Travel | Destinations
Spoilt for choice in Durban
A hit with tourists, this South African hotspot is often referred to as the playground of the Zulu Kingdom
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Writer
- Published: 00:28 November 7, 2009
- REGION
- Africa
- HOLIDAY TYPE
- Adventure Travel
- Catch a glimpe of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos on a game drive in Durban which is situated in the Kwazulu Natal.
- Image Credit: Emmanuelle Landais, Gulf News
The Oyster Box hotel in Durban is one of the most chic and historic hostelries in South Africa, not only for its newly revamped interiors but also because it offers a little of everything Durban is about: Good food, pretty beaches and fun-loving people.
Stepping into the 1940s lobby is like stepping into colonial charm, from the large black-and-white chequered tiles of the lobby floor to the nautical-themed wood-panelled bar-lounge.
Sipping on home-made signature ice tea as waves crash in the distance, the tropical ceiling fans whirling their bamboo leaf-like blades above is enough to transport you to another era. And you might well end up meeting some of the locals who have known the hotel for decades.
The beachfront rooms offer views of the iconic red-and-white lighthouse of the Umhlanga beach, a favourite with newlyweds and photographers. The promenade lures afternoon strollers and joggers who kick the sand off their shoes and relax until sundown.
Much-loved local landmark
The hotel is something of a local treasure to Durbanites who expressed displeasure when it closed for renovation three years ago. The five-star property reopened its doors last month to reveal lavish changes, all in keeping with the colonial elegance and feel of the property, which opened in 1947.
Previous guests will be hard-pushed to spot the changes, while newcomers will enjoy the refinement of the days gone by. Back in the day, the hotel was home to several permanent residents of which the staff will relish the opportunity to relive the tales of the colourful characters known to all.
A stay at the Oyster Box, which is homey yet full of modern amenities, offers a soothing break for long-haul travellers who are looking for a central location close to the beach. Emirates’ newly launched direct flights from Dubai to Durban make the visit more tempting.
Durban is situated in the Kwazulu Natal, a region famed for its Bs: Beaches, the Big Five of South Africa (catch a glimpse of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos on a game drive), the Battlefields where the Zulus fought the British, the Bergs (for the Drakens-Berg Mountains), the Beautiful scenery and the Brave Zulus.
Prior to 1994 the territory, now known as KwaZulu-Natal, was made up of the province of Natal and all pieces of territory that made up the homeland of KwaZulu, which means “Zululand”. It is called the garden province and is the home of the Zulu nation. Located in the southeast of the country, it borders three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho, along with a long shoreline on the Indian Ocean.
Jaws not welcome
The Sharks Board in Durban is well worth a visit, where you will learn all about the work being done to keep the beaches safe from shark attacks. Daunting as it sounds, Durban’s beaches are safe, thanks to shark nets that stretch along 250 kilometres. During a tour of the Sharks Board, visitors will learn all about sharks, most of which are threatened species. They can also witness a shark dissection – not for the faint of heart.
Head for the lake
There’s lots to do in Durban. If you’re not sailing or swimming, you can hit go to one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere at Gateway or stroll in some of the markets and pick up African handicrafts.
If you plan to go to Durban for the World Cup 2010, make sure you spare some time for some of the most breathtaking scenery the country has to offer. You can also go for a game drive, which is easy to organise. Just a few hours’ drive out of town can bring you face to face with hippos at Lake St Lucia, one of the seven World Heritage Sites in South Africa. Located on the northeastern coast of KwaZulu Natal, stretching from Kozi Bay in the north to Cape St Lucia in the south, St Lucia Park was the first in South Africa to be declared a World Heritage Site. The park’s uniqueness lies in its remarkable diversity, particularly its combination of a subtropical coastline and a classic African game park.
Lake St Lucia, the largest in Africa, is home to 800 hippos, 2,000 crocodiles, bull sharks, blacktip sharks, bass and salmon. Other species such as fish eagles are also found in the game reserve. Seventy per cent of all indigenous tree species of South Africa, a total of 400, grow near the lake.
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