From culture to adventure, in just two days visitors can experience it all in Durban. Sue van Winsen provides a 48-hour to-do list for this vibrant city.
Day 1: The Golden Mile and Moses Mabhida Stadium
During the day
Start the day exploring Durban’s iconic Golden Mile, which stretches from South Beach, near uShaka Marine World, all the way to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. Much longer than a mile at around six kilometres, the Golden Mile was redeveloped ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, with over R500 million (€30m) spent on resurfacing and widening the walkway, as well as on improving its surrounding attractions.
There are various ways to travel along the Golden Mile – with many locals opting to go for early morning jogs before the heat of the day sets in. Those seeking something a bit more adventurous should try a rickshaw ride. Known for their large, colourful headdresses adorned with beads and feathers, there are about 20 rickshaw operators based along the Mile, with trips ranging between about R50 and R100 depending on how far they would like to go.
There are various attractions visitors can enjoy along the way, with plenty of market vendors selling various arts and crafts, so visitors can shop for souvenirs as they wander along the walkway. There is also a ‘mini town’ of Durban – a miniature replica of the city. Weather permitting, it could be worth wandering off the path and on to one of Durban’s famed beaches. Popular options include North Beach, where visitors can watch the surfers take on the waves, or Blue Lagoon, where many fishermen try their luck. There are also many restaurants along the route where guests can enjoy lunch – with various fast food options available at North Beach, or at the many hotels along the Golden Mile.
From there, hop on to a Segway for a Segway Gliding Tour from the Golden Mile to Moses Mabhida Stadium. At the stadium, visitors can step into the Sky Car and be transported to the top of the stadium arch at 106 metres, offering 360-degree views of the city.
Just six kilometres away, families can enjoy an afternoon at uShaka Marine World, which features a water park and the largest aquarium in the Southern hemisphere. After an up-close-and-personal experience, guests can visit Sea Animals Encounter Island, where they can meet a dolphin, cage-dive with sharks, feed a stingray or snorkel with exotic fish.
In the evening
From uShaka Marine World, guests can choose from a range of restaurants for dinner, from family-friendly options, to something more upmarket. Wahooz is on the promenade and known for its cocktails, while The Cargo Hold is in the ‘Phantom Ship’ with views of the ocean and the shark tank. There are also steakhouses, pizzerias and seafood restaurants nearby.
Overnight at one of the Tsogo Sun properties along the beachfront. The Garden Court South Beach has just undergone at R22 million (
1.31m) upgrade that saw extensive renovations to the main public areas, as well as a R12 million (€716 000) soft refurbishment of its 414 guest rooms. Other options include the Suncoast Casino and Towers and the well-known Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani. Commenting on a recent stay at the Elangeni, Suzanne Benadie, Sales and Marketing Director for Your Africa said: “With the numerous in-house restaurants, pool deck and extensive breakfast, this was the perfect venue to host and entertain UK agents, who were very impressed with the hotel rooms and sea views.”
Day 2: Culture and Community
During the day
After breakfast, guests can set off on the ‘Oriental Walk About’ tour. Starting at Durban’s old railway station, they can learn about the history of the three main buildings as well as more about Gandhi and the culture of Durban’s Indians. Then head through the Arcades and to the Juma Masjid Mosque and Emmanuel Cathedral. Afterwards, head to Victoria Street Market, where visitors can spend several hours wandering about shopping for crafts, jewellery, spices, clothing and fresh produce. Some of the vendors sell freshly prepared food, so this would be a good place to stop for a snack or quick lunch.
From here, travel approximately 30km by car to Hillcrest, possibly stopping on route at the Pavilion shopping centre for those who still want to indulge in some retail therapy or a meal. Spend a few hours at the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust learning about their high-impact projects, which range from community vegetable gardens to ‘granny support groups’ for grandmothers who have lost children to HIV/Aids and are now tasked with supporting and raising their grandchildren. Diane Jacobs, Contracting Manager for Your Africa, says: “Visiting the centre gives our guests a touch of reality by seeing what this amazing organisation is doing.”
In the evening
Travel approximately 30km by car to Morningside, a buzzing part of Durban known for its busy restaurants and bars. Those looking for an Indian curry can eat dinner at Mali’s Indian Restaurant, or Indian Connection.
Overnight at one of Morningside’s quirky B&Bs, many of which are within walking distance of Morningside’s Florida Road, where many of the restaurants and nightspots are located.
