Good deals in Durban

South Africans call it “The hotest place to be” because in Durban, things are happening, as much for doing business as for relaxing. Second city in the country in number of inhabitants (3.5 million) after Johannesburg, located in the province of Kwazulu-Natal (original land of the Zulu tribe), economic capital of the country, largest port in South Africa, Durban also remains the center of a tourist and seaside region with 500 km of long white beaches bordering the Indian Ocean. And there too, while we are celebrating his centenary of birth these days, the tutelary figure of Nelson Mandela is watching...

To commune with the spirit of Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela's Capture Site

In Howick, located about sixty kilometers from Durban in the middle of vineyards and sugar cane fields, an individual and national drama took place.

On a quiet August afternoon in 1962, apartheid police arrested Nelson Mandela and threw him in jail for 27 years.

In 2012, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of this propaedeutic event for contemporary South Africa, this commemorative site was created which invites reflection and contemplation.

There is a biographical exhibition there as well as an impressive sculpture by the South African artist Marco Cianfanelli, which you reach after a relatively long walk in the middle of the fields.

https://www.thecapturesite.co.za/

To swim or surf in the Indian Ocean: the Water Front

The Indian Ocean is a dream... the many sharks, less! Durban's beaches are the only ones in the country to be protected by nets, to the delight of surfers and swimmers who meet there from dawn to dusk.

South Africa's largest port and effervescent city, Durban is home to major international conferences, such as Indaba, the most important tourism fair on the African continent, but also Time of the Writer, the international book fair, or Jomba !, the annual contemporary dance showcase.

But on the Water Front no frenzy. You can cycle safely and then have a drink on the terrace of the Elangeni hotel.

https://www.south-african-hotels.com/hotels/southern-sun-elangeni-durban/

For a tasting of spirits made in Durban: Distillery 031

Adjacent to the rail line, Station Drive Precinct is a former industrial area that has become Durban's hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and all-out creativity.

Andrew Rall was one of the first to set up his Distillery 031 here, whose award-winning flagship products are enjoying growing export success.

Because selling gin to the British, cachaça to the Brazilians and aged gin to the Dutch is like selling maple syrup to Quebecers... it really has to be exceptional!

The tasting is convincing. South Africa is wines, of course, but not only...

www.distillery031.com

To buy handicrafts helping the community: African Art Center

Founded some 20 years ago, the African Art Center Association provides work opportunities to more than a thousand artists and craftspeople in need because they are ill (Africa South remains one of the countries with the most AIDS patients in the world) or that their creation does not find outlets.

It thus manages to materially support large rural communities in the Kwazulu-Natal region.

To buy fabrics, clothes, decoration, jewellery, soaps with local essential oils or works of art in wood or horn, it is a guarantee of quality and eco-solidarity authenticity .

https://afriart.org.za/

To swim with dolphins in royal territory: UShaka Marine World

Built on the edge of one of the two strips of land that protect Durban, UShaka Marine World is the fifth largest aquarium in the world and includes one of the few dolphinariums in Africa.

Even more popular with locals than tourists, it is located near a number of restaurants specializing in seafood.

There is above all one spirit: that of the famous King UShaka, respected for having brought together and pacified all the Zulu tribes in the region.

The aquatic center is where his house was surrounded by those of his 20 wives. Polygamy remains legal today, but reduced to four official wives.

www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

To eat grilled meats, drink cocktails and dance: Cubaña Havana Lounge

There is no shortage of restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars in Durban, for all tastes, moods and wallets.

As the city is renowned for its crime rate, it is however better to avoid certain neighborhoods that are little or not frequented by tourists and avoid walking alone at night...

No risk with the Florida district where the popular Cubaña Havana Lounge restaurant-bar is located, recommended by everyone, locals and tourists alike.

To be honest, apart from the cigar bar and some cocktails, nothing Cuban about the place. But excellent grills, a relaxed atmosphere and relaxed but attentive service.

And the musical hits of the moment popular with young South Africans.https://cubana.co.za/

Caption (choose one of the two): Friendly atmosphere and impressive cocktail list for a Durban night