15 things to do in Durban this December

09 October 2011 - 03:21 By Vanessa Stephen
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There's more to Durban than the beach. Vanessa Stephen checks out the city's finest attractions on offer this summer

1. HIGH CUISINE

Get dressed in your old velour suit and have an evening at the Roma revolving restaurant, built in the 1970s, on Victoria Embankment. Select from an Italian menu as your sky-high outlook changes continually with the best views of Durban and the harbour. Booking is essential; e-mail info@roma.co.za or phone 031 337 6707

2. ARCH AND LEAP

The spectacular Moses Mabhida Stadium - see Amazulu FC play Kaizer Chiefs here on December 20 or take the grand tour. The Skycar takes 20 people at a time to the top of the arch from 9am to 5.30pm daily for R50, or R25 for children. If you like to jump off things, the Big Rush Big Swing lets you leap from 106m above the pitch and swing out under the arch. Call 031 312 9281 for more information.

3. HARBOUR HARMONIES

Zacks at Wilson's Wharf has a jazz and blues night on Tuesdays. Watch the lights twinkle over the harbour and listen to very good live, free music while sipping something cool or smoky. Black polo neck jerseys optional. Check what is on at www.zacks.co.za

4. BE TARZAN OR JANE

Inland the humidity drops sharply so on a scorching day head to Karkloof for a canopy tour. Zip through treetops filled with Samango monkeys and emerald cuckoos on slides up to 180m long. Bathe in the mist of a waterfall, take in the stupendous views and enjoy seeing the world from the treetops. For details and bookings see www.canopytour.co.za

5. OCEAN ADRIFT

Hire a 15m yacht with your friends and sail away out to High Seas to sip on champagne/beer/pina coladas and look for whale sharks. There are a number to choose from but the African Queen is a great choice and sails from Wilson's Wharf out into the open ocean. You can have the boat for a few hours - or an entire weekend. Call 031 464 1880 or visit www.african-queen.co.za

6. FLY EXTREME KITES

Take advantage of the warm ocean even when the wind picks up a little. Have a kite-surfing lesson in the La Mercy Lagoon with Kitesports and fly across the calm water. It's rock-free and beautiful, bordering on mangroves and endless white beaches. Look out for the resident fish eagle pair while you're there. 031 568 2644

7. CAROLS WITH A PORPOISE

Take your kids to Dolphins by Starlight at uShaka Marine World, a combination of jumping cetaceans and carols. Sing your way through the evening as Gambit and the rest of the dolphins perform gravity-defying stunts. Call 031 328 8000 or visit www.ushakamarineworld.co.za. Tickets will become available through Computicket.

8. ARTS 'n SCONES

Join the upper crust at the revamped Oyster Box on Umhlanga's beach front. Admire the art collection from local artists including Cecil Skotnes and Sibusiso Duma. The décor has been beautifully preserved and adds to the feeling of opulence as you head to the Palm Court for a proper high tea. With views of the Indian Ocean, an award-winning spa and fine dining, you may never want to leave. www.oysterboxhotel.com

9. RACING THROUGH THE NIGHT

It's six months too late for the Durban July but don't let that put you off. Go night racing at Greyville and put R6 on a horse with a crazy name while munching on samosas. No need to get dressed in feathers this time and kids are welcome. For fixtures check www.goldcircle.co.za

10. CURRY IN A HURRY

You can't leave Durban without sampling a bunny chow. Get one to go from the Britannia Hotel, widely regarded as serving among the best in the city. Take it to the beach to devour on another perfect evening. Call 031 303 2266

11. CRAFTY MORNING

Every Saturday morning sees the popular Essenwood Market spring up. Shop for crafts, orchids, jewellery and scrumptious food from farm stalls. The children's play area usually offers entertainment like clowns and Shetland ponies. Keep an eye on your brood while tucking into home-made cheese or stuffed pancakes. The market opens from 9am to 2pm. www.essenwoodmarket.com

12. RAMBLE ON

Meander through the Midlands to Nottingham Road where the words "quaint" and "picturesque" fill the tourist brochures. Crafts abound but so do rolling hills, lazy walks, fly-fishing and strong beer. Pronunciation may suffer after a few Pye Eyed Possum pilseners from the Nottingham Road Brewing Company. Call 033 266 6044

13. DUSK TILL DAWN

Dance the night away at Origin - Durban's premier club. Open till 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, the four dance floors spread over three levels of the Winston Hotel will ensure you find the perfect spot to get your groove back. Keep an eye out for an "I Heart Durban" party or visiting DJs to give the night an extra kick. www.330.co.za

14. MAGICAL HISTORY CYCLING TOUR

The newly improved Promenade runs from uShaka Marine World along the beach front to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Explore this stretch by bicycle and take in historical Durban as well, from Art Deco buildings to monuments and museums. Join Bike and Saddle for a gentle tour. 031 813 5633; trips@bikeandsaddle.com

15. MAKING WAVES

Gateway Shopping Centre in Umhlanga can be crowded during the holidays but it's worth a visit to Wave House. Here you can ride the world's biggest man-made stationary wave - the D-Rex. www.wavehouse.co.za

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