You guessed it……Durban will be our next stop………

This is an interesting excerpt I found about the city:

Until the 1970s, DURBAN was regarded as white South Africa’s quintessential seaside playground – a status fostered by its tropical colours, oversized vegetation and an itinerant population of surfers, hedonists and holidaying Jo’burg families. Then, in the 1980s, the collapse of apartheid population-influx controls saw a growing stream of Africans flood in from rural KwaZulu-Natal – and even from as far afield as central Africa – to stake their claims in the city centre, with shantytowns and cardboard hovels revealing the reality of one of the most unmistakably African conurbations in the country.

South Africa’s third-largest city is a thriving industrial centre and the largest port in Africa. Its beachfront pulls thousands upon thousands of white Jo’burgers down to “Durbs” every year, while the harbour remains a photogenic place for meandering or eating and drinking at the dockside. Another unmistakable feature of Durban is a legacy of the city’s Indian population (its second-largest group): mosques, bazaars and temples, festooned with wildly coloured deities, stand juxtaposed with the Victorian buildings marking out the colonial centre.

As this article says the Jo’burgers or “Vaalies” as we used to be called, flock to Durbs for a lekker holiday………it is one of my most favorite vacation spots in the world.   Since I left, of course, my parents bought a vacation apartment right on Illovo beach, see the pictures below.

Besides for these amazing accommodations, the ocean a few footsteps away, a swimming pool and relaxing environment there are numerous other entertaining things to do in Durban.  The best of which I would say is:

The world class uShaka Marine World, situated in Durban, South Africa, opened its turnstiles to the general public on April 30th 2004. Close to three years in the making, uShaka has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban’s Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness.

uShaka has bought together cultures, like no other place in Africa – into a safe, secure and clean environment that resonates the sound of fun, laughter and the spirit of togetherness. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the day-time operations of Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night time festivities of the Village Walk.

the end of Golden Mile in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal lies a world of sun, surf, entertainment and wild water rides. Spanning over 15 hectares of prime beachfront, uShaka Marine World is Africa’s largest marine theme park and home to the fifth-largest aquarium in the world. Durban is famous for its beaches and that’s exactly what you will find at uShaka.

uShaka Marine World incorporates fresh and sea water, natural materials and the recreation of a 1920s shipwreck, all drawn together by indigenous African imagery, lush vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban.

I really want to be able to do this place the justice it deserves, check out the link at http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/about-us
I have included a couple pictures below:

When researching tourism in Durban I couldn’t help but chuckle when the following popped up

Ice Rink, Ethekwini

the description is as follows:
The Ice-rink is located to the west of Mini-town on the Durban Beachfront. It is a pretty standard rink although the ice can become a little soft by the end of the day. Skates can be hired for a small fee, though they can be hit and miss, varying between shockingly old and well worn, to fairly new. Be sure to bring a thick pair of socks. There is a safe deposit room where you can leave your shoes. Please check the website for timings as these vary with the days of the week. 

Please don’t get me wrong, I have had some of the best times of  my life on trips to Durban for hockey.  But what they fail to mention is that while this may be a ‘standard rink’ it is only big enough to play 3 on 3 and there is no Zamboni, so when they say the ice gets a little soft, think of an ice rink in a town where the average temperature is probably 80 to 90 degrees and a below standard refrigeration system, so saying the ice gets soft is putting it very politically correct!!  😉

Moses Mabhida Stadium

When I was in South Africa in April 2010 I was lucky enough to tour this stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup as my uncle was in charge of installing all the fire prevention/sprinklers/smoke detectors etc.
Info and pictures below:

With its “arch of triumph”, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a defining landmark similar to Sydney’s Opera House or The London Eye.

In addition to this internationally acclaimed engineering feat, the multi-disciplinary aspect of the stadium’s design allows the stadium to host a wide range of sporting and cultural events, putting it on a par with other international venue’s such as the Stade du France and Wembley Stadium.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium has changed the way we view sporting venues in South Africa. A stadium may be venerated as the scene of many an epic clash, but it need not be a monolith that only comes alive on “match day” – or when the members of the band plug in their guitars.

Recognizing this, many sporting venues have sought to become multi-functional by hosting other events, but this still means the stadium is in use only at specific times.

By contrast, the Moses Mabhida Stadium with its facilities is not only a tourist attraction in its own right, but also the centrepiece of the King’s Park Sporting Precinct, which will support a wide range of sporting, commercial, cultural, retail and leisure activities seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 
Of course what would South Africa be without shopping and a casino……. surprise, surprise for these needs there is

Sun Coast Casino

Set amongst towering palm trees and nestled against the beachfront along Durban’s “Golden Mile”, you will find 26 hectares of entertainment heaven – Sun Coast Casino & Entertainment World.  The complex is a haven of sun and fun with its Miami South Beach Art Deco style architecture, and offers an array of gaming, shopping and entertainment pursuits. 

Opened in November 2002, SUNCOAST is a gambler’s paradise. The casino is the largest in Durban, boasting 1 330 slot machines and 50 gaming tables, as well as an exclusive Salon Prive called 77 Ocean Drive for higher limit slots and tables.

With 12 restaurants and fast food outlets, kid’s entertainment, 8 cinemas, SUNdeck, Boardwalk and a dance bar, Sun Coast offers something for everyone, and is a premier entertainment destination for the whole family.

 

This is by no means a complete listing of activities to do while in Durban but we will be spending time with familiy as well and some general R&R, and of course a trip or three to Lords & Legends.   Now to just get the tickets BOOKED!!!!!!!!!!