Durban - Despite what people say about the Western Cape and Cape Town, Durban is still the leader in the domestic tourism market – so if you are a lucky local, staying put for your holidays is a bonus.
In line with global trends, many people are electing to spend their holidays at home.
There are advantages – it’s cheaper, you have time to relax, and you get the chance to do things in your environment that you never usually have time to do.
The trick is to behave as if you are a tourist visiting another city. Remember, rest, relax and enjoy.
1 Go out for breakfast
There is something civilised about going out for breakfast, reading the paper while you sip your cappuccino or watch the world go by. Try different venues in areas you wouldn’t normally visit.
There are plenty along the beachfront promenade. Wilson’s Wharf or the yacht clubs are good options, and there are many spots along The Valley of a Thousand Hills route. For a slightly more posh experience, pop in at the Durban Country Club or drive to the Oyster Box or Beverly Hills.
2 Avoid shopping
If you were abroad, it is unlikely you would be pushing a trolley around a busy shopping mall, so don’t do it while on holiday at home.
If you must shop – make it an adventure or an outing. Walk to the bakery, deli or corner cafe, or the Saturday or Sunday farmers markets.
3 Do family projects
Get into the garden. Visit nurseries and involve the kids in planting the veggie seedlings and designing the beds. When you’re not under pressure, gardening is therapeutic. Clean out the garage, clear out your cupboards, paint the gate. Even though this may feel like work, it can be satisfying.
4 Hit the beach
The problem with living in a coastal town is that one takes the ocean for granted, and tends to spend money holidaying in Mauritius or the Seychelles.
But Durban has some beautiful beaches, as do many little coastal spots like Bazley, Pennington or Elysium on the south coast or Blythsdale and Zinkwazi on the north coast. Explore one you don’t know.
5 Take long walks
This may entail getting up early, but don’t rush or make a mission of it. Walk around your neighbourhood. Stop for coffee and a croissant at a shop you’ve been meaning to try. Walk around the city.
It is common to overlook buildings and places of interest. There are fascinating city walks and you may be surprised at how enriching and fun this can be.
Durban has Hindu Temple tours, city walking tours, art deco tours, and the fish, veg and muti market, which is the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Take a guide.
Contacts: City Tours: 031 322 4173/031 322 4205
Street Scene: 031 321 5079
6 Take a hike
There are any number of interesting hikes in and around the city. Or load a daypack with snacks and water and head for the hills. Close to Durban are Kloof and Giba gorges with a number of trails and spots where you can swim in the pools and frolic under the waterfalls.
Shongweni Dam has some lovely guided hikes where you can see giraffe, plenty of antelope and buffalo. Further afield is Oribi Gorge, which has forested trails, pools and waterfalls and some of the best adventure sports spots in the province.
7 Visit Museums
You may surprise yourself. Museums are peaceful as well as informative. In Durban, kids love the natural history museum, or drive to the Gandhi settlement and Ohlanga Institute in Inanda, or the more unusual museum such Bergtheil German Museum in Westville. Or pop into an art gallery.
8 Have a picnic
Select a park, a beach or a pretty spot, pack a lunch – or a breakfast or some sundowner snacks. Invite friends with children and spend the day lazing under the trees eating. Or have a night picnic on a blanket in your garden. The kids will love it.
9 Head for the hills
The Midlands Meander has something for everyone from tea and scones to lunch or an early dinner. Head to the Karkloof farmers’ market, stop at Karkloof Canopy Tours or the Karkloof Falls picnic site and loll on the grass and cool off in the water. Visit art galleries, craft shops and the Mandela capture site.
10 Try the tourist traps
Go to uShaka Marine World and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Take a Segway tour. You’re on holiday, spend money.
If you’re adventurous, swing off the arch. Visit the Wavehouse at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Head to the beach for a surfing lesson.
Do some “retro” tourist experiences like visiting Mini Town, taking high tea at the OysterBox Hotel or having crumpets and the works at the Botanic Gardens.
Have fun.
The Mercury