Useful travel advice for Durban

General information

Durban is the third most populated city in South Africa boasting Africa’s busiest port as well as major local and international tourism. But more importantly, Durban is a significant contributor to South Africa’s growing economy. Not only that but it has been dubbed as the coastal “playground in the sun”.

Location

Durban is situated on the East Coast of South Africa in Kwazulu Natal, just a 1 hour flight from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Cape Town. Durban International Airport is located just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Driving

South Africa has an excellent road system (particularly the national freeways) and Durban has no shortage of routes in and around the city. A GPS (such as a Garmin) or a good map is necessary for getting around the city most quickly and efficiently due its considerable size. There are “roadworks” all over the city in preparation for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, so be prepared to wait every now and then. It can take up to an hour to get from one destination to another.

Like in many cities around the world, it is important to be vigilant and careful when driving in Durban. Some valuable travel advice for Durban is:

• Be attentive when going to or leaving your car. Get in and leave immediately; do not wait around in parking lots.

• Lock doors as soon as you’re in the car and keep windows up.

• Do not stop for hitchhikers or to help “stranded motorists”. Hijackers and robbers use this as a ploy to prey on kind people who stop to help.

• Drive on main roads which are well lit. Do not drive in the city centre at night or in townships at all unless on a tour with a reputable tour company.

• If driving in a quiet area at night, do not stop completely at red robots (traffic lights). Slow down well before the robot and keep moving at a slow speed. If there are people loitering nearby or someone walks towards your car, drive through the red light. Rather pay a fine than chance a bad experience.

• Rush hours are 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm.

Common sense will give you the best opportunity for a pleasant driving experience in Durban.

Safety and security

As in most cities, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewellery and keep valuables such as cameras and money out of sight as much as possible (whether on your person, in a car or at your place of accommodation).

Walk in groups and don’t spend time in isolated areas, especially at night.

Electricity

Electricity is 230 volts. Three and two pin plugs are used, so you will probably need to bring an adapter.

Languages

There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but most business, services and tourism is conducted in English.

Tipping and gratuities

Another useful bit of travel advice for Durban is knowing how, when and who to tip.

Waitering is often a livelihood in South Africa. If a gratuity is not included on your bill, a tip of 10% or more (according to the service you’ve received) is common practice.

When parking your car you will often see “car guards” watching over parking lots or street parking. Reputable guards will be of adult age and wear a jacket or vest identifying them as official car guards. They will often help you to find a parking or carry your shopping when you come back to your car. When you are returning to your vehicle it is customary to tip the car guard for watching your car. In Durban, R5 is an average tip.

Keep this travel advice for Durban in mind for a safe and happy holiday.