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International Removals to Durban, South Africa
Durban is the third-largest city in South Africa, after Johannesburg and Cape Town, and one of the fastest growing too. Here Hamiltons Removals, who offer high-quality international removals to Durban, look at the history of the city, its current facilities, and why we can help you (or your business) move there.
The History and Heritage
The Durban area was populated for hundreds of thousands of years by hunters and farmers before it became a modern, thriving city. It was part of the Zulu Nation before it was colonised by Europeans in the early 19th Century; its name comes from Sir Benjamin D’Urban, who was the governor of the surrounding Cape Colony at the time.
The city, which is on the country’s east coast, is the main seaport of South Africa, and is the main point of entry for its raw materials and industrial equipment. Minerals, coal, grain and sugar are all major exports (Durban is the home of the South Africa’s sugar refining industry).
Perhaps not surprisingly, the port is the city’s major employer; not just directly, but also through ancillary industries such as haulage, shipping logistics and transportation. Tourism is also an important contributor to the city’s economy, as there are several game reserves surrounding the city as well as plenty of beaches.
Getting There and Getting Around
Durban’s main airport, King Shaka, is now located at La Mercy, just over 20 miles to the north of the city; this was completed in 2010, just in time for the FIFA World Cup which was held in the country (it replaced Durban International Airport). Domestic and international airlines operate from here.
The best way to get into the city centre is via a shuttle bus or taxi. Three main bus companies operate in the city – People Mover, Mynah and Aqualine; weekly coupons are usually better value for money than an individual ticket. Minibus taxis are cheaper than their metered equivalents, but they are noisier and rowdier (the drivers on most play loud music).
You can hire a car, but it’s not recommended if you are travelling in or near the central business district – there are a lot of traffic jams during the day, and it can be unsafe at night. The general advice is to keep your doors locked if you are driving after dark.
The Main Attractions
Durban is famous for The Golden Mile, a series of beaches which stretch along its Indian Ocean coastline – if you can, visit them off-season as they can get very busy, particularly at Christmas.
As well as the aforementioned nature reserves, the city also has a 37-acre Botanic Garden, an oasis of calm in a thriving city. As well as being home to hundreds of sub-tropical plant species, it also hosts plant fairs and musical concerts. And if you prefer your nature to be of the winged variety, visit the Umgemi River Bird Park.
History-lovers should check out the Phansi Museum, which boasts one of the most extensive collections of South African art collections in the world. If you are a sports fan, then the Kingsmead cricket ground regularly hosts Test matches and one-day internationals.
Eating Out and Shopping Around
There’s plenty of seafood on restaurant menus – sardines are a particular speciality from May to July. Another favourite dish, which is often enjoyed as a takeaway, is the bunny chow or kota. This is a quarter loaf of bread which has been hollowed out and filled with a curry mixture (although vegetarian options are also available).
Durban is quite a cosmopolitan city (many residents have English or Indian ancestry, reflecting the migration from these two countries) so you should be able to find the cuisine of your choice.
If you are looking for somewhere to shop, then there are plenty of shopping malls with all the big names; the Musgrave Centre in the Berea district of the city, the Pavilion in Westville and The Gateway in Umhlanga are probably the biggest and best known. For something a bit different, try the Indian Quarter on the western side of the city centre; the Victoria Street Market is full of artisan goods.
International Removals to Durban with Hamiltons Removals
If you are considering domestic or commercial removals to Durban, then Hamiltons Removals can help. We offer either a dedicated shipping service, where you have sole use of your own container; a groupage option, where you share the container with other people; and air freight, for smaller and valuable items. We also help with overseas moves to all parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and the other major cities. For more information follow this link.
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