Durban North

Description

Durban North incorporates the greater Durban area in KwaZulu-Natal. Offering beautiful beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, nature reserves, animal parks, and zoos set away from the inner city, Durban North is the ideal escape for nature lovers and those looking for a quieter holiday away from the crowds.

The main industrial areas of Durban North include Briardene, Red Hill, and Glen Anil. The residential suburbs include Glenashley, Virginia, Glen Hills, Durban North, Park Hill, Umgeni Park, Avoca, Kenville, and Sea Cow Lake. Durban North is easily accessible with Virginia Airport on the northern shoreline. With a wide range of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets, you can enjoy as rustic or luxury a holiday as you please.

Situated close to Dave’s Beach, you can enjoy exploring the wide stretch of sand from the Umgeni River mouth to Glenashley - a great place to spend a leisurely day with the family. The warm Indian Ocean makes a number of water sports enjoyable, such as swimming, surfing, boating, jet skiing, kite surfing, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding. Durban North offers a seaside atmosphere and plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants, such as Jimmy’s Killer Prawns.

Bordered by the Umgeni River in the south and La Lucia in the north, most of this region was once a coastal dune forest system. This is still evident and preserved in the mangrove swamps and abundance of nature reserves. The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve protects the shoreline north of the Blue Lagoon and hosts a variety of birds, crabs, and other fascinating creatures to be seen along a series of boardwalks. Burman Bush Nature Reserve conserves what remains of a coastal forest in Morningside, and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve offers fantastic trails through dune forest, across the lagoon, and onto the beach to find the remains of a Stone Age shell midden. Umgeni River Bird Park, built in an old quarry on the banks of the Umgeni River, offers an exceptional array of birds. Don’t miss the free flight bird shows!

If you’re looking for a more leisurely holiday, Durban North won’t disappoint. Go shopping at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, indulge in a spa day, have a picnic in the Durban Botanic Gardens or Japanese Gardens, and spend a lazy day on the Golden Mile beaches. You’ll also love browsing the Golden Hours Family Market every Sunday and the Durban Food Market on the last Saturday of the month.

uShaka Marine World will entertain any age with its marine aquarium, seal and dolphin shows, and exciting water park. Other thrilling attractions include Phezulu Safari Park, Greyville Race Course, and Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park. Dubbed the world’s tallest swing by Guinness Book of Records 2011, The Big Rush Big Swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium offers the chance to swing from the arch into the centre of the stadium. Alternatively, take the 2-minute SkyCar ride up the stadium arch to see the 360˚ view of the Durban city and coastline.

Cultural experiences include the Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding, Phansi Museum, and 1000 Hills Arts and Crafts Village. History lovers will enjoy the Natal Maritime Museum and the Durban Natural Science Museum. Other activities include helicopter tours, golf at Zimbali Golf Course and Beachwood Golf Course, and target archery at King’s Park Range.

However you decide to spend your holiday, Durban North has plenty of adventure and leisure activities and attractions to keep you busy!