Durban

Durban

Durban is known as ?South Africa?s playground?. It is a melting pot of race, cultures, music, fashion, cuisine, sport, architecture; the list goes on and on. African, Indian and European influences harmoniously blend together to give every visitor an experience of sun, fun and culture second to none in South Africa. The subtropical weather and beautiful warm Indian Ocean beaches make Durban perfect for year round swimming.

Activities and sightseeing in the area

Sports events and festivals

Durban is the perfect venue for hosting many annual events. These include; The Comrades ultra marathon held in June, The Ocean Africa Beach Festival incorporating the Mr Price Pro International surfing competition held in July, The annual International Film Festival, The Dusi canoe marathon (January), various internationals in football, rugby and cricket, also the Durban July race meeting is the biggest event on the horse-racing calendar in Africa. We are the home of the Natal Sharks rugby team and host many local and international test maches at the famous ABSA Stadium.

USHAKA Marine World

uShaka Marine World is Africa?s largest marine park. It is situated on Durban?s south beach. Attractions include a shark dive tank, snorkel lagoon,  touch pool, a 1200 seater dolphinarium and seal stadium. There is also an adventure park to keep you entertained.

Victoria Street Market

Get great deals on curios and textiles, it?s a battle of the wits of who can get the best price, you or the vendor.

Jumma Musjid Mosque

Built around 1880, this is the largest mosque in the Southern hemisphere.

Temple of Understanding

This Hare Krishna temple is acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece and African landmark. There is an excellent vegetarian restaurant here open to the public.

The Natal Sharks Board

The NSB is the only one of it?s kind in the world. Visitors can watch a dynamic audiovisual presentation and a shark dissection. The adventurous can venture out for an early morning boat trip to observe the operational staff at work clearing the nets. Hopefully you?ll get to see whales and dolphins too!

The Umgeni Bird Park

The Umgeni Bird Park has an extensive collection of exotic and indigenous birds and a ?must see? unique bird show.

The Bat Centre

The Bat Centre is styles as an ?African journey through music and food?.  You can enjoy free jazz and other styles of African music on the deck on Fridays and Sundays.

Kite Surfing and surfing lessons

These are both well organized activities.

Sea Kayaking

What a unique way to dolphin watch! See Durban from a different view.

The Kwa-Muhle Museum

Highlighting South Africa?s apartheid era, this was once home to the city?s Native Administration department and was the nerve centre of Durban?s infamous system of labour control. Exhibitions include the, ?Durban system,? showing segregation and urban Apartheid.

Botanical Gardens

The oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa. (established 1849 ) It features a herb garden, an orchid house, a lake, abundant bird life and indigenous and exotic flora, plus a visitor?s centre with a conference area and shop.

Bunny Chow

A curry packed inside a hollowed out half or quarter loaf of bread. No plates or eating utensils required ! They are tasty and excellent value for money.

Rickshaws

Take a ride along Durban?s beachfront in a brighly painted rickshaw, pulled along by Zulu?s adorned in huge colourful headress.This was the traditional means of transport in this area long ago.

Muti Market

Traditional medicines ? not for the faint hearted! Remember not to just take that photograph.

Snake Park

Home to many indigenous snakes. The park offers talks and demonstrations throughout the year including snake and crocodile feeding, poisonous snake demonstrations and non- venomous reptile ?touch? shows.

Dining out and nightlife

Durban has abundant restuarants, pubs and night clubs, out-door laid back pavement style eateries, one is spoilt for choice from live music to hectic rave jols! (parties). They are spread through the trendy areas of Morningside and the Berea, on the beackfront, at the harbour and of course the new Ushaka Marine World.