Durban is South Africa's seaside playground

Situated in South Africa's subtropical northeast, Durban is the third-largest city in the country and home to some of its best waves.

Durban's highrise beachfront - known as the "Golden Mile" - has long been the summer playground for landlocked Jo'burg residents. A stretch of beach running from Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World to uShaka Marine World theme park, it is packed with people soaking up the sun, fishing and sailing as well as strutting their stuff in the melee of waterfront restaurants, bars and clubs.

Heading away from the beach, the affluent suburbs of Berea, Greyville and Morningside offer über-trendy clubs and restaurants where you can sample local Indian and African specialties.

Visitors should note that Durban has a high crime rate and it is not safe to venture into town at night on foot.

Durban makes a good jumping off point for exploring the Sunshine and Hibiscus coasts to the south and for heading west to visit the Zulu communities in the Valley of 1000 Hills.