The Good, Better and Best of Durban

Our Karo was fortunate enough to be hosted by SATSA (Southern African Tourism Service Association) for a familiarisation trip to Durban to gain a better understanding of the area. She discovered that, in addition to sunshine, good vibes, and the beauty of the Indian Ocean paired with breathtaking lengths of coastline, Durban is also a hive of activity and fun just waiting to be discovered! Read more about her experience here:

We were met by what is renowned as South Africa's sunshine city and boarded the Ricksha Bus for a scenic tour of the city's main attractions. The Ricksha bus runs a route that passes via the Victoria Street Market, Francis Farewell Square, the seafront, the Berea, Florida Road, Mitchell Park, Morningside, the Cube perspective, Wilson's Wharf, uShaka Marine World and the city centre. This is a great opportunity for newbies visiting Durban to gain a feel for the city.

After a long day, we had the opportunity to dine alongside sharks at uShaka Marine World's Cargo Hold Restaurant. This restaurant has a distinct and elegant ambiance and is located in the stern of the Phantom Ship, with stunning views of the ocean and a shark tank that recreates the majesty of the past.

The following day began with an exploration of the Inanda Heritage Route. Inanda, north of Durban, has rich historical origins. Winding its way through the Inanda Valley, it presents a snapshot of significant South African history. Mahatma Gandhi, a then lawyer, represented an Indian client in this region and stayed to begin his passive resistance campaign here.

Our journey continued to Inanda's Ohlange Institute, which was founded in 1901 by Dr. John L. Dube, the first president of the African National Congress, and where Nelson Mandela voted in South Africa's first democratic elections.

We passed by stunning scenery with views of the Inanda Dam and its impressive Dam Wall until we arrived at a breathtaking view of the Valley of 1000 Hills. We had a one-hour safari game drive into the Valley of a Thousand Hills at Phezulu Safari Park where a variety of plains game such as bush buck, wildebeest, impala, blesbuck, zebra, and giraffe, as well as a variety of bird species, can be seen on the drive.

I opted for Ziplining. This 400-metre Zipline is a thrilling activity that will get your adrenaline pumping and great fun for both young and old. In addition to Ziplining, Highstakes also offer archery, quad biking plus a great deal more!

On Florida Road, we had a fabulous meal at AuthentiQ Bar & Restaurant. Florida Road has established itself as one of the city's trendiest streets, where locals and visitors alike go to shop, eat, drink, mingle, and enjoy Durban's seemingly endless summer.

Before the break of day, we travelled to Aliwal Shoal, one of the few places in the world where we enjoyed the extreme thrill of diving with both Oceanic Blacktip Sharks and Tiger Sharks in the open ocean with NO cage! These apex predators can be found in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just a 20 minute boat ride from the launch site on the Umkomaas River.

Aliwal Shoal was designated as a Marine Protected Area in 2004, baited shark dives are carried out responsibly, with minimal impact on the sharks and no interference with their natural activity. It's also an important but underappreciated conservation strategy that helps to protect shark populations around the world, which are declining due to rising demand in Asia for shark fin, a pricey delicacy. Baited shark dives can provide a significant ecological service by showing the reality about a misunderstood animal that is suffering from modern industrial fishing.

Upon arrival at the optimum position for attracting the sharks the bait drum was lowered into the water, and whilst we waited for the fish to take its effect we received a very detailed briefing of the morning’s events and learned more about the sharks feeding habits and behaviour. The rest is an adrenaline rush like no other and our encounter with these amazing sharks was definitely of the ‘up close and personal’ kind. You don’t want to miss this marine adventure of a lifetime.

Following that amazing experience, Gary's Horses were waiting for us at Amanzimtoti Beach for a Beach Horse Riding excursion. The beach is ideal for a gallop or a gentle canter and on a horseback, there's something magical about observing a location. We took a leisurely stroll while taking in the scenery, and rode down the sweeping sand dunes with fresh air filling our lungs and adrenaline coursing through our veins.

We were hungry by the time we were finished and enjoyed lunch at Max’s Lifestyle Restaurant in Umlazi, where good food is the true basis of happiness. From humble roots Max’s Lifestyle started out as just a butchery and “Shisa nyama” (Informal barbecue where friends come together near a butchery) in a one room shack near a stream and built in front of a former taxi rank in 2002.

The night came to a close with a visit to the historic Moses Mabhida Stadium. We had the opportunity to see both the majesty of the world-famous Moses Mabhida Stadium and the sights and sounds that Durban has to offer along the Golden Mile beachfront. Going inside for a stadium tour or joining a guided stroll up the 500 stairs to the viewing platform on top of the arch is awe-inspiring.

My time in Durban was brief yet full of adventure, and I hope that I have inspired and encouraged you to pack your bags and travel to hidden jewels like Durban, South Africa's third largest city!