The Bay itself is virtually landlocked by the Bluff in the south and the Point in the north. South of the CBD you will encounter the bustling Indian community, to the north there is Berea and to the west are the suburbs of Kloof, Hillcrest and Westville as well as the Valley of a Thousand Hills, which is a mere 30 minutes drive inland from Durban via the N3 and is the setting for two of the most popular sporting events in South Africa, the annual Dusi Canoe Marathon and the well-known Comrades Marathon. There are also opportunities to visit authentic Zulu villages, view traditional dances, experience African cooking and gain an insight into crafts such as spear-making, beading and thatching. A visit to the Phezulu Safari Park is highly recommended.
The southern shores are divided into the Sunshine Coast which stretches from Amanzimtoti (25km soutThere are a number of popular beaches and the Golden Mile, which extends from Rutherford Street to Playfair Road at North Beach, boasts theme parks, nightspots, entertainment centres and pavilions. Attractions include Waterworld with its landscaped gardens, swimming pools and chutes, Funworld which has a variety of rides for both adults and children and Mini Town which displays replicas of local landmark buildings and is adjacent to the Fitzsimmons Snake Park. To the south is the very popular uShaka Marine World which features dolphins, sharks and stingrays, seals, penguins and a varied selection of marine life including colourful corals and anemones. The Natal Sharks Board is the only shark research centre worldwide and is well worth a visit. Educational material including a shark dissection is presented and replicas of various species are on display.
Situated in KwaZulu-Natal Province, Durban is the third largest metropolis in South Africa and, in keeping with its status as a top vacation destination, offers a wide selection of accommodation options which ranges from B&Bs and Guest Houses to upmarket establishments such as The Royal. For visitors who wish to gamble and enjoy a range of entertainment options the SunCoast Hotel & Towers is particularly recommended.
The Southern Sun Garden Court South Beach is a pleasant mid-range hotel, whilst a slightly more upmarket option with equally stunning sea views and good business facilities is the Southern Sun Elangeni.
Convention attendees and businessmen would be well served at the Durban Hilton which is in very close proximity to the ICC. The Golden Mile offers some of Durban's most elegant hotels such as the Edward, Balmoral and Tropicana, where there is a number of rickshaws bedecked with beads and furs.
Durban, also known as eThekwini in Zulu, is the gateway to the Drakensberg and Zululand and one of the most dynamic South African cities. This multicultural metropolis combines culture, entertainment and nature with a sub-tropical climate and rich heritage which ensures that its reputation as a prime holiday destination and the top beach resort in South Africa remains unrivalled. [...more]
Regardless of whether you are a nature lover or history enthusiast, for sheer variety there is probably very little which beats a trip from Cape Town to Durban via the famous Garden Route. The scenery is amazing and there are ample opportunities to enjoy splendid beaches along the way (such as at Jeffrey's Bay, which is a renowned site for surfers) and also to take in natural indigenous forests. Indeed, one of the highlights of any such trip must be the Tsitsikamma and Storm's River region of the Eastern Cape. Adventurous travellers are sure to enjoy doing the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour or, for the brave, there is the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy Jump which is listed by Guinness World Records as "the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world". For the more laid-back traveller a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park is very highly recommended, as is a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and, of course, the Cango Caves in the Oudtshoorn vicinity. The opportunity to visit an Ostrich Farm and ride one of these feathered beauties is also available.
Further north you will pass through what was formerly known as the Transkei and encounter rural habitats and relaxed coastal villages such as Coffee Bay and Port St. Johns. The latter is a small, typical Third World town which attracts many European tourists due to its spectacular natural surroundings and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. PSJ is also the (unofficial) South African capital of "ganja" (marijuana), which probably accounts for the myriads of backpackers who pass through the region. And, of course, home to the eccentric and much publicized Ben Decker (artist/actor and ex-politician wannabee) who lives in a cave with a stunning 180 degree sea view.
Located at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, the town combines virgin forests with stunning ocean views and is pure paradise for any nature lover who wishes to explore its many hiking trails, discover secluded waterfalls and awesome views from the top of Mount Thesiger. I've been privileged to spend a few years as a "local" (before returning to my Cape Town roots) and can highly recommend a stay at the Umzimvubu Retreat Guest House.
For those who prefer to add some bright lights to their itinerary, major cities en route such as East London, Port Elizabeth and, of course, both Durban and Cape Town offer everything you may desire. In brief, no matter whether you are seeking natural splendor, historical highlights, an adrenalin rush or sophisticated city life, the Garden Route combines it all in a breathtakingly beautiful package.
