South Africa is a land of extraordinary contrasts - an exotic destination famed for its natural heritage - beaches, forests, deserts, mountains and everything in between. From the Wild Coast to the Knysna Forests, from the Namaqualand desert to Table Mountain, the Cango Caves to the Kruger Park, and just beyond our borders the Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, the Namib Desert and the Okavango swamps.
Johannesburg is the financial, industrial and cultural centre of South Africa. Cape Town and Durban are widely considered the entertainment capitals of South Africa - they are often referred to as ‘holiday playgrounds’. Pietermaritzburg, Grahamstown, Graaff-Reinet, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley and Stellenbosch are particularly noteworthy from a historical and cultural point of view.
In general, a perennially sunny climate makes it a pleasure to visit South Africa all year round. Midwinter occurs in June and July and midsummer in December and January. The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to subtropical on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the North-Eastern Transvaal, while temperate conditions prevail inland.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Durban - Africa's leading conference destination – is a vibrant city where a blend of local cultures - African, Asian and European - is reflected in a mosaic of architectural styles, a melting pot of traditions and colourful cuisine.
Its privileged location on the Eastern seaboard makes it South Africa's only destination offering warm winters and tropical summers –320 sunny days a year. This is the city that sizzles and where the sun never sets.
Conveniently situated and highly accessible, Durban is less than an hour's flying time from Johannesburg and once you arrive, everything you need is within easy reach. Durban is ideally located on the east coast of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal. This province is the exotic kingdom of the Zulu nation… a natural paradise featuring two world heritage sites… the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and the St Lucia wetlands.
The City of Durban is one of South Africa’s fastest growing urban areas with a population of 3,7 million people. A previous winner of the United Nations Award for Best Managed City in Africa (1998), Ethekwini Municipality maintains effective control of the City’s resources while steering its progress. Durban is the country's only city with its own City Metro Police in addition to the national police force. Security is enhanced by sophisticated technology, including surveillance cameras for incident-free events.
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Map of Durban |
Climate:
In the winter months of June, July, August the temperature ranges from 16º to 25° C. Summer temperatures can reach 32ºC with relatively high humidity during the hot season.
Currency:
SA currency works on the decimal system with one Rand equalling 100 cents.
Electricity:
The elceticity supply in SA is 220/230 volts; AC 50 Hz. US made appliances need a transformer.
Passports and Visas:
For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to SA, entry is straightforward. All visitors to SA must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, in some cases, a visa.
Population:
Approximately forty million people.
Language:
There are eleven official languages in SA, but English is the first language and is spoken throughout the country.
Time:
SA is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time, USA.
Airport Transfers:
The Durban airport is an easy 20-30 minute drive by taxi from all hotels – with taxi transfers costing around R150.00.
Durban International Convention Centre (ICC)
The International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) is one of the most advanced conference facilities in the world. It is a purpose-built, fully air-conditioned centre with three convention halls. Located within the City centre and 30 minutes drive from the airport, the ICC has the Durban Hilton Hotel on its door step and many other hotels within a short distance.
ICC Durban has been voted Africa's Leading Conference Centre for five consecutive years by World Travel Awards and in 2004 was also ranked as one of the top ten conference centres in the world by AIPC. Its proven track record is unrivalled in Africa.
