Things to do in Durban

ALANA BARANOV

A heady mix of British colonial history, vibrant Indian culture and proud Zulu heritage, Durban is arguably the country’s melting pot, nestling alongside some of the best beaches in the world. 

The key attraction of the Golden Mile is undoubtedly uShaka Marine World. Part water park, part marine aquarium and sea world, this is the perfect place to learn about our oceans and their creatures while having fun in the sun.

You can catch the legendary open-air double decker Ricksha Bus on a whirlwind tour of the city’s main attractions including the Emmanuel Cathedral, Durban City Hall and the Victoria Street Market.

Or head for the North Beach area by hiring a bike, skateboard or even catch a ride in one of the unique Durban rickshaws to explore the promenade.

Durban is best known for its awesome “wavescape” – from kayaking at Umgeni River, to jet-skiing at Blue Lagoon, surfing at Bronze Beach or stand-up paddle boarding off Addington Beach.

Boat charters can also be hired for roundtrips around the Durban harbor.

For adrenaline junkies, be sure to take the plunge at Moses Mabhida Stadium on their Big Rush Big Swing, the world’s only stadium swing and the largest of its kind.

Be sure to browse some of Durban’s famous markets like the Shongweni Farmers Market for fresh produce or the Wonder Market in the Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga for food, music and shopping.

The place to be is undoubtedly the resort village of Umhlanga Rocks. Stroll along its promenade, explore the natural wonder of the mangroves, splash in the rocks at Granny’s Pool or enjoy cocktails in the Lighthouse Bar at the Oyster Box Hotel.

No stay is complete without a visit to the Sharks Board where you can learn more about these predators. From Umhlanga, you can also organise deep-sea fishing trips or go dolphin viewing at daybreak.

Inland, the Valley of a 1 000 Hills is just 30 minutes from town. Besides the traditional Zulu villages, a must-see is the century old Umgeni Stream Railway train that takes families on day trips through the picturesque valleys. Then there’s the St Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Durban is also a short day trip away from some of the country’s most outstanding game and wildlife reserves, like the Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Parks, as well as the beautiful Drakensberg Mountain range and the historic battle fields of KwaZulu-Natal that can be toured with private guides.

For vintage furniture shopping and local farm stall treats, arts and crafts, there’s the Midlands Meander, just a short drive out of the city. Stop at each of the gourmet restaurants, chocolate shops and other delights nestling in the tranquil setting. A favourite stop is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where a breathtaking memorial and information centre marks the spot where Mandela was arrested in 1962.

The Aliwal Shoal, just off the Sapphire Coast by Amanzimtoti, is a popular destination for Scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

Up the North Coast, you can explore South African history with a visit to the home of Albert Luthuli and the Phoenix Settlement, a commune built by Mahatma Gandhi.

The North Coast offers many child-friendly holiday options – Flag Animal Farm, a butterfly park and lesser-known spots like the Litchi Orchard where you can pick litchis.

Durban also boasts some of the best golf courses in the country, such as the old world charm of the Royal Country Club, as well as casinos; nightclubs and the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere, Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

From a Jewish perspective, Durban has much to offer. Chabad of the North Coast has activities for every day of Chanukah, as well as their famous Shabbat hospitality and family-centred events throughout the holiday period.

The Durban United Hebrew Congregation is having tits Chanukah Party on December 13 at 18:00, with daily prayer services and a mikveh, while the Durban Progressive Congregation is having its communal lighting of the channukiot on December 11.

The kosher Circle Café, under the supervision of the Johannesburg Beth Din, serves up delicious breakfasts, lunches and tea time treats. Situated in the Garden of Remembrance at the Durban Holocaust Centre, the Circle Café does outside catering and can be booked for events.

The DHC Gift Shop, located in the café, has a unique range of décor, gifts and home-ware. All proceeds from the Circle Café and the Gift Shop go towards the educational programmes of the Durban Holocaust Centre.

For information on Durban, visit the Durban Tourism website https://www.durbanexperience.co.za/WhatsOn/Pages/Welcome.aspx and for more information on Jewish Durban, check out www.cknj.co.za