Durban Beachfront
Like any beachfront in South Africa, the sea draws supporters in the form of holidaying families and swimmers eager to get sun and surf. What makes Durban different is the sight of Indian ladies elegantly walking the sand in flowing silken saris, traditional healers collecting bottles of seawater to use as muti and the spice aromas wafting from the stores and restaurants. The world famous Golden Mile consists of bathing and surfing beaches, fishing piers, paddling pools, kiddies rides, cable cars, colourful rickshaws, flea market and many restaurants makes this town longer than a mile.
There are two yacht clubs and one very big commercial harbour that sees constant activity and patrons of The Bat Centre, Durban's most interesting cultural venue, can watch the boats. More active holiday makers can paddle out on a sea kayak or just become part of the resident surfing culture. The Indian population adds a touch of spice from the east in the Indian Market that sells also sells other things that are nice. Grey Street and the beachfront markets sell traditional beadwork and basketry at incredibly low prices and are often bargaining with tourists.
Gateway Shopping Mall offers a more traditional shopping experience and has a climbing wall and an enormous artificial standing wave which is the first artificial double-point break in the world. Other attractions include Waterworld and Suncoast Casino in the north, and uShaka Marine World and Point Waterfront in the south. A few steps west from Durban Beachfront take you to the city centre which proves that all exciting activities start from the beach.
