Beaches for Miles
Durban's climate lends itself to outdoor pursuits of all kinds year round. The beaches stretch for miles up and down the coast. The warm Indian Ocean draws visitors from far and wide to escape cooler climates.
Surfing is one of the city's top attractions, with regular competitions and world class events. Both the North and South beach is shark-protected and dolphins can often be seen close to the shore. The Durban beachfront is a cultural experience. Here you will find families on holiday, surfers challenging the waves, Indian ladies walking in flowing saris, beaded traditional healers collecting bottles of seawater to use a 'muti' medicine and youngsters strutting their stuff on the pristine beaches.
The Victorian colonial architecture of ‘The Last Outpost’, spicy explorations of the Oriental Market, deep-sea angling upon the jade Indian Ocean, exploring the hikes and rides upon the urban edge and within a landscape blanketed in sugar cane, or surfing the beach break off New Pier - Durban is the definitive destination for just about every cultural and outdoor adventure you can think of.
The World’s Only Stadium Swing
The ‘Big Rush Big Swing’ at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is the new Big Thing. Do it, if only to experience the world’s only stadium swing. Apparently it is one of the largest in the world at 88m high and with a 220m arc, but also to take in the architectural largesse of this iconic stadium. This is a full body harness swing.
Take the stadium lift from the base of the arch to ‘Ladder Rung 4’ and on to the jump platform to meet your jump master. Once you’ve stepped up for the 60m free-fall, you will accelerate through space to a speed of over 120km/h as you ascribe a great arc above the pitch. Jumping can be done daily. Other adrenaline options include the Elevator Jump and Adventure Walk.
Nature Reserve Mountain Biking
Run a Reserve
Burman Bush Nature Reserve in Morningside is just 8km north of Durban City Centre. It preserves 50ha of indigenous forest and coastal bush along the final stretch of the uMngeni River. The reserve features three undulating hiking or running trails of around 2km. However, as these tracks criss-cross continuously, you can easily get lost in this jungle maze. The reserve forms a roughly circular enclave and can be as tough or gentle as you choose.
The lowest point is at just 19m above sea level and sadistically, this is more or less where you start. There a good bit of ascending to the high point (133m) on the eastern side in just on 1km of twisting and often root-infested climbing. Expect stairs, natural obstacles such as rocks and roots, as well as a steep slog to the top. This little reserve may be just short of a kilometre in diameter, but the exploration and training opportunities are nonetheless impressive. There are toilets, braai facilities and picnic area.
By Jacques Marais