Holidaying in KwaZulu-Natal

KZN SAJBD

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Take the SkyCar or walk the 500 steps to the top of the stadium’s iconic arch for 360 degree views of the city. Experience the Guinness-accredited world’s tallest free-fall swing across the field (attached to a harness, of course!) The stadium tour is a must for sports fans.

www.mmstadium.com (031) 582-8242

Natural Science Museum and Art Gallery

Housed at Durban’s historic City Hall, these beautifully curated exhibitions offer hours of fascinating viewing out of the heat of the sun.

www.durban.gov.za; (031) 311-2264

Ride the Rickshaw bus

The quickest way to see the city’s major sites is on the double-decker Rickshaw bus. Departs daily from North Beach Tourism Office.

www.durbanexperience.co.za (031) 322-4209.

Sinbad on Stage

The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre’s annual pantomime is a riotous romp over the seven seas, starring Durban’s most celebrated performers.

www.computicket.co.za 0861 915 8000

Victoria Street Market

Explore a market with a difference, trading in everything from African beadwork to traditional medicines. Tours available.

www.marketsofwarwick.co.za (031) 309-3880

Xpression on the Beach

Rent bikes to coast the famous Golden Mile (kids’/tandem bikes and pedal karts also available). Water babies can hire surfboards and stand-up paddleboards plus, get lessons.

www.xpressiononthebeach.com/durban (074) 134-1232

For the kids

Mitchell Park

This manicured park boasts a large playground (including paraplegic facilities) a zoo which is home to variety of small animals and birds. The shaded gardens are perfect for picnics.

http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Services/ParksRecreation/pnature/Pages/mitchell.aspx (031) 303-2275

People’s Park

Innovative play equipment for kids of all ages and plenty of space to ride bikes and go-carts (which you can rent on site). Café with free Wi-Fi for parents.

www.mmstadium.com/attractions/peoples-park (031) 582-8242

Ushaka Marine World

The world-class aquarium is interactive, Wet ‘n Wild water park will keep you cool all day, and Ushaka Kids World Climb boasts Africa’s biggest jungle gym and a kiddies spa.

www.ushakamarineworld.co.za (031) 328-8000

Jewish

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

The brand-new shul in Silverton Road is every bit as impressive as its previous premises. Try out the new Jew-el in Durban’s crown at the daily minyanim and special services for Shabbat and Chanukah. (031) 201-5177

Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation

Egalitarian services are held on Shabbat evenings and mornings at the Durban Jewish Centre, the new home of the DPJC since the closing of Temple David in 2016. (031) 337-9858

Durban Holocaust Centre

For a meaningful and enriching experience, pay a visit to this world-class museum. Access via the gate in Sylvester Ntuli Road as the municipality often closes K E Masinga Road in peak season.

www.dbnholocaust.co.za (031) 368-6833

The Circle Café

Set in the tranquil Garden of Remembrance behind the Durban Holocaust Centre, all proceeds from the café and exquisite boutique gift shop support the centre’s educational work. Milchik menu available for sit-down or takeaway. Best cheesecake in town! Kiddies play area.

www.circlecafe.co.za (031) 368-1766

Kosher bakery and butchery at Pick n Pay Musgrave

Brett the friendly mashgiach will help you source all you need for kosher cooking on the east coast. (PS their chocolate chip challah is absolutely sensational!) (031) 201-4208

Umhlanga

Family fun

Barn Swallows

Watch the dazzling natural phenomenon of three million barn swallows coming home to roost for the night. Don’t forget the picnic, binoculars and mozzie cream.

barnswallow.co.za (031) 568-1557

Beautiful parks

Upper Umhlanga offers ideal locations for picnics. Chris Saunders Park on Centenary Boulevard features a fishpond with fountains and thriving birdlife; the playground on the corner Millennium Boulevard and Equinox Road, has modern equipment and a bike track.

Don’t miss: Wonder Market on December 11 and 18 at Chris Saunders Park (www.wondermarket.co.za)

KZN Sharks Board

Famous for their up-close dissections open to the public, the Sharks Board aims to educate the public about these little-understood marine creatures. Book a ticket for a fascinating film followed by a dissection, or a boat tour to watch staff maintain shark nets.

www.shark.co.za (031) 826-6000

Jump for Joy

Perfect for rainy days when the beach is out of the question, Jump for Joy offers wall-to-wall trampoline action that will help run off all that holiday energy. Try the Foam Pit and the Dodgeball Court.

www.j4j.co.za 086 158 6745

WavePark, Gateway

The 180m supertube is its claim to fame, but the speed racers and Flow Rider will keep water lovers of all ages busy for hours. The park also offers a splash pad and play zone for toddlers as well as an asphalt track (bikes, skateboards and helmets for hire).

www.wavepark.co.za (031) 584-9400

For the kids

@Play at The Pearls

This indoor fun world in the brand-new Pearls Shopping Centre in Umhlanga is the perfect place to bring your little ones.

www.thepearls.co.za/play 010 900 2191

Funky Monkey

Indoor play area for kids of all sizes in their new venue in the village (first floor of Umhlanga Centre, above Spar). New branch now also open in Ballito.

www.funkymonkey.co.za (031) 566-2000

Jewish

Chabad of the North Coast

Join daily minyans as well as Shabbat and Chanukah services at Chabad in Umhlanga. Giant chanukiah every night of the festival, plus various theme nights including a MasterChef Braai-off on Eighth night! Shabbos hospitality available.

www.chabadnc.com (082) 550-0503

Mikvah: 072 -775-7753

Umhlanga Jewish Centre

Daily minyanim and special Shabbat and Chanukah services are held in this magnificent shul making a name for itself as the most picturesque synagogue on the coast.

www.umhlangajewishcentre.co.za (031) 566-3227

Mikvah: 083-236-6453

Kosher

Pick n Pay in Umhlanga Village and The Crescent operate dedicated kosher sections (Village branch includes frozen Moishe’s, Nussbaum’s, Feigel’s, Orit’s and more).

Umhlanga: (031) 561-6365

Crescent: (031) 566-5667

Spar in Umhlanga Centre stocks a selection of kosher products. (031) 561-2231

The Candy Store sells kosher Chilla Slushies to beat the heat.

9 Zenith Road, Umhlanga Ridge. 083-566-2055

Kosher pop-up restaurant at Umhlanga Jewish Centre Dec 27 , Jan 2, Jan 4, from 18:00. 072-770-8564

Ballito

Family fun

Crocodile Creek

Get up close and personal with crocs, snakes and more. This hands-on experience is fun AND educational. But if you prefer to sit quietly at the back, that’s fine too.

www.crocodilecreek.co.za (032) 940-4444

Sage Café

Kids can while away the day in a huge secure play area. Grownups can drink gourmet coffee, buy unique gifts, clothes and décor items or indulge in beauty treatments.

www.sagecafe.co.za (032) 525-8059

Sugar Rush Park

Their wide range of adventure and leisure activities will keep the whole family busy all day. Highlights include a jump park, laser tag, and mountain bike tracks.

www.sugarrush.co.za 060 997 9996

The Waterberry

Excellent coffee shop with play area settled on the edge of an indigenous coastal forest. Walk the paths looking for deer and birdlife.

www.thewaterberry.co.za (032) 946-2797

For the kids

Flag Animal Farm

Animals, activities, and playgrounds galore – bring a picnic for a full-day experience.

www.flaganimalfarm.co.za (032) 947-2018

Kosher

Sweets From Heaven at Ballito Junction stocks a special range of local and imported kosher goodies. 082-823-6526

Inland

Family fun

Makaranga

Explore 30 acres of indigenous and exotic gardens complete with streams, ponds and a waterfall. Makaranga is also home to the largest private collection of Zimbabwean stone art in southern Africa.

www.makaranga.com (031) 764-6616

Nelson Mandela capture site

Commemorative sculpture, museum and shops mark a pivotal spot in the struggle against apartheid.

www.thecapturesite.co.za; 071-834-4349

PheZulu Safari Park and Zulu Village

A great family outing in the Valley of a Thousand Hills just 35 minutes from Durban. Free entry to restaurants, curio shops, kids’ play area; charged activities include Zulu village and dancing shows, hourly reptile tours and game drives.

www.phezulusafaripark.co.za; (031) 777-1000

For the kids

Lucky Bean

Huge indoor and outdoor play areas plus craft activities for the little ones. Great coffee for the bigger ones.

www.luckybean.co 082-216-3892

Willow Creek Farm

Ever patted an alpaca? Kids of all ages can interact with animals in a fun and educational way at this hidden gem just past Hillcrest.

www.willowcreekfarm.co.za 078-760-5436

Kosher day tours

Family outings across the province arranged through Chabad of the North Coast. 082-550 -0503

Kosher catering in your self-catering

From family get-togethers and braais to intimate dinner parties, these kosher personal chefs take the legwork out of family holidays:

Chefs by the Ocean 072-902-6092 / 082-210-7763

Jacqui Burne 083-955-3758

Useful numbers

SAJBD KZN Council (031) 335-4452

CSO (031) 368-2653