Durban - Before the warm weather disappears for a while, and winter rears its nasty head. Here are a few water parks to visit in KZN.
uShaka Marine World
Boasts various swimming pools, a beach, and slides ranging from thrilling chutes to leisurely tube rides. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the torpedo kamikaze, fast river, zoom zoom multilane racer, drop zone, and the plunge free-fall slide.
Children can enjoy the Toti splash and jika jika family rafter, a splash area with water mushrooms and cannons.
SeaWorld has fascinating marine tanks, “dangerous creatures” and penguin exhibits, as well as dolphin and seal shows. The Cargo Hold restaurant comes highly recommended where you can have a meal in front of the shark tank.
Open: Daily 9am-5pm.
Contact: 031 328 8000.
Gateway Wave House
At Gateway’s Theatre of Shopping, uMhlanga, this park boasts two simulated waves known as flow riders which combine surfing, snowboarding, and wakeboarding in one.
There are also seven water slides, including the 15m two-lane speed racers; two medium tubes; a 180m spaghetti junction supertube (the highest in South Africa); and two baby racers. Other features include the 4 000m² skate park (the largest in South Africa) designed by world champion, Tony Hawk, and the world’s highest indoor climbing wall at 22.5m. A restaurant on the deck overlooks the action.
Open: Monday to Thursday 9am-8pm; Saturday 9am-10pm and Sunday at 9am-7pm.
Contact: 031 584 9400.
Wild Waves Water Park
Based at Wild Coast Sun, this water park provides an assortment of water rides, from slides and tubes to loops and rivers. Children and adults alike can enjoy hours of fun in the sun.
Whether you’re aged 3 or 63, Wild Waves Water Park has a water world ride for you. Several of the world’s best rides have been imported from Canada and are guaranteed to thrill and amaze you.
Peak season: Daily 9am-5pm.
Off-peak: Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm.
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am-5pm.Annual shutdown is from July 20 to August 6.
Contact: 039 305 4800.
Splash Waterworld
Based in Amanzimtoti, Splash Waterworld has 10 waterslides, a large pool area, kiddies’ rides, lazy river ride, and a putt-putt green. A refreshment kiosk and braai area is available.
Open: Daily 10am-4pm.
Contact: 031 904 2273
Alyssia Birjalal, Sunday Tribune