Durban, with the Zulu name eThekwini, forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. Durban is regarded as the busiest port in Africa and is also a major centre of tourism, due to the city's warm subtropical climate and beaches. The Golden Mile provides ample tourist attractions, particularly for people touring and on holiday. 

Being a coastal city, Durban is constantly affected by the warm Mozambique current flowing down its coastline, making surfing one of the primary activities on the many beaches. Here you will also find several signs demarcating safe swimming areas, with angling and boating as other popular beach activities.

Durban is a thriving industrial centre, supporting a major seaport, and a year-round holiday destination. Industries include shipbuilding and ship repairing, sugar refining, petroleum refining, fishing, automobile assembly and the manufacture of food products, paint, chemicals, fertilizers, soap, footwear and textiles.