Things to do, places to see
Clinton Moodley lists choice lesser-known destinations to relax with family and friends
DURBAN has so much to offer over the festive season – from tantalising cuisine to friendly people and great activities and leisure spots. and fixtures have been left intact from the time the Stainbanks occupied the house.
The Mary Stainbank art gallery is a particular drawcard. Stainbank studied art in London and was one of the foremost sculptors of her generation.
The reserve is an ideal spot for family picnics and there are walking trails that will keep you entertained for hours.
Conservation manager John Davis said the location affords photographers plenty of opportunity to capture images of wildlife.
Price: R25 for adults and R10 for children.
Contact: 031 469 2807 or 031 469 8811. the most idyllic ways to relax in our beautiful province.
The owner of Gary’s Beach Horseriding, Gary Coetzee, says the beach excursion is for people who are adventurous and thrill-seeking.
There are two sessions, one at 7.15am and another at 2.15pm. The hour-and-a-half trot sets off from Coetzee’s School Road business and heads along the beachfront.
Couples sometimes use horseback riding as an opportunity to pop the question or for special anniversary surprises. On Tuesday, Thinus de Vries, 20, joined the ranks of those who have gone down on bended knee. He asked 19-yearold girlfriend Chantal Olckers to be his wife and, by sheer good fortune, our photographer was on hand to capture the moment. Fortunately for Thinus, Chantal said yes.
Coetzee said many people participate in horseback rides on commemorative days or to let their hair down and have fun. Special requests for children’s pony parties and weddings can be accommodated.
“It is a relaxing experience that anyone can enjoy It is also a great team-building initiative,” said Coetzee.
Price: R300 for people who weigh up to 80kg and R350 for people over 80kg.
Contact: 084 205 9797. Where: Mzinyathi Gorge, 30 minutes’ drive from Durban North. Want to experience the culture of Rastafarians? Look no further than the Rastafarian Caves at Mzinyathi Gorge.
Home to a small community of Rastafarians, the caves date back millions of years.
Observing the culture and lifestyle of the Rastafarian people makes for a fascinating excursion.
According to the Green Corridor’s Duncan Pritchard, there are Rastafarians who sleep and worship in the caves.
The cave overlooks the green Mzinyathi Gorge, which has a lovely waterfall.
“A sacred circle is outlined by rocks and within this the Rastas worship by beating their drums, playing their traditional instruments and singing. The sounds echo across the gorge and it is a mesmerising experience.
“Nearby is the African Christian Shembe settlement on top of the Matabetule Plateau, where visitors can learn about Shembe religious beliefs and customs and enjoy incredible views of Inanda Dam,” Pritchard said.
Other highlights include the Shembe Village Tour, the eNanda Adventures Trail Centre and a visit to a local homestead, where one can enjoy a meal with a family.
Contact: The Green Corridor on 031 322 6026/7.
Where: Riverside Road, Durban Adjacent to the suburb of Durban North, the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is home to a unique crab species, as well as duiker and many forms of birdlife, including the Palmnut Vulture and Mangrove Kingfisher.
It consists of mangrove swamp forests interspersed with mud flats and is an important estuarine habitat.
There is a trail that offers an opportunity to explore the animal, bird and plant life in the mangroves. An education centre and thatched lapa are available to groups or for corporate events. Families can also enjoy braais and picnics. The reserve is open to the public every third Saturday of the month from 8am to 1pm.
Price: Entrance is free. There is a charge for private events.
Contact: Call the officer in charge on 082 559 2839 or visit www.kznwildlife.com Where: Lot 152, off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale Zorbing, the art of manoeuvring an aqua ball down a hill, is proving wildly popular among KwaZulu-Natal residents and visitors.
It is a great way to spend time with friends and be as silly as you like. Off-road gokarting, paintball, target shooting, harness ball and sumo suit/hamster ball activities are also available. Price: From R150 each. Contact: 084 330 3112