5 Places to Visit in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Durban
The bustling and colorful city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal offers visitors many places to visit in Durban, ranging from attractive markets, interesting museums to aquariums and snake parks. The places to visit in Durban attracts not only locals and South African travellers, but people from all over the world flock to this magnificent seaside city which never sleeps.
5 Places to visit in Durban:
1) Bangladesh Market, Chatsworth
For a truly Indian experience in the heart of Durban’s suburb of Chatsworth, where one of the main Indian communities of South African reside, one can find the interesting and colorful Bangladesh Market. This place to visit in Durban is a well known fresh produce and weekend shopping market which is a busy weekend meeting place for the many diverse communities of the area including young and old, especially the predominantly Indian community.
Part of the charm and unique quality which attracts many shoppers from far away to this Indian market is that the market is safe and in a very friendly environment, easily accessible as well provudes good parking facilities. It is also a nice option to try walking the length of the market and not be seduced by the cooking aromas mingling with the incense and the scent of fresh flowers; trying to resist temptation of a pyramid of shiny ripe tomatoes or perfectly lethal green chillies. Shopping here is all about the actual experience one has and the interaction of others. Shopping here is about strolling around and chatting to the vendors. It is about trying on a sari or sampling some green mango atchar. The unique sights, sounds, tastes and smells are all what make the Bangladesh Market in Chatsworth, Durban, an unforgettable and thrilling market experience.
Bangladesh Market, Chatsworth
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2) Explore the Durban Local History Museums
Durban Local History Museums
Another great place to visit in Durban are the many different mueums which are available, including:
Bergtheil Museum
This Museum is named after Jonas Bergtheil and is located in the leafy suburb of Westville almost midway between Durban and Pinetown. Much of this Durban museum is housed in Westville’s oldest building, the museum features massive stone walls and hand-hewn timber floorboards. The park like surrounds add an atmosphere of tranquility an relaxation for its visitors.
Pinetown Museum
The Pinetown Museum in Durban, South Africa, can be found about half an hours drive from Durban and is a thriving industrial and commercial town which was named after Sir Benjamin Pine, Governor of Natal (1873-75). At the heart of the town and just off the main road lies the Pinetown Library complex which features both the a library and a small yet interesting museum.
Old House Museum
The site of the Old House Museum in Diakonia Street was donated to the city by George Churton Collins, the house was built by the Town Council and opened in 1954. This place to visit in Durban features a recreation of the home of one of Durban’s most prominent families, the Robinsons. Sir John Robinson was Natal’s first Prime Minister, and also owned the Natal Mercury, Durban’s daily morning paper.
Old Court House Museum
Visit the Old Court House Museum, just a stones throw from the City Hall, and stand in the building often visited by MK Gandhi who at the time was a young Durban lawyer experiencing the challenges of life under a colonial authority. Later explore at your leisure the “Durban Room” with its unique exhibits including a replica of an early sugar cane press, ‘Henry Francis Fynn’s’ Cottage, an early pharmacy and a haberdashery store. Make time to also wander around the costume room where you will be able to reflect on the fashion trends of Durban’s many cultures and marvel at intricate craftsmanship.
Port Natal Maritime Museum
Backed by a panoramic view of the Durban Harbour, the Port Natal Maritime Museum offers an insight into the influence of maritime culture on local life whilst also reflecting on the rigors and romance of lives lived at sea. Amazing voyages, dramatic tales and old yet inspiring collections form the basis of an unforgettable experience with attractions including the multi-ton floating vessels. These exhibits are the steam tug “JR More” as well as the minesweeper “SAS Durban” and together with other exhibits like the “Ulundi” and “NCS Challenger” . This is fun as well as being educational.
Kwa Muhle Museum
Visit the Kwa Muhle Museum and discover what life was like in and around Durban during and leading up to the apartheid era. Ponder over the exhibits which include photographic prints of township life, and reflect on the contributions of the ordinary people who laid the foundations of Ethekwini’s development as one of Africa’s leading cities.
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2. Cato Manor Heritage Centre
Cato Manor in Durban, South Africa, known for its unique multi-cultural community, its informal settlements, and various religious sites is perhaps best know for its dramatic history of forced removals. Large black and white prints at the Cato Manor Heritage Centre vividly refelct the stark realities of evictions, rebellion, riots and suppression.
A focus on the ‘Durban System’ which was administered and implemented by city officials links themes explored at the Cato Manor Heritage Centre to the Kwa Muhle Museum in Ordnance Road providing visitors with an ideal opportunity to explore the cities history by visiting both museums and then by traveling through the region also referred to as ‘Umkumbane’ by locals.
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3. Wilson’s Wharf – Durban’s Waterfront Venue
Wilson’s Wharf – Durban’s Waterfront Venue
Wilson’s Wharf, which is situated on Durban’s Victoria embankment between the Yacht Mole and the Sugar Terminal, is Durban’s trendiest fusion of fun, food, top shows and crafts, which are all blended with the rustic interface of a boating marina and working slipways.
Visitors to Wilson’s Wharf are invited to socialize with friends and family, this is the perfect opportunity for basking in the sunshine during the day or enjoying the cool vibe as well as fresh sea air and taking in the magnificent splendour of the city lights reflecting on the harbour waters at night.
The focus is on the great South African outdoors, the marine lifestyle, and the preservation of the natural environment. The wharf is host to a variety of musical and theatrical festivals throughout the year, showcasing international performers and promoting local talent. Wilson’s Wharf is a “must see” for all who live in or visit the city and offers the ideal destination to take a break, enjoy the buzz, relax and unwind on the deck and watch the ships sail by.
With it’s beautiful harbour views of Africa’s busiest Port, this place of visit in Durban is a unique waterfront venue has something for everyone, young and all, people from all walks of life can enjoy the vibe; from a fast food court to restaurants providing funky food and family dining, and from a sushi and oyster bar to a festive pub atmosphere, all overlooking the marina and harbor.
The indoor craft market and speciality shops contain a wide variety of items for the discerning shopper, whilst the intimate Catalina theatre brings top shows to Durban’s only stage on the bay, which is quite an unforgettable experience. The marina also offers activities such as deep-sea fishing charters for those who seek adventure as well as harbour cruises for visitors who just want to chill out on the water and see the land from a different perspective.
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4. Mini Town Durban
Mini Town Durban
Mini Town is one of Durban’s oldest and most well-known tourist attractions. This attraction was first established over 30 years ago. Mini Town provides visitors with a good impression of some of Durban’s landmarks in a 1:24 scale. Enjoy a leisurely walk around mini town which will give you an opportunity to view excellent models of some of Durban’s most interesting buildings. One of the most popular features of the layout is a rail network with trains continually on the go. There is also an airport complete with airplanes. The harbor scene is very realistic and features a tug and ship traveling around the harbor. There is a railway bridge across the harbor and trains need to stop every now and then while the bridge is lifted to let a ship through.
The little Town has a small refreshment kiosk where cooldrinks and snacks may be purchased the venue is also available for children birthday parties. Mini Town is a nice place to take the young member of the family for an outing. The weekends are the best times to goto to mini Town.
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5. Riverbend Crocodile Farm – one of the top places to visit in Durban
Riverbend Crocodile Farm
What was at first considered a crazy idea soon turned into a reality as the late Corky Kelly constructed the Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Southbroom on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The farm was officially opened by the Administrator of KwaZulu Natal Mr C.B.Botha on the 24th November 1981.
While the initial crocodiles were obtained from Spencer’s Creek Crocodile Farm in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe additional crocodiles from Namibia, South Africa and now home bred crocodiles form the nucleus of one of the most successful crocodile breeding basks in South Africa.
The first crocodiles to be born at Riverbend where hatched in the summer of 1983. Home to more than 200 adult nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles of all sizes, tourist visiting Riverbend Crocodile Farm are able to view the crocodiles in their natural habitat. Beautifully landscaped breeding enclosures are not only home to crocodiles but to numerous bird species as well.
An education centre provides visitors with information related to crocodile biology, and a comprehensive audio visual presentation in English, Afrikaans, German and Zulu runs continuously. This presentation also covers the life cycle of crocodiles and snakes and also details the day-to-day activities of the Farm. Crocodiles are fed weekly on Sundays at 15h00 and on certain advertised Wednesdays in summer.
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