Car & Van Hire - Durban

Durban's beaches are one of the city's biggest attractions, and there's nowhere better than the Golden Mile. The beaches here are great for a number of activities: you can relax on the sand, try a spot of surfing or go for a dip. Shark nets and lifeguards are there to ensure your safety. In the area of the Golden Mile, you'll also find uShaka Marine World, the city's popular water park, a casino, a skate park and the Surfing Museum. Beachside vendors often set up an open-air market, selling local arts and crafts.

Durban has a fascinating blend of cultures thanks to its large Indian population. Their love of spices led to the birth of its most famous dish, the iconic bunny chow. You'll be able to enjoy one of these hearty lunches in restaurants all over town. Bunny chow consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It can be eaten on the go as you tear off pieces of bread and dip them in the curry, but you may need some practice to avoid spillages!

The most famous member of the Indian diaspora in Durban was undoubtedly Mahatma Gandhi. The legendary leader lived in South Africa for 20 years, working as a lawyer. It was here that he refined his philosophies about justice and non-violence before returning to India and beginning the struggle for independence. The great man's house is now a museum filled with fascinating exhibits dedicated to his life.

Want a glimpse of some of South Africa's famous wildlife? Car or van rental in Durban is the way to do it. Start at Umgeni River Bird Park. This is renowned as one of the best bird parks in the country, thanks to both the variety of species and the excellent conditions in which they are kept. There's also a bird show which is sure to wow the kids. More wildlife can be seen at nearby Phezulu Safari, a family-focused game reserve. Just 35 km from the city centre, it is home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other iconic animals. Explore it by taking a game drive in a jeep, or go on a segway tour. The separate reptile park features all kinds of cold-blooded creatures, from enormous crocodiles to cute tortoises. While you're there, you can also watch the Zulu dancing show, which usually takes place four times a day.

For a great day trip, take advantage of car rental in Durban and head out to the Valley of 1000 Hills. This lush landscape, 40 minutes drive from the city, is one of the most picturesque areas in the region. You can drive through the rolling hills or take a hike. While in the valley, make sure you also visit the traditional dance show that celebrates the culture of the area's different local tribes.

Durban has much less traffic than Johannesburg or Cape Town, but you'll still want to avoid rush hour if you can. The peak times begin at 06:00 and are at their worst around 07:00. In the evening, rush hour runs from 15:30 to 17:30. Cars are usually heading from the outer suburbs to the city centre in the morning and back out again in the evening. Even during rush hour, Durban's traffic is not a major problem. A journey that usually takes 30 minutes will take 40.

You’ll find a mixture of parking facilities around Durban. On-street parking is available in some areas, but it’s generally better and safer to opt for a large car park. In some cases, you can reserve a parking space in advance. This is a good idea if you want to park near the beach or the harbour, particularly on weekends or during the high season. Large car parks also often have favourable prices if you are staying for several hours. In the CBD, you can pay for on-street parking with meters, and the maximum stay is two hours.

Blackouts and power cuts are a common problem in large South African cities. This can lead to traffic lights (known locally as robots) to stop working. In this case, locals will treat the traffic light junction as a 4-way stop. Drive carefully, and this shouldn't be a major problem for you. In a South African 4-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has priority. Just watch out for minivan taxis, which often go recklessly through these junctions.

When you are driving outside of the city on country roads, be sure to keep an eye out for potholes. If you are travelling far from the city, do not drive at night. After dark has fallen, wild animals are at their most active and can present a major hazard.