Durban is one of South Africa’s most diverse and exciting cities. As a UKZN student you have the unique opportunity to experience the various activities on the East Coast. Here are the top ten activities to do in Durban.
Whether you are a Durban local or a new UKZN student, finding fun and exciting ways to spend your time can sometimes be a challenge. So here are the top ten things you should consider doing as a UKZN student (that won’t break the bank).
Cycle the city with the Bike and Bean
This quirky little company allows you to hire a bike, take it for a ride (Bike hire is R50 per hour, or R40 per hour for the early risers from 6am to 8am) and then enjoy a steaming cappuccino, espresso and great food made with locally sourced ingredients. If riding a bike is not your style, you can also hire rollerblades, skateboards or even tandem bikes.
Contact: 082 773 6870 or visit their website for more information
Enjoy Breakfast at The Morning Trade Market
What list of student activities would be complete without a hipster market? Known as the Biscuit Mill of Durban, The Morning Trade Market is the place to enjoy delicious artisanal and locally-sourced farm produce and foods. Take a drive to 15 Station Drive, in the Station Drive Precinct just off Umgeni Road on Sunday from 8h00-13h00 and see what all the fuss is about.
To find out more about the Morning Trade Events, take a look at their website or visit their Facebook Page.
Tour the City in a Ricksha Bus
The Ricksha Bus is the perfect activity for students without a car. The double-decker bus takes you on a three-hour tour of Durban’s most spectacular spots including the beachfront, uShaka Marine World, Emmanuel Cathedral, Victoria Street Market, Burman Bush, Blue Lagoon and more.
For only R100 per person this is a definitely something to consider.
Contact 031 322 4209 or visit their website for more information.
City walk with Beset Durban
Beset Durban is a trio of Durbanites whose free or paid private city walks focus on urban exploration and getting people on the streets and experiencing Durban. They say that the purpose of the city tours is to “re-introduce Durbanites to their city, and proudly introduce the world to our incredible home.
The walks are arranged around areas of interest and revolve around two basic rules: the tours will be walked and the tours will be free (that’s what we like to hear!) The tours have become a movement of meeting like-minded individuals keen to explore the city and get deep into her grit and culture.
To find out more about the upcoming events check out their Facebook page or visit their website.
Beachy Vibes at Wahooz
This beachy restaurant is the place to be on the Promenade. On weekends you can enjoy sand in your toes and live music by local South African bands. The Hawaiian style will make you forget all about those assignment deadlines and tests. Wahooz has specials on breakfast, lunches and cocktails making it the perfect student spot for over 18’s!
Contact: 031 328 8000 or visit their website for more information on events and specials.
Have a picnic in the Botanical Gardens
The Durban Botanical Gardens is home to the rarest cycad collection in the world. Cycads are plants that have survived three mass extinction events and have been around since before the dinosaurs but today they are in danger of extinction (so make sure you check them out before they’re gone).
Have a picnic under the Wood’s Cycad near the old reservoir which is reputed to be the world’s rarest plant. The Botanical Gardens also host Music at the Lake events throughout the year.
Entrance to the gardens is free, so grab a picnic blanket and some friends and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Contact: 031 309 9240 or visit their website for more information.
Take a trip to the Sky with SkyCar
The SkyCar ride is two-minute trip up the Moses Mabhida stadium arch, before stepping out onto a platform which gives you a 360º view of Durban and beyond. SkyCar is an opportunity to see Durban from a 106m-high vantage point and obviously not for the faint of heart!
For only R60 per person this activity is perfect for students looking for something exciting to do and is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. The last SkyCar Trip is at 16:30.
For more information, contact them on 031 582 8242 or visit their website.
Browse a Rooftop Night Market
On the first Friday of every month, the 5th floor of the Musgrave Centre becomes a bubbling night market full of locally produced handmade crafts, live music and delicious food. This is the place to be for a night of music, food and browsing through locally made products and crafts.
To find out more about their next event and what you can expect to find, check out their Facebook page.
Sunset Yoga on the Beach
Watch the sunset from your yoga mat on the beach on the Durban Promenade. The classes are fun filled and for all ages, skills and fitness levels. Beach Yoga Durban also often has pop-up classes in various other locations like the recent pop-up class in the Durban Japanese Gardens.
Grab your mat and end the day with a yoga class and cup of coffee from the Bike and Bean Café.
Each class is R50 or R250 for unlimited classes each month.
Contact: 0827779062 for more information and be sure to check out their Facebook page and their website for pop-up events.
Walk the Umhlanga Pie
The Umhlanga Pier has been dubbed by CNN as the “world’s most beautiful pier”! Known for it’s whale bone skeleton structure, the pier is a favorite spot for sunset instagrammers. The pier is however not just a beautiful walk; it performs an important function as an extension of an underground culvert that helps disperse excess storm water into the sea.
The walk on the pier is free!
If you did not know if already, the East Coast boasts hundreds of activities for UKZN students wishing to explore Durban for as little as possible.
FundiConnect 2cents
You don’t need to be a student to do all of these activities. Take a road trip with some friends up to KZN and explore a new city. Be a tourist in your own country! You don’t need to travel overseas to have amazing experiences and memories. Beauty awaits us right on our doorstep.
