The
majestic Zulu Kingdom is known for its proud history, dynamic cultures,
breathtaking scenic beauty, sandy beaches and warm all-year-round climate. The
Zulu Kingdom is divided into eight tourism sub-regions: the vibrant city of
Durban, the seaside resorts of the North Coast, the
Elephant Coast,
which includes South Africa's first World Heritage Site, namely the Greater St
Lucia Wetland Park and the oldest game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi,
famous for saving the white rhino from extinction, the diversity of
Zululand,
the tranquil South Coast, the rolling hills of the
Pietermaritzburg
Midlands (PMB Midlands), the historic Battlefields and the
Drakensberg
region, incorporating the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, the second World Heritage
Site in the Zulu Kingdom.
Durban is an
economic hub built around the busiest port in Africa. It is the gateway to the
natural wonders of KwaZulu-Natal. From here the scenic Pietermaritzburg
Midlands, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, the game
parks of Zululand and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, another World
Heritage Site, famous battlefields, and the golf-courses of the North and South
Coasts are within easy driving distance. Durban is a unique cultural mix of the
colonial European, Indian, and Zulu communities, and this is reflected in the
architecture, fashions, sights and sounds of the city. Brighton Beach on the
seaward side of the Bluff has a tidal pool. Addington, South and North beaches
along the main beach-front all have life-saving facilities, changing-rooms and
refreshment facilities. Country Club Beach near Water Wonderland has
life-saving facilities. All have shark nets.
uShaka Marine World has been developed out of a vision to create a world-class
entertainment and tourism destination for Durban. uShaka Marine World
incorporates fresh and sea water, natural materials and the re-creation of a
wreck of a 1940s cargo ship, home to the fifth largest aquarium in the world by
volume of water. This is coupled with indigenous African imagery, lush
vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban. Treasure World comprises
food and beverage outlets at a height of 10 metres above sea level, overlook
much of the park and the Indian Ocean beyond. Sea World and Dolphin World
comprise a salt-water aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits and
a 1200-seater dolphin stadium. Wet 'n Wild World is a fresh-water entertainment
wonderland, featuring separate swimming-pools for kids and adults, relaxing
river rides and high-speed chutes for the adrenaline junkies.
The
Ricksha Stands are situated on Marine Parade. A ride in a ricksha, drawn by a
brightly dressed and beaded Zulu, is a must for every visitor. Durban City
Hall, Smith Street, was opened in 1910 and is a replica of the Belfast City Hall
in Northern Ireland. The formal gardens link the City Hall and the Post Office,
which was originally built as the City Hall. The third floor houses the Durban
Art Gallery, which has displays of South African and overseas works of art. On
the second floor is the Durban Museum, which has displays from the natural
history of KwaZulu/Natal and exhibits of birds and mammals including the most
complete skeleton known of the dodo, extinct since 1650. Victoria
Street Market has a magnificent array of exotic oriental items for sale as well
as spices, curry powders, sweetmeats and tropical fruit.
The
Botanic Gardens, Sydenham Road, Berea, incorporates a lovely wooded garden with
many varieties of trees from all over the world, including a magnificent Jade
vine. The Orchid House has more than 3 000 plants, including blooms from many
other countries. The Sugar Terminal in Maydon Road offers daily conducted tours
for the public. Large groups by appointment. The Old House, 31 St. Andrews
Street, also known as the Natal Settlers Museum, is a replica of the house built
by John Goodricke on the same site in 1849, which was later enlarged. Open
daily. Minitown, Snell Parade, features a display of well-known buildings scaled
down to 1/24th of their size. Miniature ships, aeroplanes, trains, buses and
cars moving around the town create a lively atmosphere.
Umgeni River Bird Park is situated in attractive natural surroundings, including
a spectacular 20m high waterfall and lush vegetation, 1,5 km from the Umgeni
River Mouth, and 6 km from the city centre. The park houses some of the world's
rarest birds such as macaws, parrots, Giant Asian hornbills, toucans, cranes,
pheasants, flamingos and other species including indigenous birds. The
free-flight bird-show, highly educational and loads of fun, is unique in Africa
and displays endangered species in free, unrestricted flight.
The Amphitheatre, Snell
Parade, is a sunken garden filled with subtropical flowers, pools and
fountains. The Japanese Gardens, Durban North, are open daily. The Natal
Maritime Museum is located at the Small Craft Basin at the end of Aliwal
Street. There are three multi-ton exhibits: the “Ulundi” steam tug (1927) and
“J R More” (1966) and minesweeper SAS “Durban” (1957). These exhibits provide
an interesting window on Africa's largest port. The Kwa Muhle Museum, 130
Ordinance Road, focuses on Durban's twentieth century history. The
International Convention Centre has hosted major international conventions, such
as the World Economic Forum, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and
the XIIIth World Aids Conference.
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