About Durban
Regions |
Tourist Hints |
Safety |
Climate |
Banking & Shopping Hours |
Electricity |
Accommodation
Transport |
Entertainment |
Health |
Insurance |
Currency |
Kwazulu Natal |
Zulu People |
Durban
Click here for a Durban Street Map (252Kb)
Regions
South Africa consists of nine provinces, providing visitors with a world in one country:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Gauteng
- Limpopo Province
- Mpumalanga
- North West Province
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State Province
Tourist Hints
Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Japan and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Those delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets.
Safety
For those delegates who have not previously been to South Africa, or Durban, and are perhaps concerned about their personal safety, we wish to assure all delegates that Durban is like any other major city where common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable conference and vacation. Durban has and continues to host international events and conferences of varying natures. Many of these have been rated as best ever or benchmark events due to the quality of the facilities and the attractions of the destination. The response of the attendees has been extremely positive, so much so that they have indicated that they will return on vacation. Durban was recently rated by a US-based convention publication as amongst the world's 10 best conference destinations. During the congress, the information desk at the ICC and your hotel's concierge will always be available to assist you with information on, for example, places to visit and appropriate means of transport, and most of the hotels provide safes in which to lock up your valuables while you are away from your room.
Climate
South Africa's seasons are the reverse of those in the UK, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. In general the country enjoys a sunny climate all year round. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with mild, changeable winters, when most of the rainfall occurs, and a warm to hot summer. Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine year round. The winters in the interior are dry and warm, although it may get chilly at night. Summers are hot with more frequent rain. The average temperature range in Durban for September is 14 - 24° C.
Delegates are recommended to bring light, casual clothing for daywear, with a sweater/cardigan or light jacket possibly being required in the evenings. Casual clothing will be permitted for all conference sessions, with smart-casual attire being appreciated for the banquet.
| City |
Average Temperature ( oC ) |
| Durban |
January
July |
Min 21
Min 11 |
Max 28
Max 23 |
| Cape Town |
January
July |
Min 16
Min 7 |
Max 26
Max 18 |
| Johannesburg |
January
July |
Min 15
Min 4 |
Max 26
Max 17 |
Banking & Shopping Hours
- Banks open from 09.00 - 15.30, Mondays to Fridays; from 08.30-11.00 on Saturdays.
- Shops open from 08.00 to 16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer.
- Hours may vary from province to province.
Electricity
A round-pin adapter is necessary for electrical appliances. In Pretoria 250 volts AC, elsewhere 220/230 volts AC, 50 cycles.
Accommodation
Tourist accommodation in South Africa ranges from formal hotels to cottages, farm guesthouses, game lodges and youth hostels.
Transport
South Africa has a sophisticated infrastructure with a well maintained road network. Apart from international airlines, and domestic airlines that operate between the main cities, charter services are also available.
Inter-city luxury coaches link the major centres with daily services throughout the country, while travel companies offer a variety of coach tours around the country. In Durban, the Mynah bus, is a frequent and reliable local bus service that ferries passengers between the north and south beaches, the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Taxis are readily available in Durban; ask you hotel reception to recommend a reliable taxi operator.
Self-drive car rental facilities are available throughout South Africa. Delegates are encouraged to contact Turners for their car hire requirements in order to enjoy the favourable rates secured for the conference. For details on car hire rates please click here. An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. Driving is on the left of the road and speed limits are in kilometers and are 120 km/h on the highways and 60 km/h in built-up areas. In most cases, cash is required to pay for fuel. An international driver's licence, or drivers licence printed in English with an integral photograph, is required by law in South Africa as the licence must carry the photograph as well as the signature of the holder. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa.
The congress Welcome Desks will be set up in the arrivals halls at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International airports, to assist delegates with general information, transport queries and baggage related issues, and to ensure their arrival in South Africa is as pleasant as possible.
Entertainment
South Africa enjoys a lively nightlife, with nightclubs, cocktail bars and pubs open until the early hours. Entertainment ranges from ballet and opera performances through to concerts. Some venues, such as Sun City in North West Province, attract world famous stars. Most main centres have their own museums and art galleries. There are also craft centres showing the skills of African artists.
Health
Vaccination certificates are not required from visitors coming from the UK. However it is strongly recommended that all visitors to the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga and Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and the game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these areas. Seek advice on the type of tablets from a doctor or chemist. They can be obtained without a prescription. For up-to-date information and advice consult your doctor well before departure.
It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, it is readily available in various stores.
Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, ICC Durban, etc), except in some that have specially designated areas where smoking is allowed.
Insurance
The Organizing Committee will make every effort to ensure that delegates and accompanying persons enjoy a safe and happy visit to Durban. However, the Organizing Committee regrets that it cannot take responsibility for any accidents or damage that may occur during the congress. All delegates are requested to make necessary insurance arrangements before arriving in Durban.
Currency
The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand and it is indicated with a capital R so that, for example, three rand and fifty cents would be written R3.50. South Africa has a decimal currency system with one Rand equaling 100 cents. Denomination of Rand notes are: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 and of the coins is: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, 1c. Because of favourable exchange rates, delegates' foreign currency will go far in South Africa.The following rough exchange rates will give you some idea of how much your currency is worth in Rand.
| 100 South African Cents |
= |
1 South African Rand |
| 1 British Pound |
= |
14 South African Rands |
| 1 United States Dollar |
= |
7 South African Rands |
| 1 Euro |
= |
9.5 South African Rands |
Value Added Tax is included in prices of goods and services in South Africa. The price displayed on goods includes VAT. Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have the VAT refunded at a port of exit, provided the total value of the items purchased exceeds R250. Visitors should obtain proof of payments for all items purchased during their stay to claim any refunds. To qualify for a refund, visitors must be in possession of a valid foreign passport and the necessary tax invoices for the goods. Refund of VAT paid can be claimed only on goods purchased and leaving the country with the tourist, but not on services received (e.g. restaurant, car hire, accommodation).
Prices will vary from place to place but the following are prices commonly paid in Durban:
| Tea or coffee: |
R10.00 |
| 20 cigarettes: |
R18.00 |
| Camera film: |
R25.00 |
| Cinema ticket: |
R40.00 |
| Bottle of wine (750ml): |
R60.00 |
| Big Mac Burger: |
R15.00 |
| Beer (340ml): |
R8.00 |
| Can of Coke: |
R7.00 |
| Sandwich: |
R18.00 |
| Restaurant meal: |
R120.00 |
Kwazulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal has extraordinary scenic diversity. It encompasses lush, subtropical vegetation, untamed wilderness, sandy beaches, the soaring mountain peaks of the Drakensberg and the farmlands, towns and hills of the Midlands. Peaceful and pastoral today, the Midlands was once the scene of violent clashes between Zulus, Boers and Britons. Reminders like forts, battlefields, war graves and museums are scattered throughout the region.
To The North
Visitors travelling north will be left breathless by the unspoiled beauty of the rugged beaches and lush, undulating hills of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Dolphins can be seen frolicking and surfing in the azure waters of the warm Indian Ocean. Within a two and half-hour drive, on excellent arterial highways, lies what is probably one of the most famous wetlands in the world - the St. Lucia Estuary. In addition to the "Big Five", KwaZulu-Natal is home to the largest concentration of black and white rhino in the world. The ecosystems of this area, coupled with the charisma of the mighty Zulu Kingdom, with its cultural traditions, are an immense attraction to any visitor.
To The South
Wild subtropical flora and endless beaches gave the name Sunshine Coast to the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal. There is plenty on the South Coast for visitors to enjoy, including the majestic Temple of Understanding, the picturesque Clairwood Turf Club, or the Zulu beadwork and pottery at the Umnini Craft village. Emphasis is on outdoor attractions with big game fishing and scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal, one of the top ten diving sites in the world. The South Coast offers some of the finest golf circuits to be found in Southern Africa. Within two hours of Durban there are no less than nine excellent 18 hole courses, two of which are rated in South Africa's top ten.
To The West
To the West lies the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills. Enjoy the pulsating rhythm of PheZulu Village, a living Zulu museum. The quaint villages of Kloof and Hillcrest, or one of the charming country hotels en route, provide a lovely stop for lunch - where a warm welcome is always guaranteed. Within a two and a half hour drive west lies the mythical Drakensberg or Dragon Mountains, offering a wide variety of topographical wonders. The region is deemed by many visitors to be on par, in terms of scenic beauty, with Switzerland.
Zulu People
After Shaka became king of the Zulu people in 1816, he created the most efficient fighting force in the history of South Africa's black peoples. By brilliant military strategy and leadership, he conquered, annihilated or incorporated many other tribes and forged a great Zulu nation.
Today, the Zulu are the largest of South Africa's ethnic groups, and most of them live in KwaZulu-Natal. Many are westernised, but even in urban communities, they respect and fear the spirits of the ancestors. Inyangas (soothsayers) and sangomas (diviners), often incorrectly referred to as witch doctors, wield considerable power among the Zulu people who rely on them for advice and to interpret dreams.
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 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 an efficient public transport system running throughout Durban, as well as an abundance of taxis.
Durban is a major gateway to Africa and Durban International Airport is only a 20 minute drive from the City and is serviced daily by domestic flights, as well as international flights. The International Convention Centre, centrally located, is an innovative, world class convention centre, which can cater for conferences of up to 5000 people.
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".
Attractions
- A subtropical climate of hot summers and warm winters makes Durban enjoyable all year round. A captivating beachfront, paved with walkways and studded with sparkling pools and green lawns.
- Durban offers a diverse range of venues, with over 19 000 cinema style seats.
- An International Convention Centre, (opened in 1997) with a capacity of 5 000 seats, and the adjoining Durban Conference & Exhibition Centre, that can seat up to 2 500 people.
- A large selection of accommodation venues, ranging from five star hotels, to self-catering apartments, guesthouses and game lodges.
- The busiest harbour in Africa, home to several international yacht clubs, with moorings for ocean liners, including the Queen Elizabeth II.
- Durban is a shopper's paradise with facilities ranging from large shopping centres with major chain stores, to small arcades and markets teeming with bargains and curios.
- A tremendous range of multi-cuisine restaurants to suit all pockets and tastes.
- After hours relaxation with a host of theatres, clubs and cinemas.
