Tour the streets
Did you know that Nelson Mandela voted in the 1994 election on the steps of the Ohlange High School in Inanda, Durban? Or that the ANC's first president John Langalibalele Dube is buried in the school yard? And did you know the Pine Street post office has a roof that can handle the weight of several feet of snow?
If not, there's still a lot to Durban you can encounter - and the guys at Streetscene Tours are just the people to show you around. Whether that means going on a township tour, to the “Rasta cave” or into the Victoria, Muti and Early Morning markets, you are guaranteed to experience a side of Durban that you might never have known existed.
Contact them on 031 368 5909, [email protected] or at www.streetscenetours.co.za. You can also follow them on Twitter (@streetscene031). Costs depend on the tour option chosen.
Life's a beach
The eThekwini Municipality spent massive amounts of money on the upgrade of Durban's beachfront in the run-up to the World Cup last year, and it's worth heading there to experience where our ratepayer money went. The upgrade drastically changed the beachfront - it's more open, better lit, smoother and prettier - and has reclaimed the area back as the attraction it should be.
But there are better ways of experiencing it other than just sitting down and soaking up the sun and the sea. One of those is to get on your bike and get a new feel for the city. Hire a bike from uShaka Marine World and head across to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Alternatively - and this is the one we suggest - start at the Green Hub at the mouth of the Umgeni River, go past the stadium and down to uShaka. It's about 15km there and back and it's flat.
Costs depend on how long you hire the bike for.
Burning down the park - but not really
Bulwer Park in Glenwood hosts Fire in the Park every second Wednesday of the month. It offers a chance to hang with the locals and enjoy some casual community down-time. Fire dancing, braais, music and the opportunity to just lie on a blanket and stare at the skies are part of the experience. Enjoy a coffee at the KZNSA Gallery across the road, take a walk along Glenwood's vibiest streets and settle down at the park and meet Durban's hippier crowd from 7.15pm.
Call either Rayson (076 171 4920), Cara (073 834 2823) or Brendon (083 750 5308) for info.
Bottomless Awesomeness
Two words: bottomless draughts. Two more words: bottomless wine. Got your attention yet?
Fresh from a massive revamp, Hops and Barley, Riverside, is a vibey venue with weekday and weekend specials. It might even be worth considering Hops' New Year's Party. R550 per ticket may sound pricey, but it gets you entrance to the Island Party, free drinks, free snacks and pizzas until 10pm, a drumming, dance and fire show, and the chance to win a cruise worth R15 000. Call 031 573 1657 for info.
Rock out
If you've heard anything about Unit11, you probably already know how cool it is and that you should check it out. If you haven't, well, it's really cool and you should check it out. Situated off Mathews Meyiwa (Stamford hill) Road, Unit11 caters to more subcultures than any other live music venue in Durban.
This converted warehouse offers ping pong, board games, old school decor, and even freshly made popcorn to go with some of SA's best musicians performing on stage.
There are loads of gigs this December, so check them out on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (@unit11dbn) or
e-mail [email protected].
Garden vibes
The Durban Botanic Gardens may not sound like a hotspot to hangout at, but it's got more to offer than you might imagine. Apart from the standard tearoom and scenic setting to relax in, Bot Gardens have added a new element: the Living Beehive. Drawing on the traditional architecture of Zulu beehive huts, the structure is covered with a living roof and walls of indigenous plants. .
This Tuesday, the Durban City Orchestra will perform at the gardens. Gates open at 4.30pm and the show starts two hours later. Tickets are R60 for adults and R20 for kids. Call 031 309 1170 or 031 322 4021 or e-mail [email protected] for information on activities at Bot Gardens.
Italian royalty
NONNA, a contemporary Italian bistro and deli in Kloof, offers a dining experience of an almost royal kind. The panoramic views over a verdant indigenous forest and traditional Japanese garden are fantastic and a newly-crafted Chatres-based labyrinth and enchanted garden have been created to enhance the experience.
Guests have the option of dining in NONNA, conceived by veteran Durban restaurateur Peter Cocorozis, or in the garden itself. It opens tomorrow. For more information or to book call 031 764 6616.
Great balls of chaos
Ever wanted to get inside a giant transparent ball and then roll down a hill? Well now you can at Groovy Balls Adventure Zorbing, in Summerveld, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. There's an Aqua Zorb, which is like a crazy water slide, and the Harness Zorb that means you can share the chaos with a significant other.
Call 084 330 3112 or 031 783 4980 for more information.
Oribi Gorge-ous
It may be 90 minutes from Durban, but it is a pretty drive - and once you get there you'll see there's a lot more to the Oribi Gorge than just spectacular views. It's tailor made for the adventurous.
There's The Wild Swing, at the top of Lehr's Falls, the world's second highest swing. Hurl yourself (or simply step) off the edge of the waterfall to swing into the gaping depths of the 165m gorge. There's also The Slide, a zip-line that spreads across the gorge above the treetops.
For a super-strenuous work-out, why not attempt riding up the gorge? Bring your own bike.
Costs between R220 and R500. Call 039 687 0253. - Sunday Tribune