Durban
Durban – or ‘eThekwini’ as it is known in Zulu – is one of the largest ports in Africa as well as being the busiest. A veritable mecca for holidaymakers, this bustling seaside playground boasts a sun-kissed ‘golden mile’ of beaches and a laid-back, holiday atmosphere throughout the year. The city’s sub-tropical climate produces an average annual temperature of 25.5° Celsius, with humid summers and mild winters. As the warm waters of the Indian Ocean rarely fall below 17°C, the sea and beaches can be enjoyed whatever the season.
Rich in culture and a diverse historical legacy, this is a vibrant cosmopolitan city of over 3 million people, a place where Africa meets East meets West. Curio shops, craft centres and markets abound with arts and crafts, including delightful Zulu beadwork and carvings, while Dr Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) Street and the Victoria Street Market offer a taste of the exotic east.
Durban’s must-see attractions include the beautiful Botanic Gardens, exciting theme parks and waterfront entertainment complexes. There’s everything from ocean walks to shark cage dives at Africa’s largest marine theme park, uShaka Marine World, featuring dolphin and seal stadia, a snorkel reef and dive tank, as well as the ‘Wet ‘n Wild’ water wonderland with Africa’s highest slide. The uShaka Beach is also terrific for surfing and beach sports.
Some iconic landmarks include the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 soccer world cup, as well as the state-of-the-art International Convention Centre and harbour-side marina at Wilson’s Wharf on the Victoria Embankment. Other world-class facilities include sophisticated shopping malls, live entertainment venues and casinos, as well as theatres, fascinating art galleries and museums – all in close proximity to natural attractions like game reserves, magnificent rolling hills and beaches.
In addition to hosting international rugby, golf, cricket and soccer at its many stadia, Durban is the venue for many of South Africa’s top sporting events, including the Dusi Canoe Marathon (February), the internationally-famed Comrades Marathon (June) and the prestigious Vodacom Durban July Handicap. With ecotourism and adventure sports in the spotlight, visitors might like to take some time to explore the great outdoors on a hiking, horseback or mountain bike trail, or try their hand at rock climbing, diving or paragliding.
Restaurants offer a variety of regional and exotic tastes, from eastern delicacies and local African flavours to Greek and Italian and the latest in ‘fusion’ food. Durban is especially well-known for its Indian cuisine, which includes hot and spicy curries, breyani (a savoury blend of ginger, cloves, curry, rice and yoghurt), roti (a curry-filled pancake) and the ever-popular samoosa. For something different, try Durban’s unique ‘Bunny Chow’: a tasty curry served in a hollowed out half-loaf of bread.
ASSAGAY, together with Botha’s Hill, Alverstone, Summerveld and Shongweni, is regarded as ‘horse-country’ and falls within the Valley of 1000 Hills or ‘Outer-West Durban’ region. Cooler and higher in altitude than Durban, it is located north-west of Hillcrest, about a half-hour’s drive from the CBD along the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. A combination of smallholdings, townhouse complexes and freestanding houses offers residents an enviable country lifestyle. With the expansion of Hillcrest, Assagay is becoming an ever-more upmarket area, with many developments underway around the former Polo Pony (now ‘Assagay’) Hotel. Facilities include the new Hillcrest Private Hospital. International Polo is played at the Shongweni Polo Ground opposite the Assagay Hotel.
ATHLONE PARK, a suburb to the north of Amanzimtoti, lies about 20 kilometres south of Durban along the N2 South. This seaside town has a friendly, holiday atmosphere, and is known for its good beaches and fishing spots. Nature reserves include the 36-hectare Umbogavango Nature Reserve, a wetland that is perfectly situated for bird-watching, and the peaceful reserve of Illanda Wilds, which contains three self-guided nature trails through riverine and coastal scarp forest.
THE BEREA, one of Durban’s oldest suburbs, stretches across the crest of a ridge overlooking the city and the Indian Ocean, with commanding views extending from Umhlanga to the Bluff. There are wide, tree-lined streets and a combination of stately colonial homes, attractive modern residences and attractive apartment blocks display a mix of architectural styles, encompassing Art Deco, Victorian and Edwardian. The city centre and beachfront are no more than a short five to ten minute drive away, and there are a number of fine shopping centres, such as Musgrave Centre, Glenwood Village, Davenport Square and Windermere Centre. Trendy Florida Road in Morningside and the more Bohemian Davenport Road in Glenwood offer an array of interesting shops, restaurants, art galleries and entertainment. The green expanses of the Durban Botanic Gardens, with its herbarium, orchid house, cycad collection, garden for the blind, outdoor amphitheatre and tea garden, as well as the Mitchell Park and Zoo, are lovely spots to enjoy a picnic.
THE BLUFF headland, which is the remainder of an ancient coastal dune system, is Durban’s most recognisable natural landmark, protecting the bay from the Indian Ocean and forming this busy port’s southern quayside. Historically, the area has played an important part in both navigation and military operations, and was the site of many shipwrecks as well as both quarantine and whaling stations. These days there are tours offered of the old whaling factory station and one of the largest private collections of pictures, memorabilia, newspaper clippings and old footage of the Durban whaling operation.
The area referred to as ‘The Bluff’ is home to the suburbs of Brighton Beach, Grosvenor, King's Rest, Ocean View, Fynnland, Treasure Beach and Wentworth. There are many superb beaches here, such as Anstey’s and Brighton Beach, with alluring rock-pools, dunes, paddling pools, fishing and surf spots which entice holidaymakers throughout the year. Other attractions include the Millennium Tower, an 18-hole golf course and a wetlands area with prolific birdlife. It is also known for its plentiful sea-life, which includes dolphins and – in the winter months – whales as well.
BOTHA’S HILL overlooks the expansive, undulating vista that is the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a blissfully mild and tranquil country retreat lying some 45 kilometres from the Durban city centre. Visitors can explore the breathtaking scenery of the Valley of 1000 Hills tourism route, which takes in arts and crafts, fine dining, pubs and country hotels, animal farms, hiking and horse-back trails. Some of the highlights include Zulu cultural villages such as PheZulu, which also offers game drives and a reptile park, and the 1000 Hills Choo Choo, a vintage steam train that runs along the old main line built between 1877 and 1880.
BRIGHTON BEACH, a suburb of the Bluff, is situated 20 minutes south of Durban. Although close to the harbour and south-Durban’s industrial hub of Jacobs, Prospecton and Mobeni, it remains relatively unspoilt, boasting sandy beaches, a tidal pool and many fascinating rock pools, not to mention excellent surfing spots such as the world-famous ‘Cave Rock’. There are also exceptional diving and fishing sites, and abundant sea-life which includes frolicking dolphins and even whales during winter.
The suburb’s verdant coastal vegetation is home to mongoose and monkeys; while the Bluff Nature Reserve is a lovely wetland area criss-crossed with trails and providing first-rate bird-watching opportunities. Birds likely to be spotted here include herons, egrets and African Spoonbills, as well as Black-throated Wattle-eye, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Grey Sunbird, African Fish-Eagle, African Purple Swamphen and Black Crake.
CAMPERDOWN is part of the Valley of 1000 Hills, lying mid-way between Durban and Pietermaritzburg along the N3 highway. While well-positioned to reach both urban centres, it also affords a wonderful country lifestyle and benefits from access to a variety of game and nature reserves. Nagle Dam and Nature Reserve, which has its very own ‘Table Mountain’, contains a variety of small game as well as quiet fishing spots and canoeing opportunities, while Tala Game Reserve offers game drives through the unspoilt African bush as well as luxury accommodation and superior dining. Other outdoor activities include hiking, cycling and even micro-lighting, as well as access to attractions such as the Natal Lion Park and the 1000 Hills Experience tourism route, with its artists, crafters and cultural villages.
CHATSWORTH is a large suburb with close on half a million inhabitants, predominantly of Indian descent. Situated south of Durban, it incorporates 64 other minor suburbs, including the upmarket areas of Silverglen and Umhlatuzana. Under Apartheid, Chatsworth was developed deliberately in the wake of the infamous Group Areas Act to serve as buffer between white residential areas and the large African township of Umlazi. Chatsworth remains today a wellspring of Indian culture and religion, containing such iconic buildings as the beautiful Temple of Understanding, one of South Africa’s most spectacular Hare Krishna temples. The suburb also enjoys a thriving business community, manufacturing industries and one of the busiest shopping centres in the province (more than 1.3 million visitors every month) at the Chatsworth Centre.
THE DURBAN BEACHFRONT is often referred to as the ‘Golden Mile’, which includes a long stretch of sun-drenched beaches, ocean piers and a spectacular promenade that runs from the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north right down to uShaka Marine World in the south. Flanked by luxury hotels and apartments, beaches include Vetch’s, uShaka, Addington, South, Wedge, New Pier, Dairy, North, Bay of Plenty, Snake Park, Battery and Suncoast, all of which are shark-netted and patrolled by professional lifeguards. Protected by the harbour breakwater, Durban beachfront picks up less swell than surfing spots on the Bluff, making the southernmost beaches of Addington, Vetch’s and uShaka ideal for learning to surf.
While surfing is popular, the majority of beachgoers are simply here to soak up the sun, even during the winter months, as the weather remains mild and the waters warm throughout the year. Those looking for more active pursuits might enjoy cycling along the wide expanse of the promenade, or taking a kayak out to sea – both are available to hire. Other attractions on the beachfront include the iconic Mini Town as well as various fleamarkets, curio sellers, amusement arcades, paddling pools, restaurants and fast-food outlets. uShaka Marine World boasts the fifth-largest aquarium in the world as well as a water adventure park and children’s amusement park.
THE DURBAN CBD is a melting pot of different cultures and architectural styles, a vibrant microcosm of the new South Africa set against the backdrop of a busy commercial district with everything from Indian markets and traditional rickshaws to high-rise buildings, theatres and art galleries. The Soccer World Cup held during 2010 served as a catalyst for new development, and the city has benefited in terms of improved public transport and upgraded infrastructure. Durban’s new airport, King Shaka International Airport (KSIA), is 35 kilometres north of the city centre.
Showing off a sleek, modern design, the International Convention Centre built alongside the Hilton Hotel and across from the Durban Exhibition Centre draws conference delegates from across the globe. Dating to 1910, the neo-baroque Durban City Hall is almost an exact replica of the Belfast City Hall built in 1906 and is today home to the Natural Science Museum, the main library and the Durban Art Gallery. Durban Tourism’s offices are located nearby at Tourist Junction in the old railway station building. Daily walking tours leaving from the tourism office explore the rich tapestry of the city’s colonial history and eclectic architecture, including the Jumma Musjid mosque (the largest in the southern hemisphere), Emmanuel Cathedral, historic Grey Street business precinct (now Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street), Ajmeri and Madressa arcades, Muthi Trade Market and Victoria Street Market. The harbour-side Point development contains a mix of shops, restaurants and apartment complexes close to the harbour mouth.
Now a familiar landmark on the Durban skyline, the strikingly designed Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the Soccer World Cup, and continues to host high-profile sports, music and lifestyle events. Representing the South African flag, the two southern legs of the stadium’s arch meet the grand arch on the northern side to symbolise the unifying power of sport and the joining of a once-divided nation. The SkyCar takes visitors on a two-minute trip to stadium’s highest point, the 106-metre-high Sky Platform. Guided walks are also available over the arch and the more adventurous could try the world’s only stadium swing, launching into a 220 metre arc above the pitch!
DURBAN NORTH lies north of Durban over the Umgeni River, a 15-minute drive from the city centre along the Ruth First Highway (M4). This sought-after suburb is made up of the residential areas of Glen Anil, Glenashley, Glen Hills, Virginia, Durban North, Park Hill, Umgeni Park, Avoca, Kenville and Sea Cow Lake.
Durban North has some of the municipality’s top schools as well as a number of sports clubs. Predominantly used by light aircraft, Virginia Airport is a Category 2 airport with a 930-metre tar runway. Air flips and training are offered, and there are impressive aeronautical displays at the annual airshow.
Located off Riverside Road, the refurbished Umgeni River Bird Park is home to indigenous as well as rare birds, which can be seen in free flight. Visit the Beachwood Mangroves to experience a unique swamp forest and estuarine ecosystem.
GILLITTS enjoys a pleasant climate due to its elevated altitude above the heat and humidity of the coastal plain, with Durban lying some 35 kilometres to the east and a 25-minute drive away. Bounded by Hillcrest and Kloof, this quiet and leafy suburb is nonetheless close to the many shopping centres of Westville, Kloof and Hillcrest and the industrial parks of Westmead, Mahogany Ridge and Hammarsdale, as well as being on the doorstep of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and the dams of Inanda and Shongweni. Sports facilities in Gillitts include the Emberton driving range and nine-hole mashie golf course.
Gillitts Park is a green belt residential area with virtually no commercial or industrial development and plot sizes are kept to a minimum of 2 000 square metres. The Gillitts Conservancy manages the Iphithi Nature Reserve comprising 15 hectares of indigenous forest, wetland and grasslands and teeming with endemic wildlife. While presently in need of restoration, the old Gillitts train station dating to the Anglo-Boer War is an excellent example of the architecture of that era.
GLENMORE lies between Rick Turner (Francois) and Bellair roads, bordering on Glenwood to the east and close to the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal as well as fine schools such as Penzance Primary, Eden College, Holy Family College and the Afrikaans-medium school, Port Natal. Predominantly residential, this middle to upper class suburb has a congenial, relaxed atmosphere.
GLENWOOD, as one of Durban’s oldest suburbs, contains an interesting blend of residential property that encompasses the exclusive and stately homes of upper Glenwood as well as the more middle-class dwellings of the Lower Glenwood and Umbilo areas. A close-knit community, this leafy oasis has a pleasant village ambiance and a special ‘vibe’, with many of its residents involved in the arts or academia. This is particularly evident in the environs of the KZNSA Art Gallery, Helen Joseph (Davenport) and Bulwer roads, where an interesting variety of restaurants, cafés and coffee shops have sprung up alongside numerous antique stores and speciality shops. In addition to stores offering whole foods and original clothing and jewellery, the area now also features an artisanal bakery.
Bulwer Park has recently been upgraded, and this family-friendly spot now boasts a cycling track and outdoor gym as well as hosting regular markets. Other ‘green’ spots include the peaceful Pigeon Valley, part of the original coastal forest and a habitat for many rare forest birds such as the Narina Trogan, Spotted Thrush and Buff-spotted Flufftail. The reserve is also home to the Natal Loquat and Natal White Stinkwood (which occur almost exclusively here), not to mention the Natal Elm.
Amenities and services are plentiful, and include two of the province’s best hospitals, namely St Augustine’s and Entabeni, and top-notch independent and government schools such as Glenwood Preparatory, Glenwood High, Durban Girls’ High and St Henry’s. The lovely Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – previously known as the University of Natal, Durban (UND) prior to its merger with the University of Durban-Westville in 2004 – occupies a commanding position at the crest of the hill overlooking Glenwood, Glenmore and Durban Bay. One of the country’s leading universities, notable alumni from its former incarnation as UND include South African author and anti-apartheid activist Alan Paton; black consciousness leader Steve Biko; leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party Mangosuthu Buthelezi; Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; poets Mazisi Kunene and Douglas Livingstone; CBS television journalist Lara Logan; writer, academic and anti-apartheid activist Fatima Meer; former South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock; and novelist, actor, playwright and producer John van de Ruit.
GREYVILLE occupies the area between the Berea and the central business district, taking in the Durban Botanical Gardens to the south and the exclusive suburb of Morningside to the north. However, its most distinctive feature is Greyville Racecourse, the site of the prestigious Vodacom Durban July which has been run here every year since 1897 and remains one of the highlights on the horseracing calendar. The area around 9th Avenue and Clarence, Gladys Mazibuko (Marriot) and Problem Mkhize (Cowey) roads contains some good restaurants, bars and cafés, including the award-winning 9th Avenue Bistro, which was ranked the best bistro in the country by Eatout in 2012. The Botanic Gardens has the distinction of being Durban’s oldest natural attraction. In addition to its famed collection of botanical species, it hosts regular open air music concerts and children’s theatre. Tours are also available.
HILLCREST is situated in the mist belt on the crest of the hill overlooking the city of Durban, a mere 20-minute drive away. This hamlet has grown rapidly in the past decade, from a sleepy rural community to one of Durban’s most upmarket and popular suburbs, comprising a thriving commercial centre and plethora of retirement villages, gated communities and golf and equestrian estates. The newly-built Hillcrest Hospital is regarded as one of the best in the province. The charming Victorian-style Heritage Market with its colourful rose gardens contains an extensive and ever-expanding array of specialist stores, including restaurants and coffee shops, clothing retailers, furniture shops and arts and crafts outlets.
KLOOF lies above Pinetown at the summit of the winding Fields Hill, about 25 kilometres from Durban. This peaceful suburb is situated in one of Durban’s most scenic areas, with beautiful gardens and tree-lined streets. The 500-hectare Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is known for its steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls and streams which cut through the luxuriant coastal forest and grassland, attracting rich birdlife. The area surrounding the top of the falls is a favourite picnic spot, and hiking trails may be taken into the gorge. The Kloof Country Club is regarded as one of province’s best and has a first-rate golf course. Take a steam train trip back in time on the 1000 Hills Choo Choo, which leaves Kloof Station on the last Sunday of every month to follow the old main line which runs through the Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga.
LA LUCIA is one of Durban’s more elite suburbs, lying between Durban North and the upscale resort of Umhlanga. The La Lucia Mall offers exclusive shopping and over 130 top international, national and local retailers.
MORNINGSIDE stretches from the northern end of the Berea, down toward the Umgeni River and Greyville. Its upper reaches enjoy spectacular views of Durban and the Indian Ocean, and offer some of the best examples of Durban’s grand Edwardian and Victorian-style homes, including King’s House – the official residence of the President when visiting Durban. The Florida Road area below Mitchell and Jameson parks is known for its trendy shops and restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Morningside’s educational facilities are among the best in the country, and include Clifton School, DPHS and Livingstone Primary. The suburb also borders on Burman Bush, a 50-hectare tract of coastal forest that has remained virtually unchanged since the arrival of European settlers in 1850s.
MUSGRAVE is a prestigious suburb located at the apex of the Durban Berea overlooking – and in close proximity to – central Durban. Much of Musgrave has been rezoned in the past few decades, changing its once almost exclusively residential character to a more commercial bent, with numerous old Victorian homes having been turned into offices. The most popular shopping spot is Musgrave Centre, which comprises a variety of shops as well as a cinema complex.
Some of Durban’s best and oldest schools are located in Musgrave. These include the independent schools of Durban Girls’ College, which was founded in 1877, and Maris Stella, founded in 1899 by the Holy Family Sisters. Durban High School (DHS), an all-boys state school established in 1866, is situated in Essenwood Road and lays claim to old boys such as cricketers Hashim Amla, Lance Klusener and Barry Richards; surfing legend Shaun Tomson; golfer Rory Sabbatini; poet Roy Campbell; war hero Major Edwin Swales VC; world-renowned paleoanthropologist Dr Phillip Tobias, who was nominated three times for a Nobel Prize; and the 1982 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Sir Aaron Klug.
SHONGWENI and Summerveld occupy the area between Hillcrest and Assagay, linked via Kassier Road, which connects to both the N3 and the M13 arterial routes. The Shongweni Hotel and surrounding grounds is the venue for traditional games of polo, while the Saturday morning Shongweni Farmers’ market attracts visitors far and near to sample the fresh organic produce and original arts and crafts. Other interest spots comprise plant nurseries, farm stalls, pubs, artists’ studios and animal farms. The internationally-acclaimed Shongweni Brewery produces the highly-rated Robson’s craft beer. Accommodation as well as game drives are to be had in the Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve which is home to both rhino and buffalo and a diversity of vegetation ranging from lush forests and waterfalls to open thorn tree plains.
UMDLOTI is lovely coastal town situated near the mouth of the Mdloti River to the north of the holiday mecca of Umhlanga. While the atmosphere here is decidedly more serene and laid-back than that of either Umhlanga or the North Coast town of Ballito, Umdloti can nevertheless become quite crowded over the Christmas and Easter holidays. However, the combination of just one access road from the N2 and M4 highways, lack of linking coastal roads to the north or south and limited parking means that development here has not reached the fever-pitch of its coastal neighbours. This state of affairs has its benefits, as Umdloti remains a less commercial destination maintaining much of its original charm.
Residential property along South Beach comprises mainly free-standing homes, while the development of North Beach consists primarily of sectional title apartments, many of which are holiday homes or rental properties. Additional residential property has been built on the hill overlooking the town. There is a family-friendly tidal pool toward the top end of North Beach Road, creating a safe swimming area, while to the south there is indigenous subtropical bush. Popular beach sports and leisure activities include surfing, kite surfing, fishing and whale and dolphin watching.
Despite its generally quiet demeanour Umdloti offers foodies some of the province’s best cuisine, with the beachfront restaurants of Bel Punto and Mundo Vida both delivering outstanding fine dining experiences. Specialising in Italian fare, Bel Punto’s more family-oriented sister restaurant, La Casa Nostra, is situated at the White Sands Centre overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Umdloti is also well-placed to access King Shaka International Airport, which is only ten minutes away, in addition to Umhlanga’s nightlife, restaurants and shopping malls – in particular the enormous Gateway Theatre of Shopping. It is also close to the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, comprising a luxury hotel, casino and conference facilities, Mangwanani Spa, 593-seat theatre, speciality restaurants and bars, and a children's entertainment centre and crèche.
UMGENI PARK, a southern suburb of Durban North lies inland from the Blue Lagoon, skirting the northern banks of the Umgeni River, alongside and across from the Springfield Park business and light manufacturing precinct. Property here includes numerous residential complexes as well as free-standing homes, and the area benefits from its proximity to Durban as well as the presence of a number of conveniently located shopping centres. The Umgeni River Bird Park, which is built at the site of old quarry, is the suburb’s leading attraction.
UMHLANGA’S glorious beaches and long promenade are flanked by exclusive apartment complexes and hotels – including the elegant Oyster Box Hotel, the lodgings of choice for visiting celebrities. The O’Connor promenade stretches along the shorefront all the way from Durban View Park, past the iconic red-and-white Umhlanga Lighthouse to Breakers Resort in the north. From here indigenous coastal forests extend north to Umdloti, and comprise the pristine Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and Hawaan Forest. Guided trails are available through these unique ecosystems.
Umhlanga was in days gone by a simple seaside village known as Umhlanga Rocks. Today it is a thriving resort town comprising a booming residential and commercial sector, with many businesses having relocated from Durban to the office parks of La Lucia and Umhlanga Ridge, situated above the M4 freeway. This is also a much sought-after residential area, with exclusive gated communities and luxury estates.
One of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is also located here. This impressively spacious and beautifully designed mall contains more than 280 world-class stores, over 50 restaurants, 18 cinemas, Cinema Nouveaux, IMAX giant-screen theatre, Barnyard Supper Theatre, indoor entertainment centre and rooftop funfair. There is also a 22.5-metre freestanding indoor climbing wall, Wave House and skate park designed by Tony Hawk.
THE VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS region encompasses a vast landscape of rolling hills which spreads out across the picturesque valley created by the Umgeni River and its tributaries. This open countryside with its dramatic vistas has attracted many artists and crafters, and tourism routes take in comfortably country lodges, tea gardens and pubs, as well as Zulu cultural experiences, game farms and adventure activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and microlight flips.
WATERFALL is located at the top of the hill overlooking Kloof Gorge and the suburb of Kloof. It is also just a five-minute drive from the bustling centre of Hillcrest via the Inanda Road. While development has accelerated in the wake of the Hillcrest property boom, Waterfall retains its down-to-earth character, with larger and more reasonably-priced properties.
The nearby Inanda Dam and Reserve is an ideal spot for water sports like jet-skiing, power-boating and canoeing, and is well-known for its excellent bass fishing. Other fish to be found in the dam comprise Tilapia (both Blue and Red-Chest), Barbel (catfish), Scalies (yellow-fish) and Carp. Inanda Reserve contains many bird species as well as fauna such as buck and Zebra, and there is a short self-guided trail. Visitors wishing to overnight will find a well-maintained campsite near the water’s edge as well as braai facilities and a children’s jungle gym.
YELLOWWOOD PARK can be said to truly live up to its name, with quiet, park-like surrounds despite its location a mere 14 kilometres south-west of Durban. Probably its most compelling attraction is the verdant Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, which is a prime example of indigenous coastal forest and wetlands. There are buck and zebra, interesting varies of flora, 13 kilometres of nature trails, a mountain bike track and a specially designed trail for the physically disabled. The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), which cares for injured and orphaned wild animals and birds, is also based here.
