There’s plenty of free stuff to do in KwaZulu-Natal, with its warm Indian Ocean and subtropical climate. Visit a market, learn some history, take a meander through the Midlands, go hiking and birdwatching, or simply go for a walk by the seaside. Here are 12 things to do that won’t cost a cent.
1. Get a feel for India at the Durban Cultural and Documentation Centre
Trace the history of Durban’s Indian community at the Durban Cultural and Documentation Centre. Displays include cultural artefacts, paintings, culinary art, traditional clothing and jewellery. Tel 031-309-7559
2. Delve into Durban’s history at Francis Farewell Square
Head to Francis Farewell Square in the centre of Durban. This is where the city began as a tiny trading settlement in the early 19th century. The City Hall, on the south side, is a replica of the City Hall of Belfast, Ireland
3. Taste the East at Victoria Street Market
Wander through the bustling Victoria Street Market in Durban and feel as though you’ve been transported to the East. Incense wafts through the air, and 170 stalls selling fish, spices, scarves, baskets, ceramics will provide a morning of entertainment.
4. Meander the Midlands
Drive any one of the five beautiful routes that form the famous Midlands Meander, taking in natural and historical attractions as well as arts and crafts such as weaving, candle-making and wood carving. www.midlandsmeander.co.za.
5. Wander through the Japanese Garden
At Durban’s Japanese Garden on Tinsley Road, take a peaceful stroll along cobbled pathways and over bridges that lead to oriental gardens, traditional koi ponds and frog statues. Stop at one of the temples that stand as viewpoints.
6. Visit the botanical gardens
Visit the beautiful Durban Botanical Gardens to see its impressive collection of orchids, palms and cycads. Tel 031-322-4021, www. durbanbotanicgardens.org.za.
7. Go birdwatching at Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary
Spot more than 150 birds at Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary while strolling along the 30-minute self-guided trail. Tel 031-903-7498.
8. Go hiking in Skyline Nature Reserve
Walk the trails in Skyline Nature Reserve, between Uvongo and Margate, and see the 40-year-old arboretum. Tel 039-315-0112.
9. Soak up some science at the Durban Natural Science Museum
Pop into Durban Natural Science Museum in the City Hall. The collections include one of the five most complete skeletons of the extinct dodo in the world and a 2 300-year-old Egyptian mummy. Tel 031-311-2256.
10. Take in the arts in Morningside
Browse the Morningside’s Artisan Contemporary Gallery, a showcase of South African art, sculptures, ceramic collectables, jewellery, fabrics and even cutlery. Tel 031-312-4364, www.artisan.co.za.
11. Stroll along the seaside
Walk the Golden Mile, the famous stretch from Vetchies Pier in the south, to the Suncoast Casino in the north.
12. Explore a swamp at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is known for its black, red and white mangrove trees. Walking trails lead into the swamp and to the bird hide. Look for where you can spot the mangrove kingfisher and the swamp nightjar. Open on Saturdays and Sundays. Tel 031-274-1150.
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