AUTHENTIC ENGAGING KWAZULU-NATAL

South Africa’s Summer Sun … 12 months of the year!

Durban South Africa is 2010 FWC Host City and gateway to KwaZulu Natal, the subtropical jewel in the crown of South Africa’s range of unique and authentic experiences. South Africa’s largest local travel destination and one of the three largest destinations for international visitors to this wonderful country, provides a buzz of urban attractions that rival the best in the world while setting itself apart with its rich cultural mixes that are steeped in the culture of the Zulu Kingdom together with the evident influences of the world largest concentration of Indians outside India, rich European influences and the range of miscegenation that has resulted.

Durban offers the international visitor 12 months of sub-tropical splendour and sunshine that is rivaled only by the welcoming warmth of its inhabitants. The local international airport offers a one-hour link to Johannesburg and a 2 hour connection to Cape Town – two of South Africa’s other popular destinations. There are direct international connections to the Indian Ocean islands and a soon to be instituted international connection to the Middle East on Emirates Airlines. The new King Shaka International Airport which is currently under construction and on-schedule to open before the 2010 FWC will further ease access into this world-class city with additional direct international connections. The new airport will be able to accommodate the super-liner Airbus A380, the world largest passenger transport.

The city provides an exciting mix of Victorian and art deco architecture that makes it one of South Africa’s most beautiful urban experiences. A range of hotels from six star B&B’s and home-stays, restaurants offering cuisine that reflects the array of cultures, nightclubs, bars and theatres all provide that essential experience for the hedonist who wants a familiar cosmopolitan flair with an African twist. Beautiful parks and botanical gardens, huge stadiums including the soon to be launched Moses Mabidha Stadium – one of nine brand new or highly revamped structures which will the venues for all the matches during Africa’s hosting of the beautiful game – show clearly why this is South Africa’s largest sporting and event destination. Beautiful beaches play host to international surfing competitions and to Durban’s Winter Beach Festival – further testament to the beautiful weather that gives this province a year-long summer.

KwaZulu-Natal offers its visitors the unique opportunity to experience urban buzz in closed proximity to game parks that give access to Africa’s Big Five Game Experience. Just over tow hours drive north of Durban is the Isimangaliso Wetland and World Heritage Site. On the heart of what locals popularly call the elephant coast, the Isimangaliso Wetland which incorporates the St Lucia Estuary, is a haven for indigenous flora and fauna species. With the wide range of wild game in this protected expense, there is in addition a range of reserves ranging from luxury to affordable that offer the opportunity to view lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo in their natural habitat.

Two hours inland from Durban is the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountain Range – the Dragon mountains as the early European settlers called it or Ukahlamba, Barrier of the Spears, its popular indigenous name. This mountain range accommodates the highest spot in South Africa and boasts breathtaking spectacles such as Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle, the Amphitheatre and Sani Pass to name a few. The slopes and crags of the mountains offers ample opportunity for the intrepid outdoorsman to walk, climb, go horseback riding or simply relax in the splendor of this wonderful experience.

The beautiful blonde beaches stretch from the heart of the city for over 150 kilometres down the sub-tropical coast. Starting with the Aliwal shoal, a few minutes south of Durban: this is a scuba enthusiasts’ dream; a colourful array of fish and sea life above a fossilized sand dune. In addition, most of this coast line is unspoiled and offers beaches perfect for fishing, surfing and swimming.

And it the breathtaking beauty and scenic splendour of the province does not captivate, the province is a treasure chest for history buffs. The Zulu Kingdom is still ruled by a monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, a direct descend of the illustrious King Shaka who united the tribes of this region to form one Zulu Nation – the People from Heaven! The province is rich in cultural traditions and cultural lore and provides extensive opportunity to interact with this iron age culture. The region boasts the birth place of several luminaries for fought against colonialism – such as the famed King Cetshwayo who defeated the English Red Coats gun-driven onslaught with spears, cunning and courage. Famed pacifist Mahatma Ghandi started his first law practice in this province and used his philosophy of Satya Graha to opposed the racist government. Nobel Laureate and freedom activist, Chief Albert Luthuli as well as current leader of the African National Congress, the country’s ruling party, all were born in the province. Cultural villages, heritage sights, battle enactments, museums, libraries and academic institutions all lend to the intrepid explorers such for the cultural richness of the province.

Travelers who wish to experience the modern twist on the South African experience during the 2010 FWC will also be able to join South Africans from all walks of life in public viewing areas which will be strategically located around the province, and will provide an opportunity for local and visitors to enjoy the excitement of the World cup even if they are not in the stadiums. In addition, the province intends playing host to several of the international teams, providing training base camps for them in various parts of the province.
Durban as the gate way, and KwaZulu-Natal linked by first-world road infrastructure, regular inter-city air links and a range of private charters for the more well-heeled, provides a truly authentic and uniquely engaging opportunity to experience a slice of the South African reality against a backdrop of rest, relaxation and hedonistic pursuits