Durban, the tropical jewel of KwaZulu-Natal, is unlike any other city in South Africa. Its sea is warm and inviting, and the sun shines hot for most of the year. When it rains, downpours are torrential. Plant leaves tend to be ‘big and slappy' - not as restrained and needly as elsewhere. Popular swimming beaches are protected by shark nets, there is an annual sardine run, there are whales and dolphins in the sea, and everywhere there are birds. And in this fascinating place a vibrant and diverse community enjoys noisy, colourful festivals - from the religious services of devout Hindus to traditional drumming and dances held in Zulu kraals. The people are friendly, the spices exotic and the curry hot. This book presents the urban- and townscapes of KwaZulu-Natal: its chief city, Durban, historic Pietermaritzburg with its many attractive facades, and a host of inviting coastal resorts that share the lively heartbeat of South Africa's favourite family holiday destination.