The days are getting shorter and the sun rising a little later. That doesn’t mean that we’re stuck indoors. Durban has loads of fun activities for young and old to enjoy no matter the weather outside. We picked out ten of our favourite things to do in Durban to share with you.
- Ride the Promenade
There’s no better way to appreciate Durban’s beautiful sunsets than with a stroll down the Promenade. If you are not in the mood to walk, get out the bicycles – or hire one – and take a leisurely ride along this beautiful stretch of Durban beachfront. It’s something the whole family, include the dog, can enjoy. .
- Ride a wave
How lucky are we to be blessed with the warm Indian Ocean. We can swim, surf or paddle no matter what the weather is like. There are a number of places along the beach front that offer lessons for first time surfers, you can learn to SUP or just paddle out and enjoy the view. Find out more: expressiononthebeach.com
- Head for the hills for some wine tasting.
It’s not only Cape Town that had wine farms! Plan a road trip to the beautiful Natal Midlands and pop in at two local vineyards. The Abingdon Wine Estate is a unique pioneering estate which has positioned itself as a serious single vineyard boutique wine producer in KZN. [email protected] or Highgate Wine Estate where you’ll find Highgate Farm, Wine Cellar, Menu Restaurant, Residential Estate & Piggly Wiggly. highgatewineestate.co.za
- Shop till you drop
With the changing season, one must of course update your wardrobe with some new season trends. Durban is home to some of the the best malls and boutique shops around. Must visit malls include the Pavilion, Musgrave Centre, La Lucia Mall, Gateway and Cornubia Mall.
- The best sunrises
Autumn brings the most breathtaking sunrises, so get up early, grab your camera and pop along to the beachfront and watch Mother Nature paint the skies in the most glorious colours. And once the sun’s up, pop into one of the many local spots with the best views of the ocean and order a scrumptious breakfast.
- Enjoy a gondola ride
You don’t need to fly to Venice for a gondola ride. You can enjoy a magically relaxing gondola boat ride in the Durban Point Waterfront Canal. There is a wide selection of gondola boat rides for families, couples, friends and children. Zulumoon Gondolas offers unique boat rides in a safe and central location along the Durban Waterfront. Find out more: gondolas.co.za
- Visit the local museums
Durban has a number of interesting museums you can visit. There’s the Port Natal Maritime Museum where you can climb aboard the different exhibits and experience what life at sea was like while on a tour of the tugboats JR More and Ulundi, the minesweeper SAS Durban and the NCS Challenger. Entrance to the museum is R5 for adults and R3 for children. This is a must for all ages. Find out more: [email protected]; 031 261 3216
KwaMuhle Museum
Situated in the old Native Administration Department on Bram Fischer Road, the KwaMuhle Museum gives visitors a window into apartheid from the perspective of Durban’s residents. The exhibits were developed to show how Durban has changed as a city and how the different cultures of the area interacted with one another. Entrance to the museum is free. Find out more: durbanhistorymuseums.org.za; 031 311 2237
Durban Natural Science Museum
Not only is Durban’s City hall full of beauty and rich in history and architecture if you visit the natural science museum you get to stand beneath a life-size reconstruction of a Tyrannosaurus rex and come face-to-face with an Egyptian mummy. These are just some of the many exciting treasures and wonders tucked away in Durban’s City Hall. Find out more: 031 311 2242
KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts
Durban rocks the contemporary art scene with galleries and exhibits from both local and international artists. Be sure to visit the society’s website for the latest updates on exhibits, educational programmes and seminars. Find out more: kznsagallery.co.za; 031 277 1705
- For the kids …
uShaka Marine World
Get up close and personal with the creatures of the ocean at uShaka Marine World. Take in a dolphin show, wander through the aquarium, go on a shark dive at Sea World or make a splash on one of the many slides at Wet ‘n Wild. Entrance fees to the park and its different exhibits change depending on the season, so keep an eye on uShaka’s website for the best deals. Find out more: ushakamarineworld.co.za; 031 328 8000
Mitchell Park Zoo
The Mitchell Park Zoo is home to tortoises, meerkats, raccoons, crocodiles, flamingoes and wallabies. The walk-through aviary is packed with all kinds of feathered friends waiting to be spotted, and the lawns offer the perfect setting for a lunchtime picnic. Entrance for adults is just R10 and kids are R7. Find out more: 031 303 2275
Umgeni River Bird Park
This bird park in Umgeni is home to 200 different species of birds. Take the kids on a walk around the former quarry and spot some amazing colourful wildlife. Be sure to stick around for the bird show as the park’s educational manager will introduce you to an array of feathery friends. Shows take place from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11am and 2pm. There are shows on Mondays but only during school holidays. The park’s fee includes entrance and the bird show. Expect to pay R55 for adults, R36 for kids between the ages of three and 12, and R30 for pensioners. Find out more: urbp.co.za; 031 579 4600
- A night at the theatre
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre forms part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and can be found on the Howard College Campus. The 400-seat theatre is known for putting on great shows, so head to the website to find the latest info on all upcoming performances. Find out more: sneddontheatre.co.za; 031 260 2296
The Playhouse Company
The Playhouse Company prides itself on showcasing top-notch shows from local and international performers. Check the theatre’s website for all the latest information on upcoming events. Find out more: playhousecompany.com; 031 369 9555
Rhumbelow Theatre
The community-run theatre offers audiences enthralling entertainment at an affordable price. Be sure to keep an eye on the theatre’s events guide to find out what shows are on. Find out more: events.durbantheatre.com; 082 499 8636
- Play around
Mindgame Escape
Get locked in a room with the kids and spend an hour to an hour-and-a-half solving the riddles and cracking the clues to break out of the room. Choose either the Sherlock Holmes Baker Street room or the Houdini Escape Room. Visit the website to find the latest prices and book your experience. The price per person decreases based on the number of people in your group. Find out more: mindgame.co.za; 087 238 2524
The Drum Shack
Head to the Drum Shack for an afternoon of musical education with a drumming teacher. This is a great group activity for kids and adults alike, so definitely get the whole family involved. Find out more: drumshack.org; 083 704 4879
