Durban - We hardly ever go to the Durban beachfront to swim and this has landed us in “trouble” with our inland friends who think we don’t appreciate the beach. “You guys don’t realise just how lucky you are to even have the beach. We have Emmarentia Dam.”
I guess we don’t appreciate it as much as we should, and with Durban having been recently named by CNN as the coolest city in South Africa, it’s time we appreciated it more.
From the restaurants at the beachfront such as Circus Circus, The Beach Café, Moyo and Afro’s Chicken, to the skate park, Mini Town and the attractions at uShaka Marine World, the beachfront has many things that you can do with friends, family and alone.
Here are just some of the coolest things we noticed while riding on the promenade.
There are a few things that simply have to be done if you want to experience the Durban beachfront in all its glory:
l Go on the cable car at the Durban Fun World – It might look a little treacherous, but it’s such a fun way to see the whole of the Durban skyline spread out below you. Feeling your feet sway in the air with nothing between them and the beach and ocean below is a feeling you won’t soon forget! There are also other rides for different age groups in the family.
l Visit uShaka Marine World – It boasts the world’s fifth largest aquarium and the Wet ‘n’ Wild World is a fresh water entertainment wonderland, offering spine-tingling amusement for the entire family. It features relaxing river rides, high-speed chutes for the adrenalin junkies and separate swimming pools for kids and adults. Other activities include windsurfing, beach volleyball and beach rugby, surfing, jet skiing, kite-surfing, paddle-boat rides and dolphin-viewing charters.
l Visit Mini Town – It gives a good impression of some of Durban’s landmarks and a walkabout will give you an opportunity to view excellent models of some of Durban’s most interesting buildings.
l Rent a bike, skateboard, go-cart or a Segway and take a stroll on Durban’s promenade from uShaka to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Not only is it loads of fun, but can act as a form of exercise. And there’s no age limit.
l Take a ride on a rickshaw – If you’re looking for something uniquely Durban, you may want to consider taking a tried-and-tested rickshaw ride. This dynamic and really fun mode of transport will allow you to experience the wind in your hair and feel the sun on your face. You can ease your conscience by knowing that this mode does not have a carbon footprint, so you are doing no harm to the environment. Tours include local rides from uShaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.
l Gather your friends or family and go for a jog – When it comes to Durban’s main beaches, you have a choice of more than 15km of golden sand and sunshine to enjoy. The Golden Mile starts at the Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World and ends at the very stunning uShaka Marine World. The beaches and glorious sunshine encourage visitors to run or even catch a wave or two.
The best places for a sundowner
Moyo Ushaka Pier
Overlooking the sea, Moyo Ushaka Pier is one Durban’s ideal places for a sundowner. On a good day, you can catch the sun setting, the orange rays glistening on the water creating the perfect Instagram shot.
Their cocktail menu (virgin cocktails, too) will impress even the toughest critics. It’s a personal favourite of mine and I have friends who have been so impressed they want to go back every time they are in town.– Buhle Mbonambi
Zacks
For a tasty and colourful cocktail menu visit Zacks – you won’t be disappointed.
The friendly service and comfortable seating arrangements mean you can enjoy the place for hours and its view of the beach creates a serene atmosphere.
Zacks also offers an essential ingredient in life – that is, music – from mini rock shows to afternoon jazz and regular open-mic evenings.
So, whether you’re looking for great food, exotic cocktails or a night of entertainment, get down to Zacks. – Alyssia Birjalal
Joe Kools
Sundowers at Joe Cools is something of a tradition for many Durban residents.
This iconic beach-front restaurant by day and night club by night is a favourite due to its awesome laid-back vibe.
Whether you want to catch the sunset on a Sunday or catch up with friends on a Saturday, this spot offers great drinks, service and food. Sipping on your favourite drink while enjoying views of the ocean and promenade is an added bonus.
Places to eat
When it comes to dining on Durban’s promenade, there are choices aplenty. You can spoil yourself to a gourmet burger, healthy smoothie or just indulge in deep-fried doughnuts.
l Not only is Circus Circus a trendy spot to be seen, but it’s a great place to relax and unwind with friends over delicious food overlooking the gorgeous Indian Ocean. Our tramezzini were just right and our drinks – a berry smoothie, hot chocolate and Horlicks milkshake – went down well.
l If a sit-down meal is not your thing, a few Dinky Doughnuts should do the trick while you walk along the promenade and people-watch. There are also many fast-food outlets like Debonairs Pizza and Steers.
l There’s the option of a cup of coffee at Expression on the Beach, which is a spot where most of the city’s surfers hang out before hitting the waves. It’s also a great family restaurant with go-carts on offer for the little ones. Another favourite among Durban residents is Afro’s Chicken, known for its spicy chicken and oh-so-low prices – it’s a must check-out spot.
Sunday Tribune