I had never heard of Durban until Essence announced its first Essence Music Festival South Africa. I attended the festival in New Orleans several times between 2000 and 2016, so I figured this would be a great time to go and introduce myself to South Africa. I was working a project at the time of the festival so I was only going to be in town a few days before having to get back to work.
I am so glad I decided at the last minute to go because I fell in love with Durban! The Zulu culture is intoxicating. I loved seeing the native dress and the singing I would hear from the balcony of my hotel was absolutely beautiful. That harmony is a sound I will never forget.
I stayed at a hotel on the golden mile a popular stretch of beachfront in the city that runs from uShaka Beach (where the uShaka Marine World is located) to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. This is a very convenient location in the city because it is centrally located. My favorite place is Umhlanga a resort town north of Durban. It was on the list of things to do in Durban and I am so glad I fit it in. The promenade along the Umhlanga pier is so peaceful and beautiful.