Adventure and culture in Durban, South Africa

A world cruise offers travelers the opportunity to visit some destinations that are off the beaten path, and Durban, South Africa, is a prime example. Nestled between gorgeous beaches and breathtaking mountains, Durban is a gateway to adventure travel and a vacation destination that you won't soon forget.

Within the city itself, you'll definitely be drawn to the Golden Mile. Don't let the name fool you - this is actually three-and-a-half miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Along the beach is a strip of amusement parks, restaurants, shops and high-end luxury hotels. This is the perfect way to spend the day, but it's only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Durban has to offer.

Just to the east of Durban is Drakenburg Park, which is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might be a bit surprised at how quickly the golden sands turn into rocky mountain terrain, but don't let it stop you from taking advantage of everything this natural preserve has to offer.

Drakenburg is beautiful, but no trip to South Africa is complete without heading out on a safari. Fortunately, Durban is close to two highly-esteemed game preserves, known as Tala and Phinda. Either of these wildlife sanctuaries will give you the opportunity to engage in a traditional safari experience, boarding an open-top motorized caravan that will look for antelope, zebras and more.

Durban is also located near KwaZulu, the homeland of the Zulu people. Learn all about this fascinating culture by visiting a "theme village," set up to recreate the Zulu way of life. Highlights of this South African region include the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills and Battlefields, a historic site made famous by a conflict between European colonists and Zulu warriors.