Durban

Ships use the Passenger Terminal.

While cruise ships are in port, an appealing harbour Expo Market is set up in the air-conditioned N-Shed.

The city centre is roughly 10 minutes away on foot, but walking is not recommended. Metered taxis are usually available on the pier.

Most ships provide a shuttle to Shaka Marine Park near the waterfront. It has an aquarium, water park, shopping village, plus several bars and restaurants. From there, the local People Mover bus goes to the Indian and Witch Doctor Markets.

Before returning to the ship in the afternoon, watch the interesting free performance of Zulu Warrior Dancing by a local dance troupe.

Early Portuguese navigators believed Port Natal, the large natural harbour beside which Durban now stands, was a lagoon at the mouth of a major river.

Durban became a municipality in 1854 and a city in 1935. It is now a major African cargo port, industrial centre and holiday resort. Almost one million people live in this busy subtropical city, whose warm, frequently hot and sultry climate supports abundant trees and gardens. Its large Indian population has led to it being considered South Africa's Asian capital.

The large volume of cargo moving through Durban's port, together with thousands of Transvaal holiday makers who have used its beachfront as a playground since the 1930s, has shaped its 21st-century economy. The handsome Grey Street Mosque is its foremost landmark and the Southern Hemisphere's largest of its kind.

A lovely waterfront promenade, with street performers, is also a fine place for people-watching.

Ushaka Marine World is a new marine centre open at weekends. Shark tanks and a dolphin show are rapidly becoming popular, with dolphin shows at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is 80 rands, and the complex includes a range of shops.

Durban has a run of golden beaches. Most provide changing rooms, shark nets, lifeguards and fast-food outlets.

Shopping is an enjoyable Durban activity, although some central shops shut on Sundays. Malls usually open on Sundays, as do the shops at Ushaka Marine World, and offer one-stop shopping. Passenger Terminal stalls carry many curios and handicrafts; intricately woven baskets and beadwork make especially attractive souvenirs. Bargaining is expected.

The Rand (ZAR) is the currency. Automated teller machines (ATMs) linked to the major international networks are available nationwide, but use only those inside a mall or another building. Ensure no one sees you enter your PIN, and remain alert to scams, such as machines that seem to swallow a card and will not return it after the PIN is entered.

Credit cards are accepted by most retail stores.

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is spoken by most people except rural black Africans, though relatively few speak it as a first language. Afrikaans is also widely used, particularly among the white and colored population.

Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1400, though major tourist locations increasingly open later and throughout the weekend. Shopping malls often remain open until 9PM.