Geography
On a huge natural lagoon with a range of hills inland.
Climate
Sub-tropical. June and July are the driest months, with temperatures from 16 to 25C.
Pro Clubs
Premier: Amazulu; Golden Arrows; Thanda Royal Zulu; Maritzburg United. First Division: Durban Stars; Nathi Lions.
Introduction
Durban is the biggest container port in Africa and a major tourist centre, with its beaches bathing in an annual average of 320 days sunshine.
History
Founded by merchants in 1824, the settlement was named in 1835 after the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Benjamin D'Urban. There were bloody battles involving the Zulus, the British and the Voortrekkers before Durban formally became part of the British Empire. At first development was slow, but later Durban grew rapidly with the expansion of the railways, the discovery of gold and the role of the port in the booming sugar cane industry. The growth in population continues apace.
Local Football
The city is the birthplace of goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who won the European Cup with Liverpool.
Things to do
- UShaka Marine World, with one of the five biggest aquariums in the world.
- The Indian district with its bazaars and markets.
- Ride in a rubber duck boat to play hide and seek with dolphins.
- Take a guided tour of the Sugar Terminals.
Stadium
The new Moses Mabhida stadium, named after a former leader of the South African Communist Party, will host seven World Cup matches, including a semi-final. With a capacity of 70,000, its outstanding feature is a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform for visitors at the top of a 350 metre arch.