1. The Moses Mabidha big swing
If you're like me, and not so keen on bungee jumping head first off a bridge, but you still want an adrenalin pumping experience you will never forget, then go for the big swing at Moses Mabidha Stadium. First you swing upright above the entire length of the field below you, and then you boast that you went on the worlds tallest swing! This is on my bucket list, and I am going to cross it off before the end of this year. For more information on prices and booking, follow this link:
http://www.mmstadium.com/attractions/big-swing/
If you're like me, and not so keen on bungee jumping head first off a bridge, but you still want an adrenalin pumping experience you will never forget, then go for the big swing at Moses Mabidha Stadium. First you swing upright above the entire length of the field below you, and then you boast that you went on the worlds tallest swing! This is on my bucket list, and I am going to cross it off before the end of this year. For more information on prices and booking, follow this link:
http://www.mmstadium.com/attractions/big-swing/
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| Image from mmstadium.com |
2. Durban Harbour
The Durban Harbour is a place that really doesn't get enough attention from tourists and residents alike. There are beautiful yachts and boats bobbing up and down in the marina, a selection of restaurants to sit and watch all the action, and lovely little stalls and markets to buy proudly South African items. There is also a boat museum to check out for added interest. The best part of a visit to the Durban harbour is the various boat rides you can enjoy! I went on such a fun and informative boat ride with a friend of mine last year, and it really is value for money. As you arrive at any time of the day you can book a half hour session and see gigantic ships close up, as well as get a better idea of what goes on in the harbour.
The Durban Harbour is a place that really doesn't get enough attention from tourists and residents alike. There are beautiful yachts and boats bobbing up and down in the marina, a selection of restaurants to sit and watch all the action, and lovely little stalls and markets to buy proudly South African items. There is also a boat museum to check out for added interest. The best part of a visit to the Durban harbour is the various boat rides you can enjoy! I went on such a fun and informative boat ride with a friend of mine last year, and it really is value for money. As you arrive at any time of the day you can book a half hour session and see gigantic ships close up, as well as get a better idea of what goes on in the harbour.
3. The Factory Cafe
I am obsessed with The Factory Cafe, its not even a joke. Together with Columbo Coffee (huge fan), they have created a mixture of instagram-worthy decor and art, a cool laid-back vibe, and one of the best cappuccinos I have ever had. That says a lot coming from someone who has had coffee in Italy! Situated in lower Glenwood, 369 Magwaza Maphalala Road, this is one place that you will keep coming back to.
I am obsessed with The Factory Cafe, its not even a joke. Together with Columbo Coffee (huge fan), they have created a mixture of instagram-worthy decor and art, a cool laid-back vibe, and one of the best cappuccinos I have ever had. That says a lot coming from someone who has had coffee in Italy! Situated in lower Glenwood, 369 Magwaza Maphalala Road, this is one place that you will keep coming back to.
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| Image from thisisdurban.com |
4. Beach Bums
This is one of those places only locals really know about, because it is off the beaten track and authentically Durban based. It originally started off as a rustic backpackers, but over the last few years Beach Bums has become a popular hot spot in Durban. This beach bar lives up to its name in that it is actually situated on the beach-could it get any better than that on a hot day? With some of the best cocktails around, be sure to try the signature jam jar in various flavours but beware of the kick! There is also an old graffiti spattered house right next to Beach Bums, which is a great venue for unique photos with friends.
This is one of those places only locals really know about, because it is off the beaten track and authentically Durban based. It originally started off as a rustic backpackers, but over the last few years Beach Bums has become a popular hot spot in Durban. This beach bar lives up to its name in that it is actually situated on the beach-could it get any better than that on a hot day? With some of the best cocktails around, be sure to try the signature jam jar in various flavours but beware of the kick! There is also an old graffiti spattered house right next to Beach Bums, which is a great venue for unique photos with friends.
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| Image from beautyshoutbox.blogspot.com |
5. Cable cars and Mini town
Situated along the Snell Parade (the main Durban beach front road), both the cable cars and mini town are fantastic activities to do, incorporating true Durban culture and a fun time for everyone. Not for the faint-hearted, the cable cars are the cheapest and most exciting way to see Durban from a birds eye view. Alongside the cable cars are other rides and swimming pools to enjoy. Mini town is literally a mini version of the city of Durban, including the airport, the CBD and old government buildings. This is great for kids and family to experience, and the beach is right there for you to end off the day afterwards!
Situated along the Snell Parade (the main Durban beach front road), both the cable cars and mini town are fantastic activities to do, incorporating true Durban culture and a fun time for everyone. Not for the faint-hearted, the cable cars are the cheapest and most exciting way to see Durban from a birds eye view. Alongside the cable cars are other rides and swimming pools to enjoy. Mini town is literally a mini version of the city of Durban, including the airport, the CBD and old government buildings. This is great for kids and family to experience, and the beach is right there for you to end off the day afterwards!
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| Image from flickr.com |
6. The George
I would say I could give you the best recommendation for bars and places to drink because I used to be a bartender as some of you may already be aware of. The George, situated on Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga (fondly known by Durbanites as 'the village'), is one of those places everyone goes to for a drink after work, or after a day on the beach. It is laid back but sophisticated at the same time, and you are bound to see a Ferrari or two driving past. The service is great, the pub food is delicious and there is always a big crowd at night.
I would say I could give you the best recommendation for bars and places to drink because I used to be a bartender as some of you may already be aware of. The George, situated on Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga (fondly known by Durbanites as 'the village'), is one of those places everyone goes to for a drink after work, or after a day on the beach. It is laid back but sophisticated at the same time, and you are bound to see a Ferrari or two driving past. The service is great, the pub food is delicious and there is always a big crowd at night.
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| Image from getaway.co.za |
7. Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park is a hidden treasure to say the least. What looks like a beautifully kept flower-filled park on the outside, becomes a sanctuary of birds and animals once you enter inside. The cost to get in is next to nothing, and you are able to interact with a menagerie of animals from hundred year old tortoises to exotic lemurs. Situated on the top end of the famous Florida Road, Mitchell Park is very much worth your while for a sunny day out in Durban.
Mitchell Park is a hidden treasure to say the least. What looks like a beautifully kept flower-filled park on the outside, becomes a sanctuary of birds and animals once you enter inside. The cost to get in is next to nothing, and you are able to interact with a menagerie of animals from hundred year old tortoises to exotic lemurs. Situated on the top end of the famous Florida Road, Mitchell Park is very much worth your while for a sunny day out in Durban.
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| Image from kznded.gov.za |
8. The KZNSA art gallery
The KZNSA art gallery is another one of those places in Durban that you either stumble upon or are told by a friend to go to. Hiding in lower Glenwood, this art gallery has so much to offer in terms of artistic variation, imagination and contemporary South African culture. There is also a lovely coffee shop and a locally run shop that sells arts and crafts.
The KZNSA art gallery is another one of those places in Durban that you either stumble upon or are told by a friend to go to. Hiding in lower Glenwood, this art gallery has so much to offer in terms of artistic variation, imagination and contemporary South African culture. There is also a lovely coffee shop and a locally run shop that sells arts and crafts.
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| Image from modernoverland.com |
9. Rent a bike
There cant be many things more exhilarating than riding a bicycle down the golden mile beachfront of Durban, taking in your surroundings and letting the breeze blow through your hair. The entire beachfront boardwalk is neatly paved and hosts a variety of other touristy transport options such as rickshaws and Segways. Observe the local sand artists as they form a new sand sculpture, or stop for an ice cream or cool drink at one of the many shops and restaurants. This is by far the best way to get around the beachfront in Durban.
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| Image from thewolfwilltravel.com |
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| Image from strathmore.co.za |
10. The Oyster Box
If The Oyster Box is good enough for the likes of Khloe Kardashian and Idris Elba, then its most definitely good enough for you. Looking over the Umhlanga coastline, and the famous red and white lighthouse, The Oyster Box is one of the most prestigious upmarket places to go in KZN, boasting colonial architecture and 5-star service. Enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and a glass of red wine in the grill room, or (my personal favourite) dress your best for high tea with a selection of every kind of mini sweet treats imaginable. For table bookings follow this link
www.oysterboxhotel.com
If The Oyster Box is good enough for the likes of Khloe Kardashian and Idris Elba, then its most definitely good enough for you. Looking over the Umhlanga coastline, and the famous red and white lighthouse, The Oyster Box is one of the most prestigious upmarket places to go in KZN, boasting colonial architecture and 5-star service. Enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and a glass of red wine in the grill room, or (my personal favourite) dress your best for high tea with a selection of every kind of mini sweet treats imaginable. For table bookings follow this link
www.oysterboxhotel.com
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| Image from wetu.com |
11. Beachwood beach
Located in Virginia, just past Durban North, Beachwood is one of the few beaches in Durban that is very seldom visited, and the best place to be slightly isolated along with friends and family. If you prefer being far from the bustling crowds and street noises, then this is the perfect beach for an escape. A group of my friends found this beach by default, and now we seem to go there above any other Durban beach. We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to which part of the coast line to take pleasure in, but Beachwood is my number one.
Located in Virginia, just past Durban North, Beachwood is one of the few beaches in Durban that is very seldom visited, and the best place to be slightly isolated along with friends and family. If you prefer being far from the bustling crowds and street noises, then this is the perfect beach for an escape. A group of my friends found this beach by default, and now we seem to go there above any other Durban beach. We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to which part of the coast line to take pleasure in, but Beachwood is my number one.
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| Image from ecr.co.za |
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| Image from grantpitcher.com |
12. Essenwood Market
I had a stage whilst living in Durban that I would haul anyone that was with me to the Essenwood Market on a Saturday morning. Situated at the Essenwood Road Park, it is a smaller weekly market compared to I Heart Durban or The Litchi Orchard in Ballito, but it is well worth your morning. There is no need to wake up super early as it is open from 9am to 2pm (this is Durban hello). There is live music, a variety of stalls from jewelry to second hand clothing, and yummy food such as breakfast burgers and pancakes.
I had a stage whilst living in Durban that I would haul anyone that was with me to the Essenwood Market on a Saturday morning. Situated at the Essenwood Road Park, it is a smaller weekly market compared to I Heart Durban or The Litchi Orchard in Ballito, but it is well worth your morning. There is no need to wake up super early as it is open from 9am to 2pm (this is Durban hello). There is live music, a variety of stalls from jewelry to second hand clothing, and yummy food such as breakfast burgers and pancakes.
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| Image from essenwoodmarket.com |
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