December in Durban – something for everyone

ALANA BARANOV

Chanukah is hot and happening in the Zulu kingdom this year. Chabad of the North Coast is renowned for its hospitality (www.chabadnc.com) and has a range of activities for each day of Chanukah, as well as their famous Shabbat meals and family-centred events throughout the holiday period.

A new mikveh, with facilities for men, women and keilim, has also been opened on their property. At the Umhlanga Jewish Centre, the annual “Curry Evening” will take place during Chanukah with a catered curry and candle-lighting. Tickets are R180 per adult and R80 per child, with chicken and chips available for the non-curry eaters.

On December 18, 20, 22 and 27 and January 3 and 5, they will also be having a kosher takeaway evening. Regular Shabbat and daily minyanim will also be held throughout the festive season. For more information call (031) 566-3227.

At the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation, December 30 is the “Chanukah Shabbat” where everyone is invited to bring their Chanukiot with them to shul for a communal lighting ceremony.

The special service will be followed by a unique Chanukah brocha including potato latkes and sufganiot among other delicacies. Services will be held every Shabbat evening and morning and all visitors are welcome to join at their temporary venue at the Durban Holocaust Centre.

As far as kosher supplies go, Durban has got you covered. In the heart of Umhlanga you can find kosher food and wine at Pick n Pay at Lighthouse Mall and Spar at Umhlanga Centre, as well as kosher accommodation at the Kosher B&B right next door to Chabad of the North Coast (www.uka.co.za). Musgrave Pick n Pay also has a kosher bakery and stocks a range of kosher products.

The Circle Café (www.facebook.com/circlecafedurban), a sophisticated kosher café under the supervision of the Johannesburg Beth Din, serves delicious breakfasts and lunches with the best cheesecake in town! Situated in the tranquil Garden of Remembrance at the Durban Holocaust Centre, the Circle Café also offers outside catering, can be booked for events and has a new takeaway menu as an easy self-catering option.

The DHC Gift Shop at the Café has a unique range of décor and homeware, with all proceeds from the Café and Gift Shop going towards the educational programmes of the Durban Holocaust Centre (www.facebook.com/dbnholocentre).   

Once you’ve lit all the candles and finished up the latkes and donuts, there is so much to explore in “South Africa’s playground”. From catching a ride on a traditional rickshaw bus alongside the warm sands of the Golden Mile to the fun of the water park and aquarium at uShaka Marine World, Durban is brimming with activity.

Looking inland, the Valley of a Thousand Hills boasts traditional Zulu villages and the century-old Umgeni Steam Railway train that takes families on day trips through the picturesque valleys.

Of course, the seaside village resort of Umhlanga is well known for its glorious beaches. Take a stroll along the promenade or splash in the rocks at Granny’s Pool, enjoy cocktails at the Oyster Box Hotel overlooking Umhlanga’s iconic red and white lighthouse or visit the Sharks Board to learn more about marine life conservation.

For the perfect end to the year and a relaxing start to 2017, head to the shores of the Indian Ocean where there is something for everyone.   

* For information on what to do in Durban these holidays, visit the Durban Tourism website https://www.durbanexperience.co.za/WhatsOn/Pages/Welcome.aspx