New York, New York (February 7, 2018)  - Durban, South Africa is best known for its golden beaches and world-class surf, but the destination's cultural institutions and creative endeavors are currently making waves throughout the world. Now is the time to get a true taste of Durban's vibrant Zulu heritage and groundbreaking artistic expressions through the following experiences:

HEAR DURBAN'S GRAMMY-WINNING LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO ON TOUR IN THE U.S.

Described by Nelson Mandela as “South Africa's cultural ambassadors to the world,” the Durban-based Zulu musical group LadySmith Black Mambazo received its fifth Grammy award at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 28. The all-male acapella group, famously known for collaborating with Paul Simon on 1986's “Graceland,” was lauded with the Best World Music Album designation. Music lovers can get a taste of Durban's culture through LadySmith Black Mambazo's soulful, uplifting vocals and traditional Zulu dancing during the group's current U.S. tour. A full list of tour dates can be found here.

READ ALONG WITH AFRICA'S FIRST CITY OF LITERATURE

With its multitude of cultural institutions, festivals, and literary trails, Durban is a haven for the written word, earning it the title of Africa's first City of Literature by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in late 2017. Durban is one of just eight cities worldwide to receive the literary designation for its dedication to the development of cross-cultural initiatives in the areas of literature, publishing, and other forms of written expression on local, national, and global levels. Upcoming literary events in Durban include Time of the Writer (March 12-17, 2018) which brings together writers from around the world for a week-long program of themed literary events.

SEE THE FUTURE OF ARCHITECTURE WHILE CELEBRATING DURBAN'S HERITAGE

uMkhumbane Cultural and Heritage Museum, a new Zulu-centric Durban museum slated to open later this year, was honored at the first-ever Africa Architecture Awards in September 2017. The awards recognize projects from around the continent and celebrate design excellence, honor established architects, and encourage emerging designers.

SIP ON CRAFT GIN, DURBAN'S HOMEGROWN SPIRIT

Craft gin is Durban's latest artisanal craze. This popular sprit has seen a resurgence of late, with several pop-up bars opening throughout the city. The Secret Gin Bar has been popping up at venues around town since October and will be at Mamma Luciana's restaurant throughout February. The latest news on upcoming locations is available on their Facebook page. On Florida Road, Durban's dining and entertainment district, The Gin Gallery features a wide range of gins and gin-based cocktails with decadent ingredients like lavender sugar syrup, freshly picked herbs, and locally-sourced fruit.

Distillery 031, Durban's first craft distillery, offers gin-focused tours and tastings at its facility in Station Drive Precinct. Experienced team members guide gin lovers through the art of distilling and the history of the distillery's spirits, including the award-winning Durban Dry Gin which was named South African Gin of the Year at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition. Distillery 031's spirits are produced in small batches, ensuring a hands-on approach from the sourcing of high quality, local, raw materials to the hand distilling, bottling, and labeling process.

REST YOUR HEAD AT CURIOCITY BACKPACKERS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Curiocity Backpackers, Durban's first five-star “poshtel,” combines the style and comfort of a boutique hotel with the price and sensibilities of a hostel. Housed in the Ambassador House, a 1930s art deco building near the International Convention Centre, this chic hostel offers premium en-suite private rooms, shared dorms, yoga facilities, an outdoor cinema, organized local tours and activities, co-working stations, an urban spa, a chilled out lounge, and a lively bar scene. 

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ABOUT DURBAN

Located an hour southeast of Johannesburg by air, Durban is the beachfront gem of KwaZulu-Natal Province. A bustling harbor city and popular surfing spot, Durban lies on the Indian Ocean and is South Africa's third largest urban area. Remnants of British colonialism and a mix of Zulu, Indian, and Afrikaans traditions give the city a rich cultural heritage, while outdoor activities abound on the signature Golden Mile beachfront and in the lush rolling hills that encompass Durban's suburbs. For more information, visit www.durbanexperience.co.za.