Durban – now officially hailed as a New7Wonders city of the world – is a holidaymakers paradise with a wide variety of activities and events to keep everyone occupied. There are malls, museums, markets, music and movies galore, pantomimes, picnics and the Petshop Boys – and of course, the beach. Here are just some of the things to do and places to go.
1 Sinder-Fella…the Festive Season adult panto at Suncoast until December 30. Bookings on [email protected] or 083 259 2690, or book online at www.computicket.com.
2 Aladdin…At the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until January 11. But hurry, it usually sells out quickly. Booking is through Computicket. For block bookings of 10 or more, contact Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690 or [email protected].
3 Under the Covers (music)… Rhumbelow Theatre, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, December 12, 13 and 14. Book at Computicket or phone Roland on 082 4998636.
4 Christmas Rocks…Rhumbelow, December 16-21…Ring Roland on above number.
5 Knowing You – Knowing Me…At the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, until December 21. Book at Computicket Shoprite Checkers outlets, by calling 086 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com
6 B!#ch Stole My Doek…At the Catalina Theatre, until December 21. Bookings as above.
7 Thrice Upon a Time!...Rhumbelow Durban until December 22. It tells three favourite children’s stories, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the Three Little Pigs, all enacted through delicate shadow puppetry work. Book at Computicket or phone Ailsa on 083 250 2690.
8 The Princess & The Frog…Catalina Theatre until January 10. Bookings through Computicket at Shoprite Checkers outlets or by phone on 086 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
9 Royal Natal Yacht Club…is a hive of activity on Wednesday nights as yachtsmen and woman take to the water in the Twilight Sailing Series. If you are interested in sailing, contact Kearin on 031 301 5425.
10 uShaka Marine World…see the Dolphins By Starlight, December 12-14.
11 Also daily dolphin, seal and penguin shows.
12 Wet ‘n Wild…epic slides from the adrenalin-pumping Body Tornado, to Mamba, Squid, Zoom, Zoom, Plunge, Drop Zone.
13 Sea World Aquarium.
14 uShaka Kids World entertainment area.
15 Village Walk(the shopping centre at uShaka Marine World).
16 Moses Mabhida Stadium…the Big Rush Big Swing.
17 Sky Car… also at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
18 The Stadium adventure walk To find out more call 031 582 8242.
19 i Heart Market at the Stadium on December 17 from 9am-2pm. Crafts, gifts, food.
20 Essenwood Market, Stephen Dlamini Road, on Saturday’s from 9am-2pm.
21 Wonder Market, Chris Saunders Park, uMhlanga on December 14 from 9am-3pm.
22 Shongweni Farmers and Craft Annual Christmas Market, 1 Fraser Road, Assagay, on December 16 from 9am-4pm.
23 The Amphimarket(Durban’s oldest flea market), Pavilion site, Every Sunday 8am-4pm.
24 Warwick Avenue flea market is probably the busiest place in Durban, for an interesting mix of traders from fruits sellers to spice merchants to African traditional healers.
25 Mini Town(now refurbished) for scale models of the best-known buildings, at beachfront. Tel: 031 337 7892.
26 Galleria Mall and Arbour Crossing, eManzimtoti.
27 Pavilion Shopping Centre, Westville.
28 Gateway Shopping Centre, uMhlanga.
29 Musgrave Shopping Centre, Durban.
30 La Lucia Shopping Centre.
31 Movies…The Hobbit is back.
32 Natural Science Museum, first floor Durban City Hall.
33 KwaMuhle Museum(it documents the apartheid era), 130 Bram Fischer (previously Ordnance) Road.
34 Free fitness classes by lifestyle and wellness expert, Lisa Raleigh at Suncoast Casino Sundeck, Monday-Friday at 5.30pm and Saturday (kick-boxing) 7am and Zumba (8.15am).
35 Sharks Board does shark dissections, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9am and 2pm.
36 Stainbank Nature Reserve, 13km of running, walking trails and a challenging 10km mountain bike trail. 6am-6pm.
37 Botanic Gardens, a pleasant place for those who want some time to themselves. Wander the orchid house. While you’re there stop off for crumpets and cream scones at the cafe.
38 Inanda Dam for jet-skiing, power boating and canoeing or head off there with your picnic basket for a day in the outdoors.
39 Umgeni River Bird Park which is open from 9am-5pm every day, except Christmas Day.
40 Max’s Lifestyle restaurant is by far the most happening place to go eat shisa nyama, have a couple of sundowners and party, in Umlazi, KZN’s biggest township. Tel: 031 906 1393.
41 Watch out for an 8m Christmas tree being installed in eManzimtoti on Friday. It is next to the Lagoon, but you will be able to see it from the freeway.
42 The Lizzard Summer Surf Competition, uMhlanga, December 13-14.
43 Party In the Park, Chris Saunders Park, uMhlanga, December 13
44 The Jockey trail run/walk at uMhlanga promenade (main beach) at 6am, December 14.
45 Wonder market & Carols By Candlelight, Chris Saunders Park, uMhlanga, December 14.
46 Ocean Heroes Surf Ironman Series, uMhlanga main beach, December 15 (2pm-4pm).
47 Durban Summer Festival, Bridge City, December 16.
48 Carols By Candlelight, uMhlanga, December 18, 6.30pm-8.15pm.
49 Just Juice Mr and Miss uMhlanga, December 19, 10am-2pm.
50 Celebrate Summer, uShaka Beach, December 19-24.
51 Petshop Boys, Moses Mabhida Stadium, December 19 (www.mmstadium.com).
52 Aquafest(the country’s “biggest party” with 30 DJs), New Beach, Durban, December 20.
53 Hip-Hop Festival, Outdoor Deport, KwaMakutha, December 20-21, 9am-5pm.
54 Maynards Beach Festival with ECR, uShaka Beach, December 21-22,
55 Multi-cultural free Christmas gospel festival, Gugu Dlamini Park, December 24-26.
6 Durban Underground Concert, Moses Mabhida Stadium, December 23-26.
57 Durban Jazz Festival, Moses Mabhida Stadium east grounds, December 26.
58 Fact Durban Rocks, Moses Mabhida Stadium, December 31.
59 Durban Fest, Greyville Racecourse, infield, December 27, (www.durbanfest.co.za).
60 Ibiza world tour, Wavehouse, Gateway, December 30 (www.computicket.com).
61 uMhlanga New Year’s Eve Party, Chris Saunders Park, December 31.
62 Street Ball, City Hall, December 31.
63 Gospel All Stars, Centrum Parking Site, December 31.
64 Fresh New Year’s Eve at The Pavilion, December 31. Bookings at computicket.
65 Umgababa New Year’s picnic, January 1.
66 Woza enanda urban walks and cultural tours for the new year, from January 1.
67 What about a visit to a lighthouse? Cooper Lighthouse at Brighton Beach can be viewed by appointment. Tel: 031 459 1795.
68 Or a trip to Phansi Museum, with its marionette room, housing 30 human-size puppets in ceremonial dresses from across southern Africa. It is at Esher Road, Glenwood, tel: 031 206 2889.
69 You could also visit Splash water world in eManzimtoti.
70 Or dive the Aliwal Shoal.
71 Maybe visit Crocworld in Scottburgh.
72 Then there is shark cage diving in eMkhomazi.
73 And ice-skating at Galleria shopping centre, eManzimtoti.
74 And white river rafting in eMkhomazi.
75 Go on a boat ride around the bay.
76 Or take a ride on the ricksha bus around Durban. It’s the best way to get an overall perspective of the city.
77 Then there is the Durban Holocaust Centre. Tel: 031 368 6833.
78 Go for a jog along the Golden Mile.
79 How about a tour of the South African Sugar Terminal at Maydon Wharf. Ring 031 365 8153.
80 Go for a surfing lesson at uShaka.
81 Then there is Giba Gorge, a mountain bike park outside Durban. Tel: 031 769 1527.
82 Not forgetting Gandhi’s impressive Phoenix settlement home in Inanda where Gandhi stayed before leaving for India.
83 PheZulu Safari Park, 35km from central Durban. A Zulu dancing and culture experience, plus croc and snake park.
84 Do a tandem skydive with an instructor with a 35 second freefall. Gift vouchers available. Tel: 072 214 6040.
85 Helicopter tours, scenic flights over Durban with KZN Aviation. Tel: 031 564 6215.
86 Did you know that the Britannia Hotel(Tel: 031 303 2266) is famous for its bunny chow? Look for bunny chow at other hotels and restaurants too.
87 How about a microlight flight over the Durban beachfront or to uMhlanga beachfront and the lighthouse? Call 083 7033329 or book via www.durbanskyye.co.za.
88 Then there is the Karkloof canopy tour, a zip line adventure, just one hour from Durban. Tel: 076 241 2888.
89 The Stables Lifestyle Market, with extra trading from December 12. Tel: 031 312 3058.
90 There is also night racing at Greyville Race Course every Friday (including December 26). It starts at 5.30pm, but will start at 4.20pm on the 26th as that is a bumper day.
91 There is a new Braai Zone at Greyville Race Course, operating on race days, where members of the braai club do the cooking.
92 Don’t forget Funworld on the Upper Marine Parade, where you can view Durban by cablecar. And yes, it is open Christmas Day.
93 Did you know there is a Green Hub, on the south bank of the uMngeni River, where you can hire canoes, mountain bikes and pedal cars? Tel: 031 322 6026/7 or www.durbangreencorridor.co.za.
94 Why not visit the African Art Centre at 94 Florida Road, for high quality hand-crafted products? Tel: 031 3123804.
95 Mr Funtubbles Fabulous Family Fun Fair at Gateway. Tel: 031 332 9776 for details.
96 African Bird of Prey Sanctuary, just off the N3 on the Lion Park road. Shows at 10.30am weekdays (closed Mondays) and 10.30am and 3pm weekends. Tel: 031785 4382 or 082 9253 0023.
97 Take a trip out of town to Howick and visit the Nelson Mandela capture site. Take your camera too.
98 Go on a guided walking tour of the Indian district. Details from the Durban Tourism office at the beachfront.
99 What about a relaxing spa treatment. They are available at hotels, uShaka Marine World and Sibaya Casino (Mangwanani).
100 For a two-hour boat experience from Wilson’s Wharf and a shark net experience, tel 031 082 403 9206 or see www.shark.co.za. Booking is essential.
101 Chill on the beach and write down those New Year resolutions!