5 hidden KZN gems
As Durbanites, we accept that we have to share our city with the rest of the nation over the festive season.
It’s how we roll every year.
This year, if you feel like escaping the crowds or just doing something a little different that won’t involve traffic, here’s five hidden gems you might have forgotten about.
1) Tala Game Reserve brings the African bush to our door, just an hour away from Durban. Tala is home to 380 species of birds and big game—including rhinos, wildebeests, warthogs, hippos, and giraffes. The sanctuary is spread over 7,400 acres of African bushveld. You have the options of taking a two-hour guided bushwalk, riding with a ranger on a two-hour game drive, or exploring the park at your own pace on a self-drive safari. You can also choose to hang out for lunch at their restaurant or even book in for a night in one of the reserve’s luxury lodges or rustic rondavels. To get into the park for a day trip is R70 per vehicle, R60 per adult and R40 for kids. Contact Tala on 031 781-8000 for more information.
(Above: Photo via www.nature-reserve.co.za/tala-private-game-reserve.html)
2) Another great (and affordable) idea for a family day trip is to head to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and stroll through the coastal dune forest, across the Ohlange River towards the Umhlanga Lagoon. The guided walk is half an hour long so it shouldn’t be too strenuous for little hikers. The reserve boasts well over 60 species of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for vervet monkeys and blue and red duiker. The route is well-marked and well priced. It’s R30 an adult for the guided walk and R15 for children under 12. Contact Umhlanga Tourism on 031 561 4257, email [email protected] or visit their website.
(Above: Photo via www.umhlangatourism.co.za)
3) Hillcrest Paintball is one of South Africa’s best paintball fields and is a must-visit if you and your kids are a tad bit trigger-happy. It has two arenas for distinct types of paintball warfare: one offers you an African bush experience while another is for SWAT-team-style battle. Hillcrest Paintball also has a pro shop, a tuck shop and braai facilities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. The damage is R90 for 100 paintballs. Contact them on 074 172 1309, email [email protected] or visit their website: www.hillcrestpaintball.co.za.
(Above: Photo via facebook.com/hillcrestpaintball)
4) Phezulu Safari Park, situated in the gorgeous Valley of 1000 Hills, is another hidden gem, enjoyed mostly by overseas tourists. Go back to your roots and take a guided tour around the Phezulu Zulu Kraal and hang around for some traditional dance. Show times are at 10:00am and 11:30 then again at 14:00 and 15:30. The Phezulu Safari park also boasts a reptile park with crocodiles and knowledgeable guides to teach you about these prehistoric creatures. There is also the option of a game drive where you can spot blesbok, impala, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, duiker and bush pig. For rates on these options click here, or call them on 031 777-1000 or check out their website.
(Above: Photo via facebook.com/phezulusafaripark)
5) The legendary Roma Revolving Restaurant opened its doors in 1973 and has been turning heads (literally) ever since. Located on the top floor of the John Ross building the views over Durban are nothing less than breath taking. This almost forgotten gem is sure to make you proud to be a Durbanite as you browse through their collection of old school Durban pics. Back when horse and carts rolled down West Street! You have the choice of fine dining in the Roma Revolving Restaurant (Lunch: 12-2. Dinner: 6-10) or if you prefer to just chill and take in the scenery head up to Gino’s Sky Bar. Seeing as this is the only restaurant of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere it’s a seriously under –rated Durban institution. For bookings call 031 3376707 or visit their website.
(Above: The view from Gino's Sky Bar, via www.roma.co.za)
*Do you have any well-kept KZN secrets to add to our list?