For Animal Lovers
KwaZulu-Natal is a safari destination – home to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve as well as Isimangaliso Wetland Park.
Isimangaliso (meaning amazing in isiZulu) is a sight of natures’ beauty for anyone visiting KwaZulu-Natal, for leisure or taking time out from business. The Isimangaliso Wetland Park covers 280 kilometres of coastline. Its’ diverse ecosystem is made up of swamps, lakes, beaches, coral reef and coastal forest.
The park stretches from Kosi Bay in the north to the town of St Lucia in the South. The St Lucia Lake, which runs parallel with the coastline, is also part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, and covers approximately 350 kilometres. The coast and the lake are separated by the largest forested sand dunes. Take the Mississippi-style boat ride for a closer look at the lake’s rich fauna one must.
Zululand Museums
The province embodies the richest history ever documented of the Zulu people in its 34-plus museums. The Isandlwana battle field is situated in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, close to Rorke’s Drift. The province’s museums house beautiful art work and ancient weapons, such as issagai (long throw spear) and Iklwa (short hand stabbing spear) said to have been invented by Shaka Zulu himself.
The battle of the Bloedriver/Ncome can be relived at one of the Ncome museums in Dundee. The river witnessed a great confrontation between Voortrekkers and amaZulu in 1838. The Albert Luthuli Museum opened in August 2004 in KwaDukuza is located in the former home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Chief Albert Luthuli. The museum is the original house that the struggle stalwart lived in with his family, and was a popular meeting place for others during the apartheid struggle.
Shopping
Dubbed the Vic, the Durban Victoria Street Market is the place to go for discounts and bargains on anything and everything. The market was opened in the 1870s before it was moved to its current location, which was built at the beginning of the 1910s. The building burned down in 1973. The new modern two storey building replaced the old one in the 1980s, and now accommodates 170 stalls and underground parking. Although modern, the Victoria Street Market houses the richest Indian culture in Durban. The vendors at the Vic offer a range of African and oriental products.
For the finer things in life and a glimpse at Durban’s celebrities, The Pavilion shopping centre is the place to be. Situated in Westville, close to the N3 highway, The Pavilion is regarded as fashion central because of its impressive number of boutiques. The four-storey is said to attract 1.7 million local and international shoppers a year.
Entertainment
Durban has a lot to offer business travellers looking to explore the province’s night life, with an array of live entertainment at a variety of hotels and multiple theatres. Check out The Playhouse, Sibaya Theatre, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Wilsons Wharf, Catina theatre and the BAT Centre for line ups.
The Litchi Orchid night market, happening every last Friday of the month, is a good way to start a night out, with good food and chill-out space. For a local township experience and to see the who’s who of Durban, the Eyadhini in Mlazi is where the night will turn into morning. The venue is good for fast-pace house music fanatics looking to dance ‘til dawn.
For those looking for less buzz and more relaxation, Billy the Bums is the place to unwind and enjoy flavours of Durban. Billy’s is an up-market establishment that is serious about its food and even more so serious about its ice tea. Rainbow Restaurant and Jazz Club caters for a more mature audience with live jazz music, and is known for having hosted some very famous jazz muscians. Other options for a night out include the Lighthouse bar, Unity Bar & Brasserie, Suncoast Casino, Sibaya Casino, Moses Mabida and the BAT centre. For travellers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city entertainment, KwaZulu-Natal offers the serene calmness of the Drakensberg Mountains, and the spiritual diversity of Hare Krishna Temple.
uShaka Marine world
For some fun in the Durban sun, uShaka Marine World offers entertainment for all ages. Start the day at Sea World with the Wet ‘n Wild adventure park and the uShaka Beach. Then take a stroll through the Village Walk. Touch lizards, spiders and snakes at Dangerous Creatures and get your photo taken in front of the larger-than-life size anaconda mural.
Ushaka Marine World is known for its Xpanda cage dive, which puts you in the water with real sharks. The Sea Animal Encounters Island offers more than sharks; you can feed and swim with seals and dolphins.