January 30, 2012. When the summer sun is shining Durban becomes a playground. Garth Johnstone picks 10 of the coolest things to do in the city and surrounds.
In the picture: Take a drive up the north coast along the M4, past Umhlanga and on to Umdloti, Westbrook and Ballito. Pristine looking lagoons are a feature of this route.
Okay, I admit that a list of 10 of my favourite things to do in Durban was always going to be biased in favour of the great outdoors, that’s just my personal preference, but I do believe there’s something for everyone on this list. There are plenty more that are not included here (think of snorkelling at Ushaka Marine World, dinner at Marco Paulo in Mount Edgecombe or the Beverly Hills Hotel, concerts at the Botanic Gardens, rugby at the Shark Tank etc), which just goes to show how far our city has come in terms of offering quality of lifestyle.
1. Cycle the Durban beachfront: Rent a bike, use your own or borrow one. A long, broad, beautiful stretch of beachfront from Blue Lagoon to Ushaka Beach. Watch the beautiful people stroll by (or trot past all businesslike, surfboard under arm, heading for the sea). What’s not to like?
2. Swim at the Beach Baths, North Beach. One of my favourites. At 6.30am it’s quiet, the pools are clean and well looked after. The sun’s already blazing down. Swim some lengths, or just wallow in the warm water, then go grab a coffee. R7.50 to get into the Beach Baths (Rachel Finlayson pools).
Chilled beer anyone?
3. A chilled beer at the Lighthouse Bar, upstairs in The Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga. A gorgeous room, deep, comfortable chairs, lovely ocean views from the patio. Yes please!
4. Drive up the KZN North Coast: Starting at Umhlanga, head north on the M4 through Umdloti, La Mercy, Westbrook, Ballito and on to Salt Rock. This is a brilliantly green, scenic route and I find the troubles and stresses melt away as soon as I hit the green belt approaching Umhlanga. What about those views of the ocean and north coast lagoons?
5. While you’re there take a stroll on one of the beautiful promenades at Umhlanga, Umdloti or Ballito. You’re spoilt for choice, so go ahead and enjoy our favourable environment.
6. Trail run/walk the Virginia Bush, Durban North. There are carefully maintained tracks through the Virginia Bush. Here, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re really in one of the country’s largest cities.
7. Coffee at Café Jiran near Snake Park beach on the Durban promenade. Well situated, heavily favoured for business meetings. Go grab a coffee or some breakfast and bask in Durban’s summer weather. Celeb watchers, there’s a good chance of spotting a local sports star or one of Durban’s former greats here.
8. Giba Gorge mountain bike park near Mariannhill. Get acquainted with some of the many cycle tracks here, go for a walk or enjoy a light meal in the restaurant/café. Great family environment.
9. Swim at Ushaka Beach. Another goodie from a family environment point of view. The surf here is not vicious as at some of the other beaches, great for those wanting to learn to surf or kids who aspire to be the next Jordy Smith. Of course there’s also the marine park a stone’s throw away, ample parking and Wahoos is popular on a Sunday, where you can listen to the soothing sounds of reggae while sipping on a cold one.
10. Movies at Cinema Nouveau. There’s always, in my opinion, a superior selection of films showcased here, plus there’re all the temptations of Larney’s Café, also situated at this venue. – Garth Johnstone
1 Comment
Where can I see more about cycling as per 1 above?