Planning Your Trip
Durban, a vibrant coastal city in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is a popular tourist destination. Before booking your bus tickets, consider these factors:
- Time of year: Durban enjoys a subtropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round. However, the wet season is from November to March, while April to October is drier.
- Events: Durban plays host to various events throughout the year, such as the Durban International Film Festival in June/July and the Durban July Handicap, a prestigious horse racing event in July. If you’re planning your trip around an event, book your tickets well in advance as prices may surge.
Popular Bus Companies
Several reputable bus companies operate intercity routes to Durban. Here are two of the most popular options:
- Intercape: A leading provider known for its comfortable coaches, reliable scheduling, and various ticketing options including online booking, in-person purchases at retail outlets, and telephonic booking. They offer different classes with varying levels of flexibility (SAVER, FLEXI, FULL FLEXI).
- Greyhound: Another major player in South Africa’s long-distance bus travel, Greyhound offers a comfortable travel experience with a fleet of modern buses. They provide online booking and in-person purchase options at select retail stores. They offer premium and standard service options.
Booking Your Tickets
Once you’ve chosen your bus company, you can book your tickets through the following methods:
- Online: This is the most convenient option. Visit the company’s website and follow the booking process. You’ll typically need to provide your travel details (departure city, arrival city, date, number of passengers), choose your preferred class (if applicable), and complete the secure online payment.
- In-Person: Tickets can also be purchased at authorized retail outlets for the respective bus company.
Understanding Fares
The cost of your bus ticket will depend on several factors:
- Travel Distance: Bus journeys to Durban from major cities like Johannesburg or Pretoria will naturally be more expensive than shorter trips.
- Ticket Class: If offered, more flexible ticket classes (like FLEXI or FULL FLEXI) will generally cost more than SAVER tickets.
- Demand: Tickets for peak travel times (weekends, holidays) may be more expensive than those for weekdays or off-peak seasons.
- Promotions: Both Intercape and Greyhound occasionally offer discounts and promotions. Be sure to check their websites for current deals.
Tips for Booking
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, booking your tickets well in advance is recommended to secure your desired date and time.
- Consider a Loyalty Card: If you travel by bus frequently, consider signing up for a loyalty program offered by the bus company. This can earn you rewards and discounts on future trips.
- Check Baggage Allowance: Each ticket class typically comes with a specific baggage allowance. Be sure to check this beforehand to avoid excess baggage fees.
- Pack for the Journey: Bring comfortable clothing, snacks, and entertainment for long journeys.
Enjoy Your Trip to Durban!
Durban offers a variety of attractions, from golden beaches and marine life encounters at uShaka Marine World to historical sites like Kwa Muhle Museum. With careful planning and this guide, you can book your bus tickets to Durban with ease and get ready for a memorable South African adventure!
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.