Durban Travel Forum

Got a great first-time trip lined up! I'm visiting in the height of your summer: mid-Dec to mid-Jan. Based in Durbs, and will visit Kruger, Drakensburg, Eastern Transvaal.

What sunscreen factor do you advise for not-completely-pale fair skin?

When I visited Brazil at the height of their summer, albeit only 10 degrees from the equator, I was advised to use factor 25. Is it the same in Durban?

Thanks

Steve

When i have been to places like Caribbean a few years back i have used 15 on face and neck and 10 on body until i got a tan and then went to an 8.But now i would be more careful and use 15 on body too as i want to look after my skin.I just got back from Cyprus and used 10 on body and 15 again on neck and face and found this ok as i did not burn and did not do alot of sunbathing at all.More walking around etc.But anywhere near Equator i would use 15 all over.And plenty of it.

It depends what you are doing too.I dont sunbathe alot when on hol.About two hours max a day tops.I prfer to go on walks and go swimming etc than just lay there.If u like swimming remember to buy a good waterproof sun cream.Make sure it has high star rating too.Mine had 4 star.Highest you can get is 5.I cannot believe some people who just lay there all day in it and there skin looks red roar and crispy.Yuk.I just like a light tan.Natural tan which i normally get from just walking around.I used a 15 in Cyprus on my face and it got really brown still.

You might find this disappointing, but Durban has some of the lowest sunshine figures in South Africa. You will be there in the hot, humid, overcast, rainy season. However, the other places you mention will need sun protection, in which case I would also suggest 25+. Unless you are puposely trying to achieve a specific tan level, in which case we can't give advice specifically for your unknown skin type.

Thanks all, I'll have a ponder about this.

I'm with you, Rachel, I'm not a beach-lover so it's general protection I'll need while out in it.

Steve

That's quite simple then.....factor 25 cream and a wide-brimmed hat.

You really did pick the hottest time to come to Durbs and SA.

Its very dangerous sun wise so a full block out is recomended.

I had been in the UK for 5 years and in Dec I sat out in the sun for the first time in Durbs after that length of time.. and after an hour I had burnt so badly I had blisters for WEEKS!

So take and wear a hat/cap as well...

Good luck and have a great time here!

Thanks guys. The reason I am going at the hottest time is 'cos the visit hinges around a 50th wedding anniversary.

Fortunately, I love (and my body can tolerate) the heat, having experienced 35 deg C in other tropical countries.

Thanks again

Steve

Guess who has moved to South Africa, having travelled most of one's life worlwide??
I came here in Dec 2003 and now have sold up and moved, to the most blessed country I have ever visited!
Your best solution is to find Factor P20 at the airport. It is worth every penny, although, quite expensive. It has done the job for me over the past 20 years!
I live about an hour's drive south of Durban and winter is like summer in the UK!
Enjoy your stay here

Oxanna:

My parents are on the south coast and LOVE IT. :o)

Where abouts are you now?

Hope you enjoy it.