Sun Days Are Fun Days in Durban
While Capetonians have long boasted of the Mother City being South Africa’s favourite destination, carefree and footloose Durbanites have been harbouring a secret. A little known fact is that South Africa’s third-largest city is also the country’s sporting capital. It has just been named one of the New7Wonders Cities, placing it firmly as a top international destination. Durban offers visitors and locals alike unlimited outdoor entertainment filled with unbeatable fun, sun and sea. The cat is out of the bag, so here’s what makes Durban so special.
Durban, known as eThekweni in Zulu, has also earned itself the affectionate nickname “Funsunsea” in recent years. Its ideal subtropical climate, warm Indian Ocean currents, welcoming locals and unrivalled value for money makes Durban an ideal holiday destination all year round.
For the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the city underwent a major makeover with a new stadium, revamped beachfront, and scores of stylish new hotels and sidewalk cafes. It’s no wonder that Durban was named one of the New7Wonders Cities in December 2014. Along with Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), La Paz (Bolivia) and Vigan (Philippines), Durban has been named as one of the world’s latest and greatest urban hot spots.
In fact, it has so much to offer, that 3.5 million people have made it their home, making Durban the biggest city on the Indian Ocean coastline of Africa. With a history of trading since the era under British colonial rule, the Durban port has grown to become the busiest port in Africa. It is quite literally the point where East meets West, as thousands of indentured labourers came to Durban’s shores from India as far back as the 1850s. Durban is actually home to more Indians than any other city outside of India. This has made Durban famous for its curries and street bunny-chow dishes (which are an absolute must try!).
Durban has managed to create a wonderful mixture of residents, who greet all of their visitors with a warm African smile and the promise of an exciting trip. Throughout the year, holiday-makers from around South Africa and the globe flock to Durban and its surrounding areas to enjoy miles of world class beaches, and huge cultural diversity. Durban is also known as the playground of the Zulu Kingdom. The entire coastline of KwaZulu-Natal boasts some of the best known spots for beach sports. Aliwal Shoal is a world famous dive site offering a wide range of tropical and subtropical fish around its reefs, as well as two wrecks to explore. Surfing is a way of life here, and the Mr Price Pro competition attracts the best surfers in the world. Meanwhile, back on land, the beaches are home to regular volleyball competitions. The speed-freaks also have their choice, as the harbour is home to power boating, and the A1GP Motor Race takes place on the streets of Durban.
Spectators are kept busy with the Natal Sharks rugby team who plays out of the Kings Park stadium, as well as the two Premier League Soccer teams, the Golden Arrows and Amazulu, and finally the Dolphins cricket team who plays from Sahara Stadium Kingsmead.
The country’s most well known horse racing event, the Durban July (now known as the July Handicap) takes place annually at the Greyville Racecourse. Even the golfers get their chance to take in all that Durban has to offer, with one of the country’s finest courses at the Durban Country Club.
If there is one sport that is huge in Durban, though, it is running. The world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon, The Comrades Marathon, takes place between Durban and Pietermaritzburg each year and draws hundreds of thousands of people out onto the streets to run or support. The rest of the year is filled with road running events most weekends, which are often used as training by the athletes for the annual voyage between the two cities. Durban is also host to four 5 km parkrun events, which take place every Saturday morning at 08h00, free of charge, at North Beach, Umhlanga, Amanzimtoti, and Shongweni. Much like the Comrades Marathon, the Dusi Canoe Marathon also takes place between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, finishing in the Blue Lagoon right next to the Durban Country Club. This 120 km paddle takes place over three days and includes a number or portages around rocky river sections.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium stands out on the Durban coastline as an example of unique African architecture. It hosted a number of the 2010 FIFA World Cup games, and is home to the Amazulu Football Club. Beyond that, it is also home to the world’s tallest bungee swing if you are a complete and utter adrenaline junkie!
If you’d prefer something a little more varied, head to the Golden Mile in search of uShaka Marine World, the fifth largest aquarium in the world. Explore underwater wonders by strolling through the underground viewing galleries, or dine amid sharks at the Cargo Hold Restaurant, one of Durban’s most spectacular settings. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, and as an exciting theme park it also offers a wide variety of wet 'n wild rides for the kids.
No matter whether you are in the sun or the sea, Durban is sure to provide you with all the fun that you can imagine.
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