Combine Zulu culture and adventure with some of Durban’s highlights in this 2-day package or weekend break.
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Start with sundowners in the harbour at BAT Centre watching the sunset and chilling to some laid back jazz. Book a table for dinner next to the shark tank at the Cargo Hold at Ushaka. Better be on your best behaviour - you have a 3 metre ragged tooth shark looking over your shoulder.
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On day two drive two hours north to see traditional Zulu life at Shakaland. It may feel like the set for a movie (which it was), but this is now a real living village. Experience traditional daily life, taste umqombothi (beer) and phuthu (maize) and see a spectacular Zulu dance show.
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Return via the friendly seaside village of Ballito. After a light lunch it’s action as you weave, bump and splash your way through the local bush with River Quad Trails. Freshen up afterwards with a swim at the tidal pool at nearby Thompson’s Bay.
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On the way back to Umhlanga have dinner with good South African wine at Bel Punto or one of the fine-dining restaurants overlooking the beach at Umdloti. After dinner it’s off to make new friends in the fan arena or at Raffles in Umhlanga Plaza.
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Surf city means beach, so head for North Beach for breakfast in the sun at the Beach Café. Sit at a table with your feet in the sand. Watch the surfers or have a go yourself, then settle down on your towel as the beach heats up with South Africans, Brazilians, Italians, French… you get the picture.
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Cool down with a cocktail or beer at a beachside bar and grab a snack of spiced pineapple on a stick, samoosas (spicy, deep fried pastries) or mielies (corn off the cob) cooked with butter and spices from a street food stall.
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Head out to Gateway Shopping Centre near Umhlanga for a couple of hours of shopping and fun. Climb the highest indoor wall in the world, go go-karting, catch a spectacular Imax one-hour movie or learn to boogie board at the Wavehouse.
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Tear yourself away to get to Roma Revolving Restaurant 32 floors above the Durban harbour for the sunset around 5.10pm. Tuck into their legendary Italian food while you’re treated to a 360º view of Durbs. End your weekender at one of the trendy new clubs at the Point Waterfront.