Durban and uShaka Marine World, South Africa (1/13/2023) – A Cruise Day
Durban and uShaka Marine World, South Africa (1/13/2023) – A Cruise Day
Golden Mile – Durban, South Africa |
Durban is the third largest city and largest port in South Africa. It is a favorite destination because of its warm subtropical climate and extensive warm water Indian Ocean beaches. We chose to spend time at uShaka Marine World on Durban’s ‘Golden Mile’, a string of golden beaches with lifeguards and Entertainment complexes (see photo). The promenade has numerous restaurants, pubs, shops, and hotels.
Map – uShaka Marine World |
We liked Durban’s uShaka Marine World for a fun and entertaining experience. uShaka Marine World water park consists of 8 sections including uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk, uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet ‘n Wild, uShaka Dangerous Creatures, uShaka Sea Animals Encounters Island, uShaka Kids’ World, and Chimp & Zee (see map).
Exciting Entertaiment – uShaka Marine World |
Each attraction you pay for separately – some popular ones can be purchased as a bundled ticket. We found prices for the attractions are a good value. Durban’s uShaka Marine World is fun for all ages and you will see a lot of families here. Go early during peak season when school is out because it is popular with locals and lines form.
UShaka Beach – Durban, South Africa |
uShaka Beach (see photo) is free of charge. The warm Indian Ocean and wide beach attracts both locals and tourists. It is nice to cool down from Durban’s warm days with a swim or just walking the beach with your feet in the water. You can learn to surf here.
uSanka Village Walk – uShaka Marine World |
You start and end your uShaka Marine World experience walking through the covered uShaka Village Walk (see photo) offering a unique shopping experience of quality brand and African merchandise as well as entertainment and dining. It is fun to explore some of the shops. There are many fast food restaurants along the way. We liked the better dining experience at John Dory’s at the end overlooking the beach. Also, at the end of Durban’s uShaka Village Walk near the beach is where you can also find the other uShaka Marine World attractions.
uSanka Aquarium |
Don’t miss Durban’s world-class uShaka Sea World Aquarium (see photo), the world’s 5th largest by volume of water and features the interesting marine life of southern Africa. We found the displays and descriptions fascinating.
Dolphin Show– uShaka Sea World Aquarium |
Check the schedule for the fun Dolphin Show (see photo). Skip the boring seal show. The aquarium is cool to beat the heat and very well priced – only about $12/adults or $9/seniors for a wonderful experience. Go here early because lines form.
uShaka Wet ‘n Wild Lazy River |
The lazy river at uShaka Wet ‘n Wild looked fun (see photo). At uShaka Sea Animals Encounters Island you can snorkel in the lagoon among tropical fish, get up close with dolphins, do a shark dive in a protected cage, and feed the rays and fish. Located in uShaka Village Walk, the uShaka Dangerous Creatures is worth a quick interesting visit where you can see dangerous and venomous snakes from all around the world. Durban’s uShaka Marine World is fun!
Victoria Indian Street Market – Durban, South Africa |
Another attractions in Durban include the Umgeni River Bird Park with over 3,000 exotic and indigenous birds as well as four waterfalls and lush vegetation. Shoppers may want to visit Durban’s Victoria Indian Street Market (see photo), a bustling place with temples with exotic sights, sounds, shops, aromas, and Indian food.
Zebras – Hluhluwe-Imfoloza Game Reserve |
History bluffs may find the Mandela Capture Site and Durban’s Kwamuhle Museum interesting. Africa game viewing can be done at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-Imfoloza Game Reserve (click here to view) in Zululand about 2 hours away.
When visiting Durban, be cautious of pickpocketing and stay in the safer areas.
Map – Durban, South Africa |
A note about ‘Load Sharing’ in South Africa… periodically electricity is lost randomly day and night in Durban. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, etc. are prepared for this because it happens daily. Commonly there is a light powered by a battery that you can turn on (we could read with it) and some places.have backup generators. It would be good to bring a small flashlight to use at night.
Click on these links to view other places we visited in Southern Africa…
Stellenbosch Cape Winelands Wine Region, South Africa
Port Elizabeth & Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa – A Safari Day Trip
Richards Bay and Hluhluve Game Reserve, South Africa – A Safari Day Trip
Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves, South Africa
Chobe National Park, Botswana – A Safari Day Trip
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
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