uShaka Marine World offers various activities for the whole family. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the day-time operations of Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night-time festivities of the Village Walk.
By Mbuso Mkhize
uShaka Marine World was opened in 2004 and is situated on Durban’s Golden Mile, a true reflection of the vibrant and different cultures of the city and the province in general.
uShaka Wet n’ Wild
Enjoy slow rides on the lazy river or get your adrenaline pumping on the bigger slides. You can also catch a tan on the large grass relaxation area and dine out in one of the complex’s restaurants.
uShaka Sea World
This is a beautiful area in the park, where you can view a variety of sea animals. It really is an adventure, with dolphin shows, seal shows, penguin presentations and shark dives, which are not for the faint hearted, plus many more activities.
There is also an area for dangerous creatures which is separate from the main aquarium where one could view both local and exotic animals, from rock pythons to Burmese pythons, Nile crocodiles, black mambas, tarantulas, scorpions and gila monsters, to name a few. The beauty of Sea World is that it’s open all year round.
Village Walk
uShaka Marine World is home to one of the greatest shopping experiences, offering shoppers an open air environment and almost anything you can think of to buy, from clothing to traditional African garments and curios.
uShaka Kiddies World
This haven for kids from the ages of 2 to 12 years is designed with jam-packed activities and interactive areas. Youngsters will love the jungle gym, Crabby Beach (a giant sandpit) and Polly’s Paint Pen (painting paradise). For our movie stars, Cast-Aways is fun from sun-up to sun-down.
uShaka Kids World is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during off-peak season (peak season includes all public and school holidays).
Fun facts about uShaka Marine World
• uShaka Kiddies World boasts of Africa’s biggest jungle gym
• uShaka Wet n’ Wild has the highest water slide in Africa
• uShaka Sea World has the 5th largest aquarium in the world, with 32 tanks totalling 17 500 cubic metres of water
For more information, visit the uShaka website
For more fantastic ideas of things to do in and around Durban, click here