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Durban

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Things to see in Durban

Tourist information: 

Tourist Junction
160 Pine Street
Tel: (031) 304 4934.
www.durban.kzn.org.za

Tourist Junction is located in the former railway terminus building in the heart of the city centre (CBD) district. As well as tourist information and accommodation booking services for the whole of Kwazulu-Natal, the centre offers an African art centre and numerous souvenir and curio shops.

Passes: 

Visitor passes are not currently available in the city, however, the numerous city tours available provide the most convenient way to take in the attractions, attraction admissions being included within the tour price.

Durban Art Gallery

Containing collections from Europe, Asia and Africa dating from the 15th century to the modern day, the DAG is also notable for its, temporary exhibitions and has an exceptional collection of contemporary South African art work, including Zulu arts and crafts.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 0830-1600, Sat 1100-1600.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: City Hall, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 311 2264
Website: http://www.durban.gov.za
Kwa Muhle Museum

Housed in the notorious former Native Administration Department, from which Durban's labour control system was administered in apartheid times, this museum tells the tale of darker times, and aims to offer an unbiased interpretation of life for ordinary South Africans under the old regime.

Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 130 Ordnance Road, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 311 2237.
Website: http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/museums/local_history/kwamuhle
Natal Sharks Board

The Natal Sharks Board is responsible for ensuring beach protection, but its headquarters are open to visitors, who can view displays about sharks and rays, and an audiovisual presentation, and then watch a real shark being opened up in a dissection demonstration.
 

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 1A Henwood Drive, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 566 0400.
Website: http://www.shark.co.za
Sugar Terminal

One of the biggest such facilities in the world, with storage capacity of 500,000 tonnes of sugar, the South African Sugar Terminal is open for guided tours focusing on the sugar production and refining industry.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Maydon Wharf, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 365 8153.
Website: http://www.sasa.org.za
The Campbell Collection

Although open by appointment only (the best way to see this museum is as part of an organised tour) this is well worth the effort. It includes the Mashu Museum of Ethnology, a major collection of native cultural items, and a major photographic and literary archive.

Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Fri 0900-1500.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 220 Marriott Road, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 260 1722.
Website: http://campbell.ukzn.ac.za
Umgeni River Bird Park

Home to a large collection of exotic bird species from all over the world, this attraction features free daily flight shows in a specially constructed arena. The park is situated in a landscaped former quarry.

Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Riverside Road, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 579 4600.
Website: http://www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
uShaka Sea World

A large saltwater aquarium complex featuring sea life from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, offering both indoor and outdoor entertainment and exhibits. It also has what is claimed as Africa's largest dolphinarium. The underground section is entered through a huge 'shipwreck'.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Durban, South Africa
Telephone: (031) 328 8222.
Website: http://www.seaworld.org.za
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