June 1824 he built the first houses. Only four of these original settlers remained with him. In July 1824 he visited Shaka from whom he received a large land grant round Durban Bay. Shaka was a warrior, a military leader, and king of the Zulu people of southern Africa (1816-1828). By the time of his death, Shaka had the largest and most powerful kingdom in south-eastern Africa.

The city of Durban is rich in culture, warmth and personality. The view of the city skyline with the iconic Moses Mabhida arch rising from the bay on a crisp blue afternoon is breathtaking. There are miles of gorgeous beaches and vegetation-dense inland hills rising behind the city borders, when the need to get out and explore beckons. This raw beauty has guaranteed that Durban has and always will be a favoured destination for both local and international visitors

The city’s warm climate and beautiful beaches are a major attraction for locals, holidaymakers and tourists alike. As the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is one of the country’s major tourism spots and has so much to offer everyone – whether they are looking for fun in the sun, culture, sport, adventure or quiet solitude.

Today Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is of vital economic importance to the country. Its transformation, growth and development over the past few years has seen the city’s population expand and spread rapidly.

This economic importance to the Southern African region is underlined by its massive harbour, the second largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Until recently, the harbour has been entirely industrial but now industry is being pushed back from the water’s edge making way for entertainment spots and residential precincts on the water’s edge. The city also boasts the new King Shaka International Airport – an integrated passenger and freight airport of world-class standards.

The city is a melting pot of cultures with the population consisting of all races representing a wide spectrum of religions and faith.

There are number of attractions in the city, the most popular being Durban’s golden mile and the wide, paved promenade that runs along the city beachfront. With many attractions along the route, this is a must-see for visitors to the area.

TAFTA King's Hall Retirement Complex is one of the most popular retirement complexes in the CBD.