Attractions

 

Francis Farewell Square

This is the square around which the city had its humble beginning in the early 19 th century. At that time it was a small settlement of itinerant traders and hunters. The historic square right at the centre of Durban is named for Henry Francis Flynn, one of the prominent inhabitants of the time.

Around the square are some interesting sights, particularly the 1910 City Hall on the south side, which is an exact replica of the City Hall of Belfast, Ireland. On the first floor of the City Hall is the Natural Science Museum with an interesting insect section; on the first floor is the renowned Durban Art Gallery. Various musical, song and dance performances are held on the City Hall steps every Wednesday at 1pm.

Alongside the City Hall is Durban's local history museum housed in the Old Court House, which was the first public building ever erected in Durban, in 1866.

Sea World Aquarium and Dolphinarium

Sea World is situated in the heart of Durban's Golden Mile beachfront on the Marine Parade. Durban's Sea World Aquarium and Dolphinarium are billed as a ‘window to the oceans'. It offers daily presentations such as fish feeding, dolphin care and training, facts about seals, dolphins and penguins, and scheduled shark feeding encounters. All funds raised from entrance fees are channelled into marine research, education and stranded animal rehabilitation.

Telephone: (031) 337 3536; Website: www.seaworld.org.za ;

Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm;

Admission: R50 (adult), R25 (child); other concessions available

KwaMuhle Museum

The museum is housed in what was once a notorious building. It used to be the headquarters of the ‘Department of Native Affairs' where every black South African in Natal was required to register in the days of apartheid. The museum is dedicated to tracing the history of racial laws in Durban. It has some very memorable video and photographic exhibits. It is an irony that the museum is known as KwaMuhle because the meaning of the word is ‘place of the good one'. The building got this name from a white man who ran the department but did his best to fight the system within its constraints. The name has been given to honour him.

Address: Ordinance Road; Telephone: (031) 311 2237

Opening time: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 4pm; Sunday 11am to 4pm

Juma Musjid Mosque

It is the largest mosque in the Southern hemisphere. This magnificent mosque dominates Durban's central Indian district. It's gilt-domed minarets tower over the bustling commercial area. The interior has a simple elegance and the marble worship hall is immensely peaceful and tranquil. Around the mosque, on Grey Street, are several Indian food outlets, most offering the uniquely Durban ‘bunny chow', half a loaf of bread scooped out and filled with curry. Off the Grey Street is the Madressa Arcade bazaar. On the corner of Queen and Russell streets is the brightly painted Victoria Street Market offering incense, henna tattoos, spices and other exotic goods.

Tours of the mosque can be arranged.

Telephone: (031) 306 1774 (tour arrangement)

Botanical Gardens

Established in 1851, Durban's botanical gardens are renowned for having the finest collection of plant life in Africa. The gardens, on Sydenham Hill Road west of the Greyville Race Track, are the city's oldest natural attraction. A stroll among the huge indigenous and exotic trees, and the stunning orchid house display is indeed relaxing and soothing. The gardens are also haven for a varied bird life. There is also a lovely tea garden.

Opening time: Daily 7.30am to 5.30pm

The BAT Centre

BAT Centre, or Bartle Arts Trust Centre is on the Victoria Embankment beside the Durban harbour. It is a haven for traditional artists. The centre features an enormous studio where artists work, a theatre and exhibition galleries. There is a restaurant serving authentic African dishes. Stunning views of the harbour can be had from the restaurant deck.

Near the BAT Centre is the Maritime Museum, which details the history of the harbour and houses a restored tugboat and other interesting exhibits.

Telephone: (031) 332 0451

Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm; Saturday 10am to 3.30pm

UShaka Marine World: it is on the Bell Street and is a major attraction. Besides viewing the fabulous aquarium, you can indulge in sports, eat, shop or laze on a fine beach and much more. A spot not to be missed.

New Germany Nature Reserve : Situated in Westville, the wildlife here is worth a visit: zebra, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, porcupine, mongoose, reedbuck, impala and many birds. You can also see a remnant of original coastal bush. You can spend a peaceful and pleasant day here.