Durban

Poised on the edge of Africa, between the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean and the rugged Drakensberg Mountain Range, lies the City of Durban. A city which merges with perfect harmony, the rustic simplicity of Africa, and the modern sophistication of an international business centre.

Durban is a ciity of cultural diversity, with its African, Asian and European influences creating a rich cosmopolitan society. These influences have led to a myriad of different architectural and artistic styles that can be seen throughout the City. From the beautiful Colonial City Hall to the various ethnic markets that can be found in and around Durban. Even the restaurants in Durban, of which there are many, reflect the different tastes and flavours of this diverse metropolis.

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 surrounded on all sides by the mysteries of the African Continent on which it rests – the rhythm of African drums, picturesque mountains, lush subtropical forests, and many game and nature reserves, home to the much sought after "Big Five".

The eastern plateau region (including Johannesburg) has a dry, sunny climate in winter with maximum temperatures around 20ºC and crisp nights with temperatures dropping to around 5ºC. Between October and April there are late-afternoon showers often accompanied by spectacular thunder and lightning, but it rarely gets unpleasantly hot. Heavy hailstorms cause quite a lot of damage each year. It can, however, get very hot in the Karoo (the semi-desert heart of all three Cape provinces) and the far north (the Kalahari). The Western Cape has dry sunny summers with maximum temperatures around 26ºC. It is often windy, however, and the southeasterly 'Cape Doctor' can reach gale force. Winters can get cold, with average minimum temperatures of around 5ºC, and maximum temperatures of around 17'C, with occasional snow on the higher peaks.
The coast north from the Cape becomes progressively drier and hotter. Along the
south coast the weather is temperate, but the east coast becomes increasingly tropical the further north you go. The Transkei region and KwaZulu/Natal can be hot and unpleasantly humid in summer, although the highlands are still pleasant; this is also a summer rainfall area. The Mpumalanga and Northern Province lowveld get very hot in summer, when there are spectacular storms. In winter the days are sunny and warm.