Our Guest Services Liaison will advise on, arrange and book any of the following activities.
Contact: 031 327 7000 or email guestservices@bluewatershotel.co.za.
As a legendary landmark on the beachfront, our retro-styled hotel is your gateway to Durban’s diverse charms and the multi-cultural spirit of KwaZulu-Natal. Soak up the sunshine on our golden beaches, get Wet & Wild at Ushaka Marine World, enjoy some retail therapy at Musgrave Centre, La Lucia Mall or Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and feast your senses at the Morrison Street market, all within Durban’s confines. Further afield are the awesome uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains to the west, exciting Zululand Big Game Parks and Shakaland to the north, and adventurous coastal resorts to the south.
The people of Durban are culturally diverse; of African, Western and Eastern influences. The Zulus settled in Durban long before the 1820's and form the largest single ethnic group here. Thereafter the Europeans arrived and there are still many Durbanites of British descent. The Indians were originally brought in as indentured labourers in the 1820s to work in the cane fields and there are more Indians living in Durban than in any other city outside of India. Later, traders, business people and professionals from all over the world followed, and today Durban is the busiest container port in Africa and a top tourist destination in South Africa.
Shakaland
Zululand is the heart of the famous Zulu nation founded by King Shaka. It has a colourful history and a strong culture of traditions which continue to be upheld. To experience the Zulu culture, take a 2-hour drive from Durban to Shakaland and take part in Zulu dancing, spear making and beer drinking. 035 460 0912/www.shakaland.com
Woza eNanda
Meet local residents and visit a few of Durban's important historical sites in the township eNanda. As part of the Woza eNanda tour, you will visit the home of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the institution where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote, which resulted in a Democratic South Africa. You can also visit a Shembe village. Contact the Inanda Community Tourism Bureau. 031 519 2555
Important Religious Places
Outdoor Adventure and Family Fun
• Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower O R Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / nadasenj@durban.gov.za
• uShaka Marine World - 1 Bell Street - 031 328 8000 / www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
• Wavehouse - Shop G83, Gateway - 031 584 9400 / kim.perry@wavehouse.co.za / www.wavehouse.co.za
• Umgeni Steam Railway - 087 808 7715 / www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za
• Ten Pin Bowling - Gateway - 031 566 5668 / bowlingdisc@gatewayworld.co.za
• Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower OR Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / nadasen@durban.co.za
• Mini Town - 144 Snell Parade, North Beach - 031 337 7892
• Bicycle Hire - 914 Umgeni Road, Durban - 031 312 2559 / 082 773 6870 / vikif@vodamail.co.za
• Rock Climing - The Rock - Gateway - 031 584 9400
• Science Centre - Gateway - 031 566 8040 / info@gatewayworld.co.za
• Fantasy Forest - Gateway - 031 566 1897
• Gateway Skatepark - Shop G83 - 031 584 9400 / kim.perry@wavhouse.co.za / www.wavehouse.co.za
• Durban Ice Rink - 81 Somtseu Road, North Beach - 031 332 4597 / info@durbanicearena.co.za, www.durbanicearena.co.za
• Ricksha Bus City Tour - 40 Boscombe Place, Beachfront - 031 368 1253 / mashesha@mweb.co.za
• Sky Adventures - Cato Ridge Airfield - 073 334 7911 / wendy@skyadventures.co.za / www.skyadventures.co.za
• Sky Dive Durban - Eston, opposite Ithala Private Game Reserve - 072 214 6040 / vernon@skydivedurban.co.za
• Sugar Terminal - 51 Maydon Road - 031 365 8100
• Helicopter Rides - Sheltam - Main Terminal, Virginia Airport - 031 563 8361 / flightops@choppers.co.za
• The Bike and Bean Café - The "Bike" element of "The Bike & Bean" will offer rentals of various paraphernalia such as bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and boogie boards for the sportier clientele and umbrellas, deck chairs and/or games for the more leisurely clientele. Also on offer are bicycle city tours, bike lock up facilities and locker hire. With various bicycle accessories on sale such as helmets, spare tubes, water bottles etc. and a workshop on the premises for general maintenance of the equipment and repairs thereto. The workshop will also be able to offer repairs to any walk in clients that may need any on-the-spot repairs such as patching punctures on bicycles or changing of tubes, setting of gears etc. - 290 Snell Parade, Durban, 4025 - 082 773 6870 - Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Segway Tours - Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour, Moses Mabhida Stadium and Beach Tour , Moses Mabhida Beach Tour , UShaka Beach Tour, Moses Mabhida All Access Tour - Shop 16A, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Avenue, Durban, South Africa - 031 303 4534 - Download PDF for more information
• Sky Car - Monday – Sunday 09:00 to 17:00, Last SkyCar Trip at 16:30 - Nomusa Zikode - +27 (0) 31 582 8222
• Durban Country Club Golf Course - To book a tee time or for any general query, contact the Country Club Pro Shop on 031 313 1719. Download PDF for more information.
Durban boasts a unique range of market experiences. These include pavement vendors selling arts and crafts, street markets selling curries and spices, handmade crafts and everything else in between.
Essenwood Market
You can find everything from local clothing, jewellery and food, to plants and
herbs at this market, which opens every Saturday at Berea Park in Musgrave
from 09h00-14h00. Steven Dlamini Road, Berea - 031 208 1264 / www.essenwoodmarket.com
Shongweni Farmers Market
The Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market in Assagay specialises in organic
foods, fresh produce and traditional crafts. Saturdays, 06h30-10h00.
Cnr Alverstone and Kassier Roads, Shongweni - 083 77 1674 / www.shongwenimarket.co.za
Victoria Street Market
This vibrant Indian Market with its colourful stalls filled with spices, saris and
curios is a favourite with tourists. Open daily. Cnr Denis Hurley & Berta
Mkhiza Streets - 031 306 4021
The Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is South Africa's first, largest and most popular arts and crafts route. Weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, wine makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and more can be found along the meander.
Tel. 033 330 8195 / www.midlandsmeander.co.za
I Heart Market
A monthly market that shows off Durban’s creativity, with everything from
original art to edgy T-shirt designs, bespoke interior design items,
independently crafted jewellery and delicious home-prepared meals.
It is held at the most iconic location - Moses Mabhida Stadium - on the
first Saturday of every month. http://iheartmarket.blogspot.com
Wonder Market
Held at Chris Saunders Park near Gateway the Wonder Market promises “food, craft and treasure”. Stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to hand-crafted jewellery, flowers, intricately woven baskets, and clothing. The park has a wonderful setting with trees and flowerbeds creating a pretty backdrop to the stalls and guest bands. Held on the first Sunday of every month - 079-747-7661 / www.wondermarket.co.za
More Durban Markets
The Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is South Africa's largest arts and crafts route. Weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, wine makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and more can be found along the meander - 033 330 8195 / www.midlandsmeander.co.za
NATURE RESERVES & GARDENS
Get Out Into The Wild
You don’t have to go far from Durban to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. There are numerous game reserves and nature reserves up and down the KZN coastline as well as inland. Explore them on horseback, foot or in the comfort of your own vehicle.
The Valley of 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is steeped in Zulu history and offers the most magnificent views. 25-minute drive west of Durban. 47 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill. 031 777 1874
PheZulu Safari Park
offers game drives, restaurants with views over the valley, a snake and crocodile farm, and authentic Zulu culture, rituals and dancing. 031 777 1000 / www.phezulusafaripark.co.za
Go on safari in the Tala Private Game Reserve, just a 30-minute drive from the Valley of 1000 Hills. Tala offers luxury accommodation and exquisite restaurants. 031 781 8000 / www.tala.co.za
Shongweni, Inanda and Hazelmere Dams
These are three major dams close to the city that provide exciting outdoor experiences. Enjoy game drives, nature trails, bird watching, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, a variety of water sports and relaxing at scenic picnic sites. 031 766 9946 / www.msinsi.co.za
Durban Botanical Gardens
The Durban Botanical Gardens was established in 1849 and is one of Africa's oldest gardens. Situated close to the city centre, it is home to a collection of sub-tropical trees, palms and orchids. It has lakes, ponds, a fern dell, a sunken garden, palm walk and the Living Beehive. The Living Beehive was a joint Cop17 legacy project, an extraordinary walk-through physical steel structure covered with a living room and walls made up of indigenous plant species. Sydenham Road. 031 322 4000 www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
uMngeni Green Hub
The Green Hub is Durban's central portal for eco-tourism information and bookings. Based at the uMngeni River Estuary, near the mangrove swamps, the Hub arranges canoe trails, nature and heritage trails in the area and throughout Durban, and has bikes for hire. Open 09h00-17h00 daily. Blue Lagoon Park, Stiebel Place. 082 492 6804
More Nature Reserves & Gardens
SPAS
You can party all night in Durban! Just be sure to stay awake and watch the beautiful sunrise over the warm Indian Ocean the next day.
Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World
One of the biggest entertainment centres in Durban, ‘Suncoast’ houses casinos, restaurants and cinemas, the popular nightclub Café Vacca Matta, conference facilities and a hotel. It is located opposite the world-renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium and close to several other hotels along the beachfront.
Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade - 031 328 3000
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
This landmark Zulu-inspired casino has over 1000 slots, just over 24 touch-bet roulette machines, as well as roulette, blackjack and poker tables. It also includes the iZulu Theatre, Krakatoa nightclub, and the Mangwanani Sibaya luxurious day spa. Sibaya is a 25 minute-drive north of Durban.
1 Sibaya Drive - 031 580 5000
More Night Clubs
Theatres
Durban is one of the few cities in the world that offers world-class surfing waves right on its doorstep. Because our waters are warm all year round, you can enjoy many other ocean-activities such as swimming, jet skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, kite surfing and fishing. Durban's mild weather makes it both a summer and winter holiday destination.
Surfing
Good surfing conditions can be found along the length of Durban beachfront, particularly New Pier, North Beach and Battery Beach. For more experienced surfers, the Bluff and North Coast offer powerful breaking waves and the South Coast is home to some world-class point breaks.
uShaka Marine World and Sea World Aquarium
This spectacular aquarium is designed as an underwater shipwreck and is one of the five largest aquariums in the world, with a Dolphinarium, dive tank and a reef for snorkelers. uShaka Wet 'n Wild offers heart-stopping water slides and a 450 m river ride that takes you past the shark tank. uShaka Village Walk features an interesting mix of shops and restaurants, and don’t miss fine dining on the 'Phantom Ship'. 031 328 8000 / www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
KZN Sharks Board
The KZN Sharks Board in Umhlanga has a display hall with life-size replicas of sharks, fish and rays. They offer a 25-minute presentation on the work they do and the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem. You can also experience a 20-minute shark dissection. 031 566 0400/www.shark.co.za
Scuba Diving
Xpression on the Beach - Surf and SUP lessons and Board Rental
074 134 1232 - 17 Erskine Terrace, Addington Beach, Durban - Download PDF for more information
Shopping Malls
Car Hire
Metered Taxis
Consulates
Medical
• 24-hr Trauma Hospital - 031 204 1377
• Addington Hospital - 031 327 2000
• Albert Luthuli Hospital - 031 240 1000
• Crompton Hospital, Pinetown - 031 702 0777
• Entabeni Hospital - 031 204 1300
• Kingsway Hospital - 031 904 7000
• McCord's Hospital - 031 268 5700
• Parklands - 031 242 4000
• St Augustine's - 031 268 5000
• Umhlanga Hospital - 031 560 5000
• Westville Hospital - 031 265 0911
• TEN PIN BOWLING
• MINI GOLF
• GO KART RACING
• POOL TABLES
• VIDEO GAME ARCADE
At Gateway Theatre of Shopping Tel: (031) 566 2332
Valley of a Thousand Hills- 25 minutes Heritage Market, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest - 20 min Crocworld, Scottburgh Tel: (039) 976 1103 Hare Krishna Temple, Chatsworth (031) 403 3328 Tala Game Reserve Tel: (031) 781 8000
Arbour Crossing - 031 904 2064 - 2 Oppenheimer Road, Amanzimtoti
Galleria - 031 904 2233 - Cnr Moss Kolnik and Arbour Roads, Amanzimtoti
Gateway - 031 514 0500 - New Town Centre, Umhlanga
La Lucia Mall - 031 562 8420 - 90 William Campbell Drive, La Lucia
Musgrave Centre - 031 204 5129 - 115 Musgrave Road, Berea
Pavilion - 031 275 9800 - Jack Martens Drive, Westville
The Heritage Market - 031 765 2500 - 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest
The Workshop - 031 304 9894 - 99 Samora Machel Street, CBD
Westwood Mall - 031 279 2160 - 16 Lincoln Terrace, Westville
Tel: (031) 563 9513
Its a great afternoon, the suns out, the miss is nagging and doing your head in. So you gather your troupes via a couple of short phonecalls and excuse yourself for a tame afternoon of fishing with the boys. What the ladies wont understand is that this is a male bonding/commradery session of note, a nice yacht, some sunscreen, warm clothes, lots of liquid and pills [just in case you get the dreaded sea sickness or better yet the preventative pill] obviously your 'fishing' equipment and don’t forget your six pack of ice cold beers. Think the river runs through it, only a upgraded, mid sea version. You and your men going out to sea, great music blaring from your super cool yacht [hired or rented] will do just as nicely,[be prepared for petrol costs, they can be wicked]. Mid sea, there you are ,wind through your hair, feeling relaxed ,light hearted banter and the competitive streak kicks in, who's going to be the first to catch something? who will catch the most? who will catch the rarest fish? or the biggest? As the afternoon drifts on, the fun and talks will continue, maybe getting deeper [or depending on alcohol consumption] lose all meaning and drift into light hearted silliness. By the time you return to shore all will be forgiven, all will have settled into perspective, you'll have something great to make for dinner. Maybe you'll even spot a Coelacanth who knows. The possibilities are endless.
Hakuna Matata - 031 301 1953 - enquires@hmcharters.co.za - The Marina, Harbour
Ocean Safaris - 084 565 5328 - infor@airandoceansafaris.co.za - uShaka Marine World
Isle of Capri - 031 305 3099 - bsjvr@mailbox.co.za - 17-18 Boatmans Road, Wilson's Wharf
Royal Natal Yacht Club - 031 301 5425 - club@rnyc.org.za - Yacht Mall, Margaret Mncadi Road
Aquarazia - 082 519 5000 - dynoman@iafrica.co.za - The Marina, Harbour
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I STAYED AT BLUE WATERS FROM THE 29/12/11 UNTIL 05/01/12. THE STAFF IS FREELY, FREINDLY, CARED AND WELCOMING. WE HAD A WONDERFULL STAY AND … read more