CITY GUIDE: Top 5 Durban Tourist Attractions That Aren’t Beaches
Durban is known as seaside central. However, apart from its beaches, the city also boasts other interesting and exciting tourist attractions. If you are not the biggest fan of sand or simply fancy doing something different, here are our Top 5 Durban Tourist Attractions That Aren’t Beaches:
uShaka Marine World & Wet 'n Wild
Enjoy a wonderful, fun-filled day out at uShaka Marine World, which features the largest, most breath-taking aquarium in the southern hemisphere. Additionally, you can explore the space through underground viewing galleries.
Additionally, Sea World boasts an impressive Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium and Penguin Rookery, home to over 60 African Penguins. They offer daily show presentations of all these amazing sea creatures. Also on show is: Meet a Dolphin, Snorkel Lagoon, Ocean Walker, Shark Dive, Fish Feed, a Back of House Tour and the Village Walk Beach Mall.
Just next door is uShaka Wet ‘n Wild, a fun water world filled with slides and pools. The body tornado, mamba tunnel slide, multi-lane racer and kamikaze speed slide are just a few of the numerous slides available. Therefore, it’s great fun for the whole family. Alternatively, there is also an adult pool for those just wanting a quiet, leisurely day, soaking up the sun!
Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens is situated in the heart of Berea on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, established in 1849. It is Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens, playing a huge part in plant conservation. Additionally, it is also the city’s oldest public institution.
The gardens curate major collections of cycads, palms and orchids, to name but a few. The indigenous and exotic nature of the collections create inspiration and stretch the imagination of all who visit.
The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust was established in 1993 to support key strategic areas in biodiversity, culture, education, heritage, horticulture, people and plants and research.
Visit the Botanic Gardens for a family picnic, a walk amongst nature or browse events that are happening at this iconic location.
Durban Natural Science Museum
The Durban Natural Science Museum was founded in 1887 and has been open to the public for over 120 years.
The natural world is full of wonder and mystery, and it is here that the museum seeks to acquire and disseminate knowledge. It delves into the Earth, its history and its fauna and flora, both in the past and present. To achieve this, the museum has dynamic and innovative research and education programmes that focus on biodiversity, conservation and ecology.
One of the museum’s standout features is its realistic dioramas or habitat groups. These depict different ecosystems and the animals that live in them. Additionally, the museum has a life-size T-rex model, a near-complete Dodo skeleton and an authentic Egyptian mummy, among other exhibits.
The museum also has an extensive collection of stuffed insects, birds, fish and reptiles that provide evidence of their existence on Earth. Overall, it is the perfect edu-tourism outing in Durban.
PheZulu Safari Park - Cultural Village and Reptile Park
PheZulu Safari Park is an exciting tourist destination, situated in Botha’s Hill, 35 kilometres from central Durban. This picturesque park has magnificent views overlooking the historical Valley of a Thousand Hills. One can experience a guided 4×4 game drive through the conservation area. Or, visit the crocodile enclosure and watch them sunbathe on the riverbanks. Another activity is to marvel at the wide variety of multiple snakes on display in the Reptile Park.
Furthermore, the world famous Gasa Clan will take you on a journey filled with rhythm and rich culture with their traditional Zulu dancing. This beautiful insight into one of South Africa’s unique cultures is eye-opening and inspiring.
Of course, the shop is full of handmade Zulu crafts where you can find almost every African artifact imaginable. Dive into a festival of shapes and colours – from small souvenirs to large African statues. One can choose from a vast selection of clothing, stone and wood carvings, ostrich eggs, pottery, African jewellery and beadwork, Zulu spears, shields and African paintings.
Durban Art Gallery
Finally, discover stunning creations from South African artists and crafters and connect with the rich multi-cultural heritage they represent at Durban Art Gallery. The exhibits include carvings, clay pots and beadwork.
The gallery is situated in the centre of town and holds the status of a Municipal Art Gallery. Hence, it is under the administration of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Its origins trace back to its establishment in 1892, making it a longstanding institution within the region.
Its collection was boosted in the 1920’s when an art connoisseur and philanthropist presented the gallery with over 400 works. These included paintings and sculptures from international artists, such as glass vases by Lalique and bronzes by Rodin.
So, while we love beach holidays, we also appreciate other tourist attractions that are fun, educational, cultural and environmental. Luckily, Durban has it all.
