Durban

KwaZulu Natal South Africa

Durban - Urban Vibes
‘Durbs by the Sea’ (as it is affectionately known) is a veritable playground for those with fun and sun on their minds.
The coastal city offers year-round sunshine, and virtually no winter - this makes it the perfect venue to kick back and celebrate tropical urban life.

Night Moves
This friendly city has lots to offer the night proverbial night owl….

Sundowner Spot:
Durban boasts a number of bars and pubs for those who enjoy a festive sundowner at the end of the day:
Bean Bag Bohemia (BBB) in the suburb of Greyville is a real favourite amongst locals and visitors. An abundant cocktail menu is always up for grabs any day of the week. Of course on the weekends BBB bursts at the seams with those seeking a laid-back good time.

Wharf Living:
Wilson’s Wharf, overlooking the Durban Harbour and the Natal Royal Yack club is host to a few choice pubs and restaurants. Sit on the wooden decks with your daiquiri or feast on a smorgasbord of the freshest seafood while watching the twinkling lights of the harbour by night.

Bar Stop:
The city boasts a number of chic cosmopolitan bars and pubs, try out Havana Grill & Wine Bar for a chilled chardonnay or magical merlot accompanied by a Cuban cigar (the real deal); Saint Verde in Berea is another hot option with the in-crowd and Florida Road’s Zeta Bar is an absolute must. Of course having a gin and tonic on the verandah of the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks is simply compulsory for any well-heeled traveler.

Nightclubs:
Durban has a few very decent nightclubs on offer including Tilt and 330 for those who don’t require any beauty sleep at all. Consult the local newspaper regarding up-to-date diaries of events.

Durban Dining
This tropical city is no slouch when it comes to eating out, Durban offers up the finest fare from seafood platters, to hotter than hot curries to unfussy urban offerings.Some favourite restaurants include:
· 9th Avenue Bistro in Morningside for the cosmopolitan palate.
· Café 1999 (Berea) for Meditterranean delicacies and more.
· For island fare visit Umhlanga’s Ille Maurice restaurant (just like visiting your favourite Indian Ocean Island, without having to pay the airfare).
· Or pop into the Jaipur Palace for a glorious vindaloo (what would a visit to Durbs be with an original Indian speciality).

Ushaka A family Affair
Durban’s Ushaka Marine World, celebrates marine life in a fun and fabulous way…great for kids and adults alike. Ushaka offers a wealth of exciting experiences for everyone. The Sea World aquarium (touted as one of the top five in the world) has a 1200-seater dolphin stadium, a touch pool, a snorkel reef and a seal stadium. Ushaka follows a creative shipwreck theme throughout, with the main centerpiece being a life-size 1920’s steamer. Don’t forget UShaka’s Wet ‘n Wild Fun Park (offering a number of terrifying rides including the ‘Stuka’ freefall slide and the notorious ‘Kamikaze’, a five-lane downhill racer for those with a competitive spirit). If you prefer your feet on solid ground, the Ushaka beach is simply superb and the nearby African-themed village is offers up a wealth of shopping and dining experiences.

Boutique Hotels
Durban has a wealth of great mega-hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and of course discreet boutique hotels. Here are few of the best:
· Quarters Hotel in Florida Road, Berea is one of Durban’s best-kept secrets. This intimate spot is the ideal home-away-from home for the traveler with an eye for detail.
· La Bordello, This awesome Greyville haven was once a house of ill repute….but you will be forgiven for tapping into your more hedonistic side – the establishment is a bohemian hideaway for those not shy to enjoy the good things in life.
· 164 Guesthouse & Bar. You will find this quaint establishment in the heart-centre of Berea, understated and largely stylish this guesthouse is known for its superb home-cooked breakfasts.

Major Attractions
So you’re a city slicker with limited time to spend in Durban? Well here is a quick run-down of some of the major attractions that you can do in a day:
· Don’t miss the cultural heartbeat of Durban, to be found at the BAT centre. A haven for artists and creative-types that features anything from live poetry readings to impromptu jam sessions. Great arts and crafts on sale too.
· Tropical and exotic, Durban’s Botanical Gardens has one of the most impressive cycad collections in the world. The area is a very popular picnic spot for Durban families, and there are also an outdoor concert events calendar to look out for.
· Visit the Durban Waterfront and take a stroll on one of the longest promenades around. Take in some of the best beaches on the KZN coastline and if you’re a surfer … what are you waiting for, take to the waves
· Shopping in Durban is nothing short of spectacular, visit The Workshop, the Gateway Centre in Umhlanga, the African Art Centre and the Victoria Street Market just for starters.
· When it comes to museums, you could be busy for days, try out the Durban Natural Science Museum (great for the kids) and get to know Zulu history a little better at the Local History Museum.

Day Trips
Durban is a great base for day-trips. One can go to the North and South coasts, or take a drive to St Lucia Greater Wetlands Park (a World Heritage Site) or make waves inland and head out to the Natal Midlands for high tea and bit of polo perhaps?If you are looking for beach, beach and more beach – the North and South coasts of KZN have much to offer. On the North Coast the beaches of Umdloti, Umhlanga and Ballito are extremely popular. The South Coast has a wide variety of beaches to choose from – from the more popular venues of Margate and Ramsgate to the more relaxed venues of Southbroom and Port St John’s.

Spiritual delights
If you’re in the need of some spiritual upliftment, why not visit the spectacular Hare Krishna Temple just outside Durban. This colourful temple is one of the finest in the country and all visitors are always welcome. Enormous pictures of the Krishna deities will great you at the door and there is always the most delicious (vegetarian) food on offer. The Krishna community are only too happy to share their world with you.

Pongolo Game Reserve, Self Catering
Durban, Tel: +27 (0)34 435 1123
www.pongolagamereserve.co.za

Over the topp, B&B
95 ellis Park Drive Durban North KZN,
Tel: +27 (0)31 563 4881
www.overthetopp.co.za

Sharks Den, B&B
Durban North, Tel: +27 (0)31 572 2805

The Willows, B&B
8 Holmpark Place, Durban North, Tel: +27 (0)31 564 9584
www.thewillows.co.za

Big Five, B&B
2 Spring Road, Westville, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 3629, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 267 2537

Ekhaya B&B
10 Blckhurst Avenue, Berea, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 4067, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 02 4321

Kwa Rush Motel
P.O.Box 54640, Umlazi, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 4031, South Africa, Tel:+27 (0)31 907 2329

Lalesta Lodge, B&B
21/25 Southridge road, Berea 4067, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 4067, South Africa, Tel: +27 (0)31 201 0786
www.lalesta.co.za

Makaranga Garden Lodge
P.O.Box 385, Kloof, Durban, Kwazulu Natal,3640, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 764 6616
www.makaranga.com

Mandulo Guest House
245 Grosvenor Road, Glenmore, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 261 1335

Maliba Mountain Lodge
Postnet Suite 47, Private Bag x3, Westville, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 3630, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 266 1344
www.maliba-lodge.com

Olwandile Suite Hotel
110 Stranger Street, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)31 332 9972

Ridgeview Lodge
17 Loudoun Rd, Off South Ridge Rd, Berea, Durban, Kwazlu Natal, 4001, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0)31 202 9777
www.ridgeview.co.za

Sica's Guest House
P.O.Box 30059, Mayville, 4058, Kwazulu Natal, 4058, South Africa,
Tel: +27 (0)31 261 2768
www.sica.co.za