The team from the popular tourism site 5 Star Durban, recently visited us at City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga after having happily accepted the challenge of becoming tourists in their own city. And what good tourists they turned out to be, fitting in a ride on the Ricksha along with a trip up the Moses Mabhida Arch, a shop and dinner at Gateway, and more! Here is what Meredith, Relationship Manager for 5 Star Durban had to say about Durban’s touristy highlights.
DURBAN’S RICKSHA BUS TOUR
“We started our morning off with a stroll down North Beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the Beachfront. Then on to the Tourism Information Centre, where we knew we’d catch the well-known, and loved, Ricksha Bus. It is something that neither of us had ever done before, and it was probably the most fun I have ever had on a bus in my life! We were treated to a slightly taller perspective of Durban, allowing us to see so much more than ever before, and were talked through the whole city by our very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide.”
“I was in awe of the diversity of Durban – I never actually realized how steeped in history this gorgeous city is. The architecture ranges from the 1800s to today – from the old statues to the gardens and the spectacular historic buildings, one tends to see or perhaps just notice so much more on the Ricksha Bus – a new perspective with unrestricted views for curious eyes right over the walls and fences. At the port, we could see everything that was happening in there, even if we had no clue what was actually going on … it was exciting to watch the busiest port in Africa at work!”
The sights that one sees on a Ricksha bus ride include:
- The historic Juma Masjid Mosque
- The Vasco da Gama Clock
- Durban’s massive red-brick, 19th century railway station
- Durban City Hall, an exact replica of the Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland
- The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre
- Beautiful old architecture on Mahatma Gandhi Road
MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM
“The stadium is not just home to the tallest swing in the world, but also the Sky Car, which gives amazing 360 degree views of Durban (unfortunately undergoing its annual maintenance at the time of our visit).”
Built for the 2010 World Cup – who can forget that time in our history! – the Moses Mabhida Stadium is arguably South Africa’s most iconic and impressive stadium. It adds wonderful interest to the skyline and is equally eye-catching on the inside. From sports games and concerts to treks up the stairs and bridge jumping, this is an unmissable item on anyone’s Durban agenda!
CITY LODGE UMHLANGA RIDGE
“I was surprised by the location of City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, it’s literally across the road from the biggest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere! YAY!!! Check in was a breeze, and the staff were very accommodating and well spoken, the hotel is currently undergoing major refurbishment, but it didn’t hinder our enjoyment of our stay at all. The room was surprisingly spacious, with lovely courtyard views. The crisp, clean white linen was a welcome sight after a long morning in the sun, I absolutely adored the colour of the accent wall in the room, so calm and inviting.”
“Shortly after check-in, I just couldn’t resist dragging Marco out to Gateway Theatre of Shopping for some serious retail therapy, after all – why wouldn’t you? It was a blast! It also happened to be sale season in Gateway, so it made us both happy!”
“Shopping done, I opted to luxuriate in the lovely bathtub, with its open view into the room, so that we could still chat about the day and all the plans for the following day.”
The couple then headed to Primi Station 4 in Gateway, which offers outdoors seating in the lovely pedestrian-only fountain courtyard, for a well-earned supper.
“The meal was superb and we were so ready for bed by the end of our after-dinner coffee that I was sure I’d fall asleep the minute my head hit the pillow! We ventured upstairs to our room 404, and crept into the cosy bed, with its crisp, clean sheets, poufy pillows and soft duvet, and I was gone…”
THE MORNING AFTER
“After a great nights’ sleep we were treated to a full buffet breakfast (which was exactly as you’d expect, pleasant and efficient). Check-out was just as efficient and we made our way to our next adventure – the KZN Sharks Board – who are celebrating 50 years of protecting bathers, shark research and public education. It was an experience not to be missed! And we were told that there are early morning boat trips out to sea with the Sharks Board, which is now officially on my bucket list, along with a horse beach ride, helicopter flip, Segway Gliding Tour on the Beachfront from the stadium, visiting the Croc and Butterfly farms, Game Lodge Visits and sooooo much more… We shall have to do this again really soon! *excited*”
Thank you, Meredith and 5 ★ Durban, for taking on our City Escapes challenge! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and had such a fun time in Durban. We hope more of you, our readers, will be inspired to become tourists in your own city!
5 ★ DURBAN
5 ★ Durban is a dynamic site that promotes tourism in Durban and the rest of KZN.
“It is our not so secret mission at 5 ★ Durban to change the opinion about Durban, and uncover all the awesome stuff we can possibly find to do in KZN.”
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