Tourism, Accommodation and Historical Attractions in Durban, South Africa

Durban's Sports

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Athletics

The Kings Park Athletics stadium is of international standard and can seat 5,000 spectators. There is an eight lane track.

Cricket

The Kingsmead oval is home to the Natal Dolphins and during the summer months, regular matches take place between local sides and against international opposition. Recently, the oval has hosted the West Indies, India and Australia. It has also produced cricket stars such as Jonty Rhodes. The oval is situated between the Old Fort and the SABC buildings on Old Fort Road.

Cycling

This Olympic standard track attracts cyclist from around the country because of the steepness of its banking. The largest annual event is the Clover Grand Prix.

Diving

SCUBA is a sport that is rapidly increasing in popularity which is not surprising given the rich marine life on our doorstep. Several excellent dive sites exist near the city and for those wishing to travel a little further afield there are the coral reefs of Sodwana Bay in Zululand. There are many dive shops in Durban where one may either buy or rent equipment.

Golf

Durban and the surrounding areas are blessed with 12 challenging courses with six being within 10kms of the city centre. Right in the centre of Durban is the Royal Durban Golf course (in the centre of Greyville racecourse), the Country Club Golf course South of the Umgeni, the adjacent municipal Windsor Park Golf Course and north of the river, the Beachwood Golf Course. For those who are touring the Natal South Coast, there are many more beautiful courses from which to choose. Tourism Durban (funinsun@iafrica.com) for an informative brochure.

Gymnastics

Three venues are available: The National Bank Sports centre, the Old Mutual Sports Hall at the University of Natal and the Sports Hall at the University of Durban Westville.

Lifesaving

With so much marine activity, it is not surprising that the lifesaving skills of the Durban LifeSaving Club are of the highest order. South Africa is one of the top lifesaving countries in the world.

Racing

For you punters there are currently two excellent racetracks where either one will host a meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Greyville Race Course is almost in the City Centre and plays host to the world famous Rothman's July Handicap. Clairwood Race Course is 10 kms South of the city. Both boast state of the art facilities and excellent restaurants.

Rugby

Durban is home to the Natal Sharks Rugby Union team whose past captain, Gary Teichmann is also past captain of the national team as is the current Sharks captain - John Smi - the Springboks and current World Champions. Kings Park is the 60,000 seater stadium where the fans go during the winter months to watch local and international matches. Visit the Shark Cage for a wide selection of rugby memorabilia - Walter Gilbert Road.

Major competitions are the Currie Cup (local), the Vodacom TriNations (internationals against Australia and New Zealand) and the Super 14 (against provincial teams from Australia and New Zealand). There are also regular visits from European teams.

Running

Each year, Durban plays host to the most popular ultra marathon in the world - the Comrades Marathon. More than 13,000 local and international runners take part in the race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The direction of the race is reversed each year so that there are 'up' years and 'down' years. The race normally takes place on June 16th.

Soccer

Like rugby, a winter sport, soccer is the largest spectator game in the country. The Kings park Soccer Stadium has been demolished and will be replaced by a 70,000 seater Moses Mabhida multifunction venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Surfing

Durban is one of the top surfing destinations in the world because of its excellent waves and year round accessibility to the ocean. The city hosts major competitions such as the Mr Price in July and is the only venue in the world to support night surfing. Take a walk along the beachfront on most weekends and you will encounter either a surfboard, bodyboard or paddleski competition of some sort.

Swimming

The fact that double Olympic Gold Medal winner Penny Heyns is from Durban bears witness to the popularity of swimming in the province. The Kings Park Olympic Swimming Stadium is of international standard.

Tennis

One of the world's top tennis players, Wayne Ferreira hails from Durban and Westridge Park on the Berea is the centre for tennis. The centre court seats 10,000 and there are 28 other courts.

Triathlon

The Durban coastline with its undulating hills, warm sea and open roads is ideal for the triathlon. Durban has produced a number of champion triathletes. The major event is the South African Ultra Triathlon.

Yachting

Durban's climate enables yachtsmen to enjoy the seas year round and the city is a venue for several national events in the different yachting classes. The combination of wind and current provides a challenging environment for the sport.

There are two yacht clubs - the Royal Natal Yacht Club and the Point Yacht Club. Both are situated on the Victoria Embankment adjacent to the small craft harbour. Sailing enthusiasts may also enjoy the sport at four dams close to the city.