NATURE RESERVES & GARDENS
Get Out Into The Wild
You don’t have far to go to get closer to nature and really interact with the environment and animals, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. There are numerous wonderful game reserves and nature reserves up and down the coast as well as inland. Explore them on horseback, foot or game drives.
The Valley of 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is steeped in Zulu history and offers the most magnificent views. It is a 25 minute drive west of the Durban City centre. Its many attractions include:
PheZulu Safari Park which offers game drives, restaurants with views over the valley, a snake and crocodile farm, and authentic Zulu culture, rituals and dancing. Tel. 031 777 1000 / www.phezulusafaripark.co.za
Go on safari in the Tala Private Game Reserve, just a 30-minute drive from the Valley of 1000 Hills. Tala offers luxury accommodation and exquisite restaurants. Tel. 031 781 8000 / www.tala.co.za
Shongweni, Inanda and Hazelmere Dams
There are three major dams close to the city that provide exciting outdoor experiences. Enjoy game drives, nature trails, bird watching, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, a variety of water sports and relaxing at scenic picnic sites. Tel. 031 766 9946 / www.msinsi.co.za
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens, established in 1849, is one of Africa's oldest gardens. It is situated close to the city centre and is home to a collection of sub-tropical trees, palms and orchids. It has lakes, ponds, a fern dell, sunken garden, palm walk and the Living Beehive. The Living Beehive was a joint Cop17 legacy project, an extraordinary walk-through physical steel structure covered with a living room and walls made up of indigenous plant species.Tel. 031 322 4000 www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
uMngeni Green Hub
The Green Hub is Durban's central portal for eco-tourism information and bookings. Based at the uMngeni River Estuary and near the mangrove swamps, the Hub offers and arranges canoe trails, nature and heritage trails in the area and throughout Durban, and has bikes for hire. Open 09h00-17h00 daily. Blue Lagoon Park, Stiebel Place - Tel. 082 492 6804
More Nature Reserves & Gardens
• Beachwood Mangroves- Tel. 031 274 1150/082 559 2839 - Book by appointment
• Paradise Valley Game Reserve - Tel. 031 702 3443 - Hours. 07h30 - 17h00
• Palmiet Nature Reserve - Tel. 031 203 70675 - Hours. 07h00 - 15h30
• Inanda Nature Reserve - Tel. 031 766 9946 - Hours. 05h00 - 19h00
• Botanic Gardens - Berea - Tel. 031 309 9240 - Hours 8h00 - 16h30
• Jamieson Park - Tel. 031 303 2275 - Hours. 07h30 - 16h00
SPAS
• African Sensations Solar Spa. Tel. 031 207 5564 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Armani Day Spa. Tel. 031 916 6744 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Art of Beauty. Tel. 031 916 7019 - art.of This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Bali Grand Spa. Tel. 031 903 8790 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Beauty Treats Spa. Tel. 031 572 3389 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Kimaya Day Spa. Tel. 031 266 9885 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.kimayaspa.co.za
• Limelight Spa. Tel. 031 463 1044 - limelightspa.co.za / www.limelightspa.co.za
• Makaranga Spa. Tel. 031 764 94344 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Mangwanani Sibaya African Day Spa. Tel. 0860 55 00 55 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.mangwanani.co.za
• Palm Boulevard. Tel. 031 566 6936 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Polished Body Spa. Tel. 031 561 1750 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Riverside Spa. Tel. 031 563 7327 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.riversidespa.co.za
• Rosewater Spa. Tel. 031 811 3007 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Sanaquam Urban Sanctuary Spa. Tel. 086 199 9181 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Sandawana Spa. Tel. 031 764 2978 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Spa on Fairway. Tel. 031 573 1700 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Suncoast Spa. Tel. 031 314 7900 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• The Spa at the Oyster Box. Tel. 031 514 5072 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
EATING OUT
Durban has a great range of diverse cuisine, from its famous curries to Asian fusion food, fresh linefish, pasta and various other traditional foods often prepared with a local twist. Take your taste-buds on a tour of the world..
RESTAURANTS
CHINESE
China Plate - 11 Brown's Drift Road - 031 564 6437
INDIAN
Britannia Hotel - 1299 Umgeni Road - 031 303 2266
Little India - 155 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 201 1121
Jaipur Palace - 131 Waterkant Street, Durban North - 031 563 0287
Malis - 77 Goble Road, Morningside - 031 312 8535
Palki - 225 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 201 0019
Silverani's - Suncoast Casino - 031 368 1396
Taste of India - 258 Florida Road, Morningside - 031 303 7049
INTERNATIONAL
Jiran Restaurant - Belaire Suites - 031 332 4485
Edward Brasserie - Edward Hotel, 147 O R Tambo Parade - 031 337 3681
Roma Revolving Restaurant - John Ross House, Margaret Mncadi Road - 031 337 6707
ITALIAN
Spiga D'oro - Florida Road, Morningside - 031 303 9511 / 2231
La Bella - Cnr Steven Dlamini & St Thomas Roads, Berea - 031 201 9176 / 5
Mama Luciana's - 52 Florida Road, Morningside - 031 303 8350
Marco's - 48 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Greyville - 031 303 3078
Al Firenze - 21 Ray Paul Drive, La Lucia - 031 572 5559
PORTUGUESE
Gaby'z - 53 Kensington Drive, Durban North - 031 563 2603
LM Grill - 5/6 Protea Mall, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga - 031 561 2516
Mo-Zam-Bik - Florida Road - 084 555 3241
Neos - Summer Square, North Beach - Tel. 031 332 2299
STEAKHOUSE
Butcher Boys - Florida Road - 031 312 8248
Joop's Place - Avondale Centre, 9th Avenue, Greyville - 031 312 9135
Havana Grill - Suncoast Casino, North Beach - 031 337 1305
A LA CARTE
Jiran Restaurant - Belaire Suites Hotel - 031 332 4485
Ninth Ave Bistro - Morningside - 031 312 9134
Oyster Terrace - Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga - 031 514 5000
Versailles - Blue Waters Hotel, 175 Snell Parade - 031 327 7000
NIGHTLIFE & THEATRES
You can party all night in Durban! Just be sure to stay awake and watch the most beautiful sunrise over the warm Indian Ocean the next day.
Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World
This is one of the biggest entertainment complexes in Durban. It has casinos, restaurants and cinemas, the popular night club Café Vacca Matta, conference facilities and a hotel. It is opposite the world-renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium and close to several other hotels along the beachfront.
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
This landmark Zulu-inspired casino has over 1000 slots, just over 24 touch-bet roulette machines, as well as roulette, blackjack and poker tables. It also includes the iZulu Theatre, Krakatoa nightclub, and the Mangwanani Sibaya luxurious day spa. Sibaya is a 25 minute-drive north of Durban.
Night Clubs
• Afro Fashion Lounge - 135 Mathews Meyiwa Road, Morningside - 031 309 6046
• Clapham Grand - 672b Umgeni Road - 031 303 7568
• De La Sol - Florida Road, Morningside - 083 780 0033
• Joe Cool’s - 137 Lower Marine Parade - 031 332 9697
• Eighties Niteclub - ABSA Stadium - 031 303 9762
• The Mansion - 11 Walnut Road - 083 777 2966
• The Reform Club - 200a Florida Road, Morningside - 031 303 1802
• Vacca Matta - Suncoast Casino - 031 368 535
Theatres
• Barnyard Theatre - Suncoast, Suncoast Boulevard, O R Tambo Parade - 031 940 0500
• BAT Centre - 45 Maritime Place, Small Craft Habour - 031 332 0451
• Catalina Theatre - 18 Boatman Road, Wilson's Wharf - 031 305 6889
• Elizabeth Sneddon - UKZN, Howard College Campus - 031 260 2296
• iZulu Theatre - Sibaya Casino & Entertainment - 031 580 5555
• The Heritage Theatre - Shop 14U, Heritage Market, Hillcrest - 031 765 4197
• The Playhouse - Cnr Anton Lembede & Acutt Streets - 031 369 9555
SUN, SURF & SAND
Durban is one of the few cities in the world that offers world-class surfing waves right on its doorstep. Other activities that you can enjoy are swimming, fishing, jetskiing, canoeing, windsurfing and kite surfing. Durban's mild all-year-round climate and water temperature make it a summer and winter holiday destination.
Surfing
Surfing conditions can be found along the entire Durban beachfront, particularly New Pier, North Beach and Battery Beach. For the more experienced surfers, the Bluff and North Coast offer powerful breaking waves and the South Coast is home to some world-class point breaks.
uShaka Marine World
One of the five largest aquariums in the world, with a Dolphinarium, dive tank and a reef for snorkellers. The uShaka Wet 'n Wild offers heart-stopping water slides and a 450 m river ride that takes you past the shark tank. The uShaka Village Walk features an interesting mix of shops and restaurants, and there’s fine dining on the 'Phantom Ship'. Tel. 031 328 8000/www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
KZN Sharks Board
The KZN Sharks Board in Umhlanga has a display hall with life-size replicas of sharks, fish and rays, and offers a 25-minute presentation on the work the members of the board do and the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem. You can also experience a 20-minute shark dissection. Tel. 031 566 0400/ www.shark.co.za
Scuba Diving
• African Dive - Ifracombe, Umkomaas - 082 889 9403 - www.africadive.co.za
• Aliwal Dive Centre - 4 Salisbury Road, Umkomaas - 039 973 5025 - www.aliwaldivecentre.co.za
• Calypso Diving - uShaka Marine World - 031 332 0905 - www.calypsoushaka.co.za
• Oceanworx - 1 Maclean Street, Umkomaas - 039 973 2578 - www.oceanworx.co.za
• Underwater World - Mahatma Gandhi Road - 031 332 5820
SHOPPING MALLS
• Galleria - Cnr Moss Kolnik and Arbour Roads, Amanzimtoti - 031 904 2233
• Gateway - New Town Centre, Umhlanga - 031 514 0500
• La Lucia Mall - 90 William Campbell Drive, La Lucia - 031 562 8420
• Musgrave Centre - 115 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 201 5129
• Pavilion - Jack Martens Drive, Westville - 031 275 9800
• The Heritage Market - 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest - 031 765 2500
• The Workshop - Samora Machel Street, CBD - 031 304 9894
• Westwood Mall - 16 Lincoln Terrace, Westville - 031 279 2160
CAR HIRE & CONSULATES
• Avis Car Rental - 031 452 3500 - www.avis.co.za
• Budget Rent a Car - 031 561 6073 - www.buget.co.za
• Europcar - 031 304 9023 / 031 408 1809 - www.europcar.co.za
• First Car Rental - 031 335 8400 / 0861 178 227 - www.firstcarrental.co.za
• Hertz Car Hire - 031 580 5555 - www.hertz.co.za
• Imperial Car Hire - 031 263 1260 - www.imperialcarrental.co.za
• Tempest Car - 031 408 1416 / 031 368 5231 - www.tempestcarhire.co.za
Metered Taxis
• Bunny Cabs - 031 332 2914
• Checker Radio Taxis - 031 465 5573 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Comfort Cabs - 031 564 0996 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Eagle Taxis - 031 337 8333 / 0800 330 336 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Mozzie Cabs - 086 066 9943 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Umhlanga Express - 082 268 0651 / 083 555 5324 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Zippy Cabs - 031 202 7067 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Consulates
• Angola - 324 Florida Road, Morningside - 031 312 6516
• Australia - Buro Cresent, Mayville - 012 423 6000
• Austria - 10a Princess Anne Place, Glenwood - 031 261 6233
• Belgium - Sunrise Close, Morningside - 031 303 2840/1
• Canada - Suite 9, Tinsley Height, 225 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 202 3432
• Chile - 67 Venice Road, Berea - 031 202 3432
• China - 45 Stirling Crescent, Durban North - 031 563 4534
• Denmark - 185 Cato Road, Glenwood - 031 202 9396/7
• France - 031 573 1554
• Germany - Deloitte & Touche House, 2 Devonshire Place - 031 266 3920
• Greece - 671 Margaret Mncadi Road - 031 301 4880/1
• Hungary - 031 251 4000
• India- 2nd Floor, 1 Kingsmead Blvd, Kingsmead Office Park - 031 332 7020/1
• Italy - The Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street - 031 368 4388/98
• Korea - 031 563 6280
• Lesotho - 2nd Floor, Westguard House, Cnr Dr Pixley Kaseme & Dorothy Nyembe Streets - 031 307 2323
• Madagascar - 467 Innes Road, Morningside - 031 312 9704
• Malta - 285 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Glenashley - 031 572 2041
• Mauritius - 11th Floor, Mercury House, 320 Anton Lembede Street - 031 305 1744
• Mozambique - Room 2719, 27th Floor, 320 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 304 0200
• Netherlands - Standard Bank Building, 135 Musgrave Road - 031 266 9291
• Norway/Sweden - Sanlam Centre, Musgrave - 031 303 5212
• Pakistan - 6 Durban Club Place - 031 304 8836
• Philippines - 031 301 7041
• Poland - 031 266 9792
• Portugal - Suite 1612, 320 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 572 7705
• Romania - 031 267 2228
• Spain - 10a Poynton Place, Musgrave - 031 208 7737
• Switzerland - 031 568 2457
• United Kingdom - 68 Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia Ridge - 031 572 7259
• United States of America - 31st Floor Old Mutual Centre, 303 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 305 7600
MEDICAL
• 24-hr Trauma Hospital - 031 204 1377
• Addington Hospital, Beachfront - 031 327 2000
• Albert Luthuli Hospital - 031 240 1000
• Crompton Hospital, Pinetown - 031 702 0777
• Entabeni Hospital, Berea, Durban - 031 204 1300
• Kingsway Hospital - 031 904 7000
• McCord's Hospital - 031 268 5700
• Parklands, Overport, Durban - 031 242 4000
• St Augustine's, Berea, Durban - 031 268 5000
• Umhlanga Hospital - 031 560 5000
• Westville Hospital - 031 265 0911
CULTURE & HERITAGE
The people in Durban, are all richly culturaly diversed of African, Western and Eastern influences. The Zulu people settled in Durban way before the 1820's, thereafter the Europeans settled in Durban too. The Indian people were brought in as labourers to work in the cane fields, and later followed traders and business people from all over the world, but still today stands the most interesting unique blend of African, Indian and European cultures.
Durban’s rich cultural diversity reflects strong African, Western and Eastern influences. Zulus form the largest single ethnic group. There is a large number of people of British descent, and more Indians than in any other city outside of India. The latter were brought to Durban as indentured labourers during the 1820s to work in the cane fields. Traders, businesspeople and professionals from around the world soon followed and now Durban is the busiest container port in Africa and a top tourist destination.
Zululand is the heart of the the famous Zulu nation that was founded by King Shaka. It has a rich and colourful history and a strong culture and traditions which continue to be upheld. To experience the Zulu culture, take a 2-hour drive from Durban to Shakaland and take part in Zulu dancing, spear making and beer-drinking. Tel. 035 460 0912/www.shakaland.com
Woza eNanda
Meet local residents and visit a few of Durban's important historical sites in the township eNanda . As part of the Woza eNanda tour, you will visit the home of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the institution where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote which resulted in a Democratic South Africa. You will also visit a Shembe village. Contact the Inanda Community Tourism Bureau - Tel. 031 519 2555
Important Religious Places
• The Jumma Musjid Mosque in town is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere and can accommodate 5000 people. - 031 306 0026
• The Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding in Chatsworth is beautiful. Its designed in the shape of a lotus flower. 031 403 3328
• Emmanuel Cathedral opened in 1904 and is in the inner city. This is a landmark building and was once a centre of intense political activity in the 1980s. 031 306 3595
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND FAMILY FUN
• Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower O R Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• uShaka Marine World - 1 Bell Street - 031 328 8000 / www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
• Wavehouse - Shop G83, Gateway - 031 584 9400 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.wavehouse.co.za
• Umgeni Steam Railway - 087 808 7715 / www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za
• Ten Pin Bowling - Gateway - 031 566 5668 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower OR Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Mini Town - 144 Snell Parade, North Beach - 031 337 7892
• Bicycle Hire - 914 Umgeni Road, Durban - 031 312 2559 / 082 773 6870 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Rock Climing - The Rock - Gateway - 031 584 9400
• Science Centre - Gateway - 031 566 8040 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Fantasy Forest - Gateway - 031 566 1897
• Gateway Skatepark - Shop G83 - 031 584 9400 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.wavehouse.co.za
• Ocean City Ice Rink - 81 Sol Harris Crescent, North Beach - 031 332 4597 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Ricksha Bus City Tour - 40 Boscombe Place, Beachfront - 031 368 1253 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Sky Adventures - Cato Ridge Airfield - 073 334 7911 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / www.skyadventures.co.za
• Sky Dive Durban - Eston, opposite Ithala Private Game Reserve - 072 214 6040 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Sugar Terminal - 51 Maydon Road - 031 365 8100
MARKETS
Durban boasts a unique range of market experiences. These include pavement vendors selling arts and crafts, street markets selling curries and spices, handmade crafts and everything else in between.
Essenwood Market
You can find everything from local clothing, jewellery and food to plants and herbs at this market which runs every Saturday at the Berea Park in Musgrave form 09h00-14h00.
Berea Park, Steven Dlamini Road, Berea - Tel. 031 208 1264 / www.essenwoodmarket.com
Shongweni Farmers' and Craft Market
The Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market in Assagay in the Valley of 1000 Hills specialises in organic foods, fresh produce and traditional crafts. Saturdays, 06h30-10h00.
Lot 457, Shongweni - Tel. 031 777 4686 / www.shongwenimarket.co.za
Victoria Street Market
This vibrant Indian Market with its colourful stalls, fish markets and curio outlets is a favourite with tourists. Open daily.
Cnr Denis Hurley & Berta Mkhiza Streets - Tel. 031 306 4021
The Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is South Africa's first, largest and most popular arts and crafts route. Weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, wine makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and more can be found along the meander.
Tel. 033 330 8195 / www.midlandsmeander.co.za
I Heart Market
A monthly market that shows off Durban’s creativity, with everything from original art to edgy T-shirt designs, bespoke interior design features, independently crafted jewellery and delicious home-prepared meals. It is held in the most iconic location - Moses Mabhida Stadium - on the first Saturday of every month.
Wonder Market
Held at Chris Saunders Park near Gateway on the first Sunday of every month, the Wonder Market promises “food, craft and treasure”. It certainly delivers with stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to hand-crafted jewellery, flowers, intricately woven baskets, and clothing. The park is a wonderful setting with trees and beautiful flower beds creating a great backdrop to all the stalls and the guest bands. It’s a great way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon after a Sunday lunch of delicious local produce.
For more information visit wondermarket.co.za or call 079-747-7661.
More Durban Markets
• Beach Road Night Market
Beach Road, Amanzimtoti
Tel. 031 9037359
• Church Square Market
Opposite City Hall, between Dr Pixley Kaseme and Monty Naicker Streets
• Farmers' Market
Riverside Road, Sports Centre, Amanzimtoti
Tel. 031 903 4534
• Night Market
Riverside Road, Sports Centre, Amanzimtoti
Tel. 031 903 4534
• South Plaza Market
11 Walnut Road
Tel. 031 312 3752
• Stables Fleamarket
Jacko Jackson Drive
Tel. 031 312 3752
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