The Coastal Belt

Durban beach from above

The "Coastal Belt" region can be divided into three distinct geographical areas. Along the Indian Coast is the lowland region which is extremely narrow in the south and widens towards the north.

All along the South Coast there are beautiful scenic landscapes to enjoy, including wide open spaces, lush green vegetation and trees and miles and miles of golden beaches edging the translucent blue sea. There are a number of rivers that flow from the Drakensberg Mountains and cut through the coastline, before merging into the warm Indian Ocean. These rivers forms spectacular estuaries, tidal pools and lagoons along the seashore. The subtropical landscapes include grasslands, coastal forests, banana plantations, hills of sugar cane fields and nut orchards. An abundance of wildlife including dolphins, monkeys and many species of birds make this a nature lovers paradise.

Climate

Durban is part of the coastal region and is surrounded by areas of subtropical thickets. The average rainfall for the city is just over 1 metre and the average midday temperature during the summer is 28°C. While in the winter the average is 21°C. With weather like this it's no wonder Durban has become such a popular holiday destination. It has become famous for its golden beaches and warm waters. Whether you want to sit and watch the sun set or enjoy the waves swimming or surfing, here are a few of the beaches you'll want to visit.