Sun, sand and sharks in Durban
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Durban is South Africa’s patch of tropical paradise. Its temperate climate, mild winters and sunny beaches attract tourists all year round, but there is more to the city than its sea.
uShaka Marine World is everything one would expect from an ocean-themed park. Water rides, an aquarium and shark cage diving are just some of the things on offer. Under water fun includes Ocean Walker, an opportunity to walk the floor of the open ocean exhibit with a space-like helmet and nothing else between you and the fish. If you prefer to keep your head closer to the surface, you can try the Snorkel Lagoon.
Wet ‘n Wild water park boasts the highest slide in the southern hemisphere. The Drop Zone is 18m of addictive heart-thumping terror that ends in a splash and smiles. The Mamba Tunnel takes you on a roller coaster ride in damp darkness, while the Torpedo Kamikaze is exactly as it sounds – insanity on speed.
Sea World is the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere and the 5th largest aquarium in the world. It’s designed along a Phantom Ship theme and each underground viewing gallery is fashioned after old ship wrecks. Dolphins and seals perform daily and the penguin rockery houses over 60 African Penguins.
The aquarium is not just about phantom wrecks and performances; it also hosts the South African Association for Marine Biological Research, as well as the Oceanographic Research Institute.
If all that marine life gets too much, the Village Walk, with over 80 shops, stores and restaurants offers an interesting diversion, while Rayz Kids World caters to the entertainment needs of children between the ages of two and 10-years old.
Durban Natural Science Museum is one of South Africa’s smallest museums but it has the distinction of being one of its busiest and most interesting. Its mission is to research and make accessible to the public all there is to know about our planet, past, present and possible future. On display are a life-size model of a T-Rex, an Egyptian mummy and Dodo skeleton.
In September 2008, to commemorate its 120th anniversary, two time capsules were buried; one is to be opened in 2057 and the other in 2087.
Among its many services to the community, the museum provides an education service with a variety of activities for children; a network of interactive science centres; specimen identification service; courses, workshops and talks for universities, colleges, schools; excursions led by staff; skills development and a volunteer programme.
Japanese Gardens provide a tranquil setting to get away from the noise and bustle of the city. Everything in the garden, from the clipped hedges to the temples, bridges and ponds are designed to give visitors as authentic a Japanese experience as possible so far away from the Orient. Birds flourish in the gardens (species on display include paradise and black flycatchers, weavers, Egyptian geese and Kurrichane thrush) and the ponds teem with Khoi. It’s perfect for whiling away lazy afternoons with a good book and picnicking or braaing with friends and family.
Juma Musjid was the first mosque built in KwaZulu-Natal and, for a time, was the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. It’s undergone a lot of extensions and alterations over the years with the result that it now reflects an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Many years ago, a girls’ school was built next door to the mosque and now a bridge connects the two buildings; the flat roof of the mosque traditionally used for prayer now also serves a playground.
Its minarets stand out among all the commercial buildings of the area, providing the occasional reminder that there is more to life than business.
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