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uShaka Marine World Taking up the challenge, the city, along with private consortiums, invested in various projects including the new Ushaka Marine World and Tsogo Sun's lavish Suncoast Casino. Since April 2004, uShaka Marine World has completely changed Durban’s landscape. This world class marine theme park is situated on Durban’s beach front and houses the fifth largest aquarium in the world. uShaka offers a full day’s entertainment for the whole family in its four areas namely, uShaka Village Walk, Sea World, Wet ’n Wild and uShaka Beach. This project is just the catalyst for a 10-year development plan for Durban’s Point area and is likely to top R2 billion in private sector investment in the longer term. The initial development includes a canal system set to be extended in further development towards the beachfront and the Point. These canal systems will create water frontages and allow small craft access, with plans to model a marina at Vetch's Pier that can accommodate sailing craft and prime residential properties.
Village Walk Entrance is free to uShaka Village Walk with an array of retail outlets from which to choose. From breakfast to dinner, fast food to dining out, there are restaurants to suit every palate at the Village Walk. A variety of shops offering clothing, gifts and novelties is available in this African themed village market.
Sea World Enter the world of the oceans when you come to uShaka Marine World. Under the Phantom Ship you will find the Wreck underground aquarium where you can amble among exhibits of over 200 species of sea life including the largest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere. On the 450metre walk through the wreck, you will be transported through nautical eras representing four different shipwrecks ranging from a Spanish Galleon from the 1600’s to a modern day cargo ship. The Wreck is not all Sea World has to offer. There are other thrilling experiences to enjoy at uShaka Marine Wolrd. Dolphin and Seal shows are still a firm favourite with visitors to Sea World .The 1200-seater dolphin stadium is home to our sea mammals who enthrall guests with their grace and agility at show time. Gambit the 30 year old star of the show is ever obliging with leaps and flips that have the audience thrilled and in awe. The seal pantomime is a delightful experience with these marine comedians entertaining guests with their gimmicks.
Oceanwalker The latest attraction at uShaka is the Oceanwalker Experience where you can walk in the Open Ocean tank among the magnificent sea creatures such as rays, sand sharks, tuna and dorado. You do not need any diving qualification to enjoy a walk right inside uShaka’s biggest exhibit.
Snorkel The Avis Snorkel Lagoon at uShaka Marine World is another immersion experience where you can snorkel among colourful fish species and come face to face with sharks through an acrylic panel. Keep an eye out for the cargo from the wrecked ships including a Willys Jeep believed to be from World War 2.
Phantom Ship The magnificent 80metre long Phantom ship is the icon of the marine park. Other than being the entrance to the underground aquarium it is home to two magnificent restaurants and bars. The Cargo Hold is unique in that it is right next to a two storey high shark tank; imagine dining with sharks circling only an arms length away. The Upperdeck is an interactive buffet restaurant with magnificent views of the park. Enjoy drinks with friends or a sundowner after a long day at the Sharks Bar situated at the top of the ship.
Wet ‘n Wild Enjoy a thrilling day in the sun at Wet ‘n Wild either lounging in the sun or partaking in our exhilarating water slides. There is a slide to suit everyone from little kids to the adrenaline junkie. The Toti Splash kiddies’ pool is a water paradise for the little ones with exciting water features. Experience the rush of the Torpedo and the Plunge or race your friends on the Zoom-Zoom, you are guaranteed the time of your life. A ride on the Duzi Adventure River takes you around the theme park past the dolphins and seals. Just as you think, you have had the thrill of your life on the rapids and waterfalls of the Duzi Adventure River, you drift past a massive tank, where you can see Ragged Tooth sharks circling in anticipation of their next meal.
Focal Point Howard College, the focal point of the University of Natal campus, has an exterior designed in the 'Union' style, but the interior is pure Art Deco. Sculptural elements above foyer doors, the stairs and King George V's portrait all reflect the splendour of the Art Deco movement. These are just a few examples of the diverse and cosmopolitan architectural heritage of Durban. No wonder then that Durban is regarded as having one of the best selections of Art Deco architecture of any city in the world. For further information, visit Art Deco Directory on the internet for more information about the fine examples of Art Deco to be seen in this subtropical South African city.
Shoreline attractions Those who swim in the warm Indian Ocean do so in safety, as the beaches are shark netted and under observation from sunrise to sunset by skilled lifeguards. These areas also offer changing rooms and shower facilities. At night, visitors to Durban's beachfront are met by a brilliant display of lights, and may often witness large groups of followers of local religious sects performing cleansing rituals along the seashore. For sun seekers who prefer seclusion there are many remote beaches along the coast. Ansteys Beach and Brighton Beach are both popular on the Bluff, while the Bay of Plenty is especially popular among surfers.
Surfing Paradise Durban has a long tradition as a surfing paradise. Due to the brilliant 'breaks' this part of the Indian Ocean has to offer the avid surfer, the city has become world famous as a surfing destination, and even boasts a museum dedicated to the sport. Every year Durban plays host to the international surfing competition, the Mr. Price Pro competition (formerly known as the Gunston 500). Beach festivals, such as Vodacom Beach Africa, as well as carnivals and parties are held throughout the year along the central stretch of Durban's beaches from Addington Beach to Country Club Beach. New Year’s Eve sees the area transforms into a hive of festivity. For wildlife enthusiasts the beachfront is teeming with seagulls, pelicans and exotic birds. Boat tours offer whale and dolphin watching outings for the more adventurous. A regular sardine run cause great excitement along the coast as massive shoals of sardines wash up on the golden shores. The sardine is a favourite meal of large predatory fish who become visible from the shoreline as they circle the schools of sardines. Vibrant, colourful, exotic and unique, Durban's beachfront is the jewel in South Africa's crown.
The Old Court House Museum at 77 Aliwal Street deals with the pre-colonial and colonial periods, looking at the experiences of all communities. It has an interactive display upstairs in which people can examine the early buildings and businesses of Durban. Call (031) 311 2229 to book a guided tour; walking tours of Durban can also be arranged. The history of the post-colonial period is examined in the Kwa Muhle Museum at 130 Ordnance Road. The building was once the Native Administration Department's offices, where Black Africans would have to apply for legal permission to seek work in the city. Durban was once at the forefront of segregationist planning, creating townships, single sex compounds and the revenue generating municipal beer halls as well as dipping migrant labourers. All of this is examined in the Kwa Muhle Museum's permanent display "The Durban System".
Port Natal Maritime Museum Examines the history and workings of the harbour at the harbour end of Aliwal Street. Three ships are available for exploration, illustrating both the technology and the lifestyle of the maritime world. The ships are the Ulundi (a steam powered tug), the J.R. Moore, a oil powered tug, and the SAS Durban, a minesweeper. Call (031) 311 2231 to arrange a visit - a small fee is charged.
The Old House Museum at 31 St Andrew's Street is the recreation of the home of the prominent Robinson family, whose head was Sir John, the first Prime Minister of Natal, and who owned the Natal Mercury. Please phone (031) 311 2261 to make a booking.
The Pinetown Museum is open from 0900 to 1700, Monday to Friday, and 0900 to 1200 on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. It is located on the corner of Crompton Street and Old Main Road in Pinetown. The Pinetown Museum examines the development of the Pinetown area, from prehistory to modern times, and includes an examination of the natural life of the area. The museum also has information about tourist facilities in the Inner and Outer Western areas of the Metropolis. Telephone (031) 718 2740
The Bergtheil Museum is found at 16 Queens Avenue (off Kings Avenue) in Westville, and is open from 0830 to 1645 Monday to Friday, and from 0800 to 1200 on Saturday; it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The museum focuses on the Bergtheil Settlers from Germany into the Highway area in1848. These were the first organised group of settlers to come to the then new colony of Natal. The museum has information on the later impact of these settlers and their descendants throughout Natal, and provides an interesting insight into the colonial process. Phone (031) 203 7107 for more information.