Durban attractions

In the tiny Kingdom of Lesotho, craggy mountains soar, waterfalls tumble, and the people are warm. This is an off-the-beaten-path treasure—it houses one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, while various cultural sites allow you to discover the land's rich history. You might even find familiar elements, with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler citing Lesotho as one of his influences.

The top performing arts venue in the Durban area, The Playhouse Company occupies two adjacent buildings in the heart of downtown Durban: one mock Tudor, one a former 1930s picture palace. The multi-venue complex houses three theaters that put on live shows ranging from opera and ballet to drama, live music, poetry, and community arts.

Immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of India—without leaving Durban—on a stroll through the city’s Indian Quarter. Home to the highest population of Indians outside of the subcontinent itself, Durban is known for its authentic Indian food and heritage. The Indian Quarter is where you can find cultural landmarks such as the Juma Mosque and Victoria Street Market.

The greatest victory in Zulu history—and likely the worst defeat in British military history—happened at Isandlwana in 1879, when Zulu warriors armed mainly with traditional weapons massacred a British force equipped with guns and cannons. Some of the survivors would go on to fight at nearby Rorke’s Drift, depicted in the 1964 British film Zulu.

Immortalized in the 1964 film Zulu, Rorke’s Drift was the site of one of the great defenses in British military history. In 1879, 150 British soldiers, some sick or wounded, fought off around 4,000 Zulu warriors soon after Zulu forces triumphed at Isandlwana. Today, a museum/orientation center, a memorial, and rock cairns commemorate them.