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South Africa’s cosmopolitan playground boasts spectacular golden beaches, year-round sunshine, never-ending activities and fun, not to mention a variety of activities and sights.
South Africa’s cosmopolitan playground boasts spectacular golden beaches, year-round sunshine, never-ending activities and fun, not to mention a variety of activities and sights.
Just 20 minutes drive to the north lies Umhlanga, playground of the jetset, boasting a wondrous promenade, pavement cafes and laidback vibe.
Durban’s port is Africa’s busiest, as is abundantly clear if you visit one of the restaurants and pubs perched right on the waters edge at the harbour entrance - a constant stream of huge container ships and industrious tugs pass by, tantalisingly close.
A magnificent beach site near the harbour entrance is poised to reach its full potential with the opening of the uShaka Island Marine Park. This stunning park was developed out of a vision to create a world-class entertainment and tourism destination for Durban and all of South Africa.
Incorporating fresh and sea water, natural materials, the re-creation of a wreck of a 1940's cargo ship, with the 5th largest aquarium in the world by volume of water, coupled with indigenous African imagery, lush vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban, plus a water slides amusement park, uShaka is a complete ‘marine world’.
The park is tastefully themed with a focus on family entertainment in terms of fun, excitement, friendliness, imagery, activities, education and unique experiences, grouped into five distinct areas.
DURBAN and its surrounding suburbs are blessed with incredible restaurants, from the Colonial fine dining experience of The Royal Grill to the cool, funky fare of Bean Bag Bohemia in Morningside and dozens of indoor and outdoor bistros.
Into this mix add an intoxicating fusion of cultures: Indian, Zulu and English. These influences can be seen in the city’s shopping places, from its many outdoor flea markets to the upmarket Musgrave, Pavilion and Gateway centre, the country’s largest shopping mall.
Browse around the Heritage Market’s cluster of shops, set amid hundreds of rose bushes in Hillcrest, and the eclectic mix of outlets in suburban Florida Road, all housed in beautifully restored Edwardian buildings.
Get spicy at the vibrant Victoria Market, a treasure house of Indian wares, curios and food.
Also worth a visit is the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Just 45-minutes drive west from the city centre, it has magnificent views, a Zulu village and large craft market. Head a bit further west and you’re on the Midlands Meander - an established, excellent arts and crafts route offering glorious accommodation and excellent wares amid beautiful scenery.
Continue on that route and you’ll reach the mighty Drakensberg Mountain range. Recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site, it is a must see, with its superb examples of Bushmen paintings, soul-feeding vistas, mountain walks and ample accommodation, from campsites to luxury hotels.
A couple of hours’ drive to the north lies big game country - some of the country’s best game reserves are found here - and to the west the sites of several historic battles between Boer, Brit and Zulu can be discovered.
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