LEISURE ACTIVITIES/THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA

Durban Stadium - Walk on the Sky at Moses Mabhida Stadium

Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the enormous stadium has many adrenaline inducing activities on offer.
The Sky Car, a single cabin that runs up steel tracks on the northern arch of the stadium and is designed to roll down the arch under its own gravity (in case of load shedding), has a 106m vantage point.
Tickets cost R60 per adult and R30 for kids under the age of 12.

There’s also the Big Swing ride, the tallest swing in the world since 2011 (at R695 per person it exceeds our budget but is cheaper than skydiving and looks just as nerve-wracking).
Then there’s a Big Sky Walk along the arch of the stadium (don’t look down!) or a beach glide on a Segway for those seeking a more serene adventure.
The Beach Glide costs R250 for 45 minutes.

44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban.
Call: 031 582 8222.

Open Monday to Sunday, from 09:00 – 17:00.

Botanical Gardens

The Durban Botanical Gardens boasts the rarest cyca Insert/Remove Numbered Listd collection in the world. Cycads, have been around before the dinosaurs and have survived three mass extinction events although they are in danger of extinction today. Wood’s Cycad is reputed to be the world’s rarest plant. You can find it growing peacefully near the old reservoir.
The orchid collection and palm grove are also worth visiting.
Entrance to the gardens is free.
Attend one of the concerts at the lake which take place throughout the year. Read up on the concert schedule and buy tickets.

9A John Zikhali Road, Berea, Durban.

Open Monday to Sunday from 07:30 – 17:45 in summer, and from 07:30 – 17:30 in winter.

Conquer the waves at Wave Park Gateway

The Wave Park at Gateway flaunts some great waves. Tear things up on the Flow rider or for something a little tamer have a go on the Supertube rides (perfect for keeping the kids busy in the school holidays).
The Flow rider is R140 an hour.
The supertube costs R150 for the whole day.

Galaxy Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Palm Boulevard, Durban.
Call: 031 584 9400.

Open Monday to Sunday, from 08:30 – 17:00.

Eat Curry

Also known at Sunrise Chip ‘N Ranch, Johnny’s Rotis is an institution. You haven’t been to Durban if you haven’t eaten the triple cheese and chip roti with mutton gravy after a night of jolling hard. They’re open 24/7.

89 Sparks Road, Durban. Call: 031 209 2020.

Open 24 hours.

House of Curries

Famous for their tender lamb curry, mini-bunny chows and spicy bean curry, House of Curries is an old favourite on Florida Road. Relaxed Durban vaab for days.
You can choose a main course for under R100.

275 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban.
Call: 031 303 6076.

Open Monday to Sunday, from 09:00 – 22:30.

Spice Emporium

A trip to Durban wouldn’t be complete without trying out the hot dishes that form part of the city’s famed reputation! One of the most unconventional treats you must taste is a spicy pineapple from the Spice Emporium. Besides the mix of sweet and hot, you’ll also find a huge stock of spices at the emporium.

31 Monty Naicker Road, Durban.
Call: 031 332 5888

Open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 – 17:00, and Sunday from 09:30 – 15:30.

Umhlanga Pier – the Most Beautiful Pier in the World

CNN has crowned Umhlanga Pier the most beautiful pier in the world. The whale-bone skeleton structure is striking and the favourite of sunset Instagrammers.
The pier also performs an important function as an extension of an underground culvert that helps disperse excess storm water into the sea.

McCausland Crescent, Umhlanga.
Call: 083 587 7573

KZN SA Gallery

This modern, airy building is an inviting space. Along with upcoming and experimental artists the gallery has an extensive collection of well-known South African artists such as Penny Siopis and Isaac Sithole. Enjoy a cold drink and cheese cake in the gallery café which spills out into the garden.
Entrance is free.

166 Bulwer Road.
Call: 031 277 1705.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00, and Sunday from 10:00 – 15:00.

Moses Mabhida Stadium – Big Rush Big Swing

The Big Rush Big Swing has been officially named the world’s tallest swing by the Guinness Book of Records since 14 May 2011.
Not your average swing, the aptly named Big Swing allows you to take the thrilling leap swinging out into a massive 220m arc where you soar into the centre of the stadium.

Go on, take the leap.