The promontory on which Bluff is situated is Durban's most prominent natural landmark. Accordingly, it probably served as an important visual reference for navigational approaches into Durban Harbour. Between 1907 and 1975, the exposed south-east side of The Bluff housed a whaling station. Since the mid-Nineteenth Century, the region has been purposed for navigational and military uses. This use has provided protection for much of the area's native vegetation. Today, the area is considered important in the ecological management of Durban and environment. The traditional Zulu name for Bluff is isibubulungu, meaning a long, round-shaped ridge. It also means "white man’s bluff", which may be a reference to habitation by shipwreck survivors. The Bluff promonotory is a remnant of an extensive coastal dune system that formed along the shoreline of KwaZulu-Natal between two and five million years ago.
Features
The Bluff is a popular holiday destination, with extensive accommodation and plentiful seaside recreation. The area is known for its abundant sea life, including dolphins, and, in the winter months, whales. There are two main beaches: Brighton Beach and Anstey's, while smaller, lesser-known beaches to the north are Garvie's, Crossways and Ranch, first and second cove, and Pig's Hut beneath the police station. Further along you will find Treasure beach and Cuttings beach. There is golf course and a wetland area with a large population of various bird species. At the south end of the Bluff is the South Durban Basin ; there are five main residential suburbs: Austerville, Merebank, Merewent, Stanvac and Treasure Beach. Interspersed among the houses are a number of industries, including two of South Africa’s largest oil refineries, the Mondi paper mill and other smaller factories. Durban's main airport was nearby until 2010. Durban International Airport moved and changed its name on May 1, 2010, relocating from the South Durban Basin to near Ballito, on the North Coast. The mixture of residential homes and large industries in the basin creates a challenge for all those who live and work in the area. Air pollution, water pollution, overcrowding and litter are some of the problems that residents and industries need to, but will never resolve.
