Learn from the world famous Gasa clan while taking a chance eating lunch within a crocodile pen.

Hearing about Durban for many years as the place where the world gets together, it is no wonder now seeing this first hand as the beaches, the people and the culture make this a city worth to be on everyone’s itinerary.  

A population of almost 4.5 million people live in Durban and the surrounding areas making the city the third largest in South Africa.

Arriving into King Shaka International Airport which only opened in 2010, it only took 25 minutes to arrive into Durban’s city centre where the temperature was stunning offering a subtropical climate which is perfect to venture out to the many beaches along the coast. You may even choose to visit one of the nudist beaches for an experience.

The city is going through a massive upgrade today in order to attract more tourists and especially the MICE market. The new Durban Point Waterfront is a stunning development offering shopping, restaurants and the popular uShaka Marine World which is today a major attraction here in Durban.

uShaka Marine World:
Is the fifth largest aquarium in the world with the park covering 40 acres of land. This feel good theme park showcasing many underwater animals from around the globe has some of the most exciting animal shows. The dolphin shows allow the visitor to learn all about these gracious beings while giving a handful of watches the opportunity to be up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. The park has four areas, uShaka Sea World, uShaka Village Walk, uShaka Beach and the thrilling uShaka Wet’n Wild which is said to have the highest waterslide in all of Africa.

A town favourite is the Cargo Hold Restaurant which is situated on the beach front giving you access to uShaka Marina World. This exclusive one of a kind establishment is fitted with a wall sized fish tank and restaurant in a casing of a boat that has been shipwrecked known as the Phantom Ship. So basically you are dining inside a huge ship while being one with the fish. The food was superb with the average plate costing between AUD$8 – $15. Definitely worth stopping here for lunch.

Durban offers a unique history where there is a pinch of Portuguese influence, a handful of British colonial architecture and a dash of Indian cuisines. Having the largest Asian congregation in South Africa, workers from India were brought to assist the British in the plantation fields as they struggled to gain support from the Zulu people to work. This allowed Durban to maintain a strong Zulu history which leads to a visit to PheZulu Safari Park.

PheZulu Safari Park:
This is the place you go to in South Africa to have an interactive experience to learn all about the Zulu way of life and to be part of the world famous Gasa clan.

Only 30 minutes from central Durban, this safari park is not like any other. The area from first sight captures your breath as you view one of the Worlds famous “Valley of a 1000 hills”. This awe inspiring view leaves your eyes to adjust for a few minutes before establishing where you are. This is South Africa.

The park is run by the locals as they demonstrate visual stories which encompasses dance, love and of course the music of their ancestors. The Zulu dancing show is upbeat, musical and culturally informative. There are even times where cheeky humour is used by the locals to emphasise how a man would ask a women to be there partner. The locals are dressed in traditional clothing which transports you back in time. There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures with them after the show.

The park is extremely important to the local villages as it supports them and their families. Local arts and crafts can be purchased which helps keep the centre open for many generations to come.

Attached to the Zulu Cultural village is the PheZulu crocodile and snake park where you learn all about these pre-historic creatures and if you are lucky you just may see a feeding occur. Don’t worry no tourists are fed to the crocs but the guide did mention that the brave can sit inside the crocodile pen and have lunch. This experience costs R50. 

Durban is the entry point into South Africa’s history and culture and the PheZulu Safari Park makes it impossible to leave without a piece of culture embedded in your soul.