Durban 2010 WC Fan Guide

Overview:

There is nothing better than spending the day under the sun on the beautiful beaches of Durban. The bustle and vibrancy of the city might also have something to do with its 6km beachfront, known as the Golden Mile.

Durban also happens to be one of few destinations that will be warm during the FIFA World Cup 2010. It offers superb swimming and surfing conditions, paddling pools, fishing piers, amusement parks, crafts and flea markets, hotels, restaurants and fast food outlets.

Explore the city and you will find some of the finest temples and mosques in South Africa. If shopping is what you like most then there are varied opportunities starting with traditional to the modern ones. Don't miss a ride on one of the city's colourfully plumed rickshaws. Nightlife in Durban is full of energy and vitality and should not be missed

Visit this proud city and its inhabitants for a look into life in central South Africa.

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge
The Lodge is situated within Zimbali Coastal Resort and is hailed as the undisputed “jewel in the crown” of the east coast of Africa.

Garden Cour Marine Parade
This hotel has a prime position on Durban's scenic Golden Mile, offering business and family accommodation with spectacular Indian Ocean views.

• Day tripping: No trip to Durban would be complete without a visit to Ushaka Marine World, the largest oceanarium in the Southern Hemisphere.  Overlooking the Indian Ocean, its award-winning design recreates a series of sunken ships and has a mind-boggling variety of marine life on display.

• Night owls: Billy the BUM's is the place to start your evening, although you might have difficulty pulling yourself away to venture elsewhere. It is a cocktail bar for Basic Upmarket Socialites (BUMs) - the atmosphere is fantastic.

• Eat at: Durban’s cuisine is just as versatile as its culture. Enjoy anything from Indian food, delicious fresh seafood to succulent steaks. Try Mo-Zam-Bik Restaurant in Balito. Modelled on a typical Mozambican beach hut, here you can walk off the beach, relax, knock back jugs of katemba and eat buckets full of grilled prawns. This humble beach hut turns out some very fine examples of Portuguese food.

• Top attractions:

- The Valley of a Thousand Hills: The main attractions on the 1000 Hills Experience are the dramatic landscape and Zulu culture, but you also have the opportunity to visit game reserves, take part in adventure activities, and shop from one of the many arts and crafts establishments of the Valley of 1000 Hills Route.

- The Victoria Market is the revamped version of the Indian market originally built in 1973 but recently destroyed in a fire. There are  around 180 stalls selling exotic spices, basketwork and brassware, wood articles and woodcarving, as well as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. The souvenir stalls display a great deal of bric-a-brac, but it is possible with a bit of luck, to find some very attractive items for a good price.

Stadium: The Moses Mabhida Stadium stadium is a world-class, state-of-the-art, multifunctional arena located in the heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. 

It will seat 70 000 roaring fans for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, with 54 000 permanent seats, and the potential to expand to 85 000 seats to meet the requirements of large-scale events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games. The grand centre arch, 106m high, is not just a design feature. A cable car takes visitors up to its highest point allowing them to enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and ocean.

For the fans: The fan park in Durban will be on New Beach on Lower Marine Parade.
Two other public viewing areas are KwaMashu on the corner of Amanzimtoti and Isasa roads
as well as the King Zwelethini Stadium in Umlazi.

Fixtures in Durban:

•    13 June 2010 - Germany vs Australia
•    16 June 2010 - Spain vs Switzerland
•    19 June 2010 - Netherlands vs Japan
•    22 June 2010 - Nigeria vs Korea Republic
•    25 June 2010 - Portugal vs Brazil
•    28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Team 1E vs Team 2F
Determined by results of group stages
•    07 July 2010 – Semi Final
Team B vs Team D
Determined by results of group stages