Durban's melting pot of cultures makes it one of the most fascinating destinations in South Africa. Couple the Zulu culture and traditions with a strong British colonial influence and the colourful contribution of the country's largest Asian population and you have an idea of what makes Durban tick.

It is the country's second most populous city, with around 3.5 million people living in its sprawling metropolitan area, and is the busiest container port in Africa. However, it has made its name as a very popular tourist destination. While Cape Town attracts more foreign tourists, Durban remains the number one destination for South Africans.

The city is home to a string of magnificent beaches. To the north and south of the city are equally superb coastlines. A highly-rated convention centre has drawn a large number of international conventions to the city and its excellent sporting facilities make it a popular centre for international and national sporting events. The Durban Country Club is regarded by many as South Africa's best golf course.

In recent years, the harbour and beachfront area - known as the Golden Mile - has been rejuvenated as a result of a major development, the uShaka Marine World. Entertainment is provided as most of the large shopping complexes throughout the city and two casinos add to the city's attractions.

Umhlanga Rocks, a resort just 30 minutes drive to the north of the city centre, is one of the most upmarket holiday resorts, with five-star hotels, condominiums and lovely holiday homes. A number of the property owners here - and many of the holidaymakers - come from Johannesburg and other areas of Gauteng, which is 5-6 hour drive away using a superb highway network.

There is no written history of the city until it was mentioned by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1407. However, it is believed that the first inhabitants arrived from the north in 100,000 BC, according to rock art found in caves. In any event, Da Gama arrived on the coast at Christmas time, so he named the area "Natal", the word used for Christmas in Portuguese.

The first proper settlement was established in 1824 when a group led by Henry Francis Flynn arrived from the Cape. Fynn had reached an agreement with the mighty Zulu king, Shaka, to establish a trading station. This was named Durban after the Cape Governor, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.

The Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch immigrants who had fled the Cape, arrived and established a republic just north of Durban, and named their capital Pietermaritzburg. They fought the British for control of Durban, but lost and eventually set off further north.

Meanwhile, the British and the Zulu population were involved in a number of conflicts, but a British governor was appointed in 1844 and many settlers emigrated from Europe and the Cape Colony. A sugar cane industry was established, resulting in the importation of thousands of labourers from India.

Eventually Durban became one of the most important seaports of the British Empire and the city's seaport became the largest sugar terminal in the world.

Politically, the province's people have split political allegiances, with many of the white residents opposing the Apartheid policies during National Party rule. Black support was split between the Inkatha party led by a tribal chief, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the banned African National Congress.

Today the ruling African National Congress is the strongest party in the province and country's president Jacob Zuma, belongs to the Zulu tribe and comes from Natal.

Durban enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild to warm winters. Summer is the rainy season, but this is mostly restricted to thunderstorms in the afternoons, so beach going is not particularly affected. Summer, especially over the Christmas and New Year, are peak season in Durban, but the city is also popular in winter. While the rest of the country may be shivering in July, it is still possible to swim in the sea. Summer average highs are 28 degrees Celsius, while the winter highs are 21 degrees Celsius.