Durban

Home » CNN encourages Tourists by listing Durban as one of Top 10 Most Underrated Cities

CNN encourages Tourists by listing Durban as one of Top 10 Most Underrated Cities

To celebrate CNN listing Durban as one of the Top Ten Most Underrated Cities in the World…and therefore one that tourists should book as their next holiday destination for more than just a pop-in, we’ve put together a photographic feast… Those of us who grew up in or near Durban have always known it’s South Africa’s […]

To celebrate CNN listing Durban as one of the Top Ten Most Underrated Cities in the World…and therefore one that tourists should book as their next holiday destination for more than just a pop-in, we’ve put together a photographic feast…

Durban

Those of us who grew up in or near Durban have always known it’s South Africa’s best kept secret – friendly people, good weather all year around, the warm Indian Ocean – a swimmer and surfer’s paradise, the majestic Drakensberg mountains just inland…and wild game parks like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi not too far north.

Durban

And since the 2010 World Cup, Durban has undergone a wonderful transformation with a beach promenade, revegetation programme, increased security and a tighter rein on litter.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

In a message to SAPeople following a previous article we did about the transformation Myesri Moodley, Marketing Officer at Durban Tourism, said that the newly revamped beach promenade which stretches from Blue Lagoon to uShaka marine world is “absolutely spectacular and the forthcoming plans of introducing more restaurants, bazaars and beach friendliness will just add to to the vibrancy of the coastline. We really are on par with other world class beach destinations…”

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Wedge Beach Durban

And CNN has recognised this! They first published this Top 10 Most Underrated Cities list two years ago, but in the last week they have updated the list and re-published it.

CNN says they selected Durban because it’s perceived to be “unsafe” and “isn’t the first port of call for visitors”….and yet thanks to the role it played as host to the 2010 World Cup, “tourist numbers are up”, visitors are enjoying the year-round sunshine and the city’s “vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe”.

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Photo: Mitch Meyer – “Umhlanga night market buzzing on Saturday night! Live music, unique beers, friends and great food!”

The article says that among cities, Durban is home to the highest concentration of Indians outside the subcontinent and has a blend of African and European cultures, too.

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Durban’s multiculturalism…Photo Richard Cousens – “South Beach Durban at 06:10 am last week – beach scene with an African flavour – a sangoma practising his culture on South Beach, lit by candles.”

The Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding, uShaka Marine World and deco-style Suncoast Casino (“which doubles as a shopping mall and has its own private beach”) all get a special mention…as does Durban’s famous “bunnies”, referring of course to the local speciality Bunny Chow where hot curry is served in a scooped-out half loaf of bread!

Bunny Chow Durban

Other cities on the list include Darwin in Australia, Glasgow in Scotland and Calgary in Canada.

Street Scenes in Durban – all photos by Gail Pullen:

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Sunrise Shots of Durban:

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Photo: Delano Simpson – “Good morning world! Looks like it’s going to be another day in paradise…”
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Marianne Terblanche‎ – “At 5.45 in the morning on a pier in front of Joe Cool’s Restuarant in Durban.”
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Richard Cousens – “Aloes about to burst into their winter bloom in the rehabilitated border between the promenade and the beach.”
Delano - "Sunrise. Ships waiting to enter Durban harbour."
Delano – “Sunrise. Ships waiting to enter Durban harbour.”

Thanks to all the photographers above for their awesome photos!

For more stunning photos of Durban, please see: