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Durban Layover Tips For Flight Attendants | WOC

Durban Layover Tips For Flight Attendants | WOC

On the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, 350 miles south-east of Johannesburg, Durban is a tourist destination that chimes with the subtropical overtures of Mozambique to the north: warm water, hot summers and a laid-back beachy ambience. Yet culturally it’s very much a South African city, albeit one often pigeonholed as the less sophisticated, beach-bum cousin to the tourist mecca of Cape Town. It’s got a thriving craft food, beer and spirits scene, an internationally respected annual film festival, and a new homegrown musical movement that has one aim: getting people on the dance floor.

What to do in Durban for 24h to 48h? 

Places of Interest

Campbell Collections

These collections are well worth seeing. Muckleneuk, a superb house designed by Sir Herbert Baker, holds the documents and artefacts collected by Dr Killie Campbell and her father Sir Marshall Campbell (KwaMashu township is named after him), and these are extremely important records of early Natal and Zulu culture.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Durbanites are proud of their state-of-the-art stadium, constructed for the 2010 World Cup. Resembling a giant basket, it seats 56,000 people, and its arch was inspired by the ‘Y’ in the country’s flag. Visitors can head up to the arch in a SkyCar, puff up on foot (550 steps) on an Adventure Walk or plunge off the 106m arch on the giant Big Swing. All options offer great views of Durban.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

uShaka Marine World

Divided into areas including Sea World and Wet’n’Wild, uShaka Marine World boasts one of the largest aquariums in the world, the biggest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere, marine animals and exhibits, a mock-up 1940s steamer wreck featuring two classy restaurants, a shopping centre, and enough freshwater rides to make you seasick. There are various options to ‘meet’ dolphins, seals and rays.

Gambit the Dolphin - uShaka Marine World

Durban Botanic Gardens

A 2000-sq-metre garden featuring one of the rarest cycads (Encephalartos woodii), as well as many species of bromeliad, this is a lovely place to wander. On weekends bridal parties galore pose with their petals for photographers. The gardens play host to an annual concert series featuring the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and other concerts.

View the Umhlanga Lighthouse from Lighthouse Bar

The red and white candy-striped lighthouse in Umhlanga is always a glowing fascination to visitors. Why not view the splendid structure while sipping a refreshing cocktail? Located on the premises of The Oyster Box hotel, Lighthouse Bar is a colorful establishment with a fantastic view of the Umhlanga lighthouse and the beach

Umhlanga Lighthouse

Head out to the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile beachfront is a famous destination for joggers, surfers, sunbathers, bikers, water-sports enthusiasts and for those in the mood for a relaxed stroll. The popular ‘mile’ is actually a four mile stretch that extends from Blue Lagoon South to Addington Beach and Durban Harbor.

Durban's skyline at Night!

Go To The Beach

With its subtropical climate and more than 300 days of sunshine every year, spending a day at the beach is possible almost every day in Durban. If you consider yourself a decent surfer, you might want to try the South Coast for world-class surfing. Addington Beach is the preferred choice if you are planning a fun day on the beach for the entire family. Bay of Plenty is the destination for volleyball tournaments. The Golden Mile beaches are conveniently located closest to Durban’s city center (which is probably why they are so popular), and if these options aren’t enough, you could also try Umhlanga Coast.

Durban Beach

Where to Eat?

Dine at The Cargo Hold

If you choose to visit uShaka Marine World, you must have lunch or dinner at The Cargo Hold. The Cargo Hold is located on board the infamous Phantom Ship. Dine in fine style surrounded by sharks and the deep blue in one of Durban’s most remarkable settings.

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

Bel Punto, South Beach Road, Umdhloti Beach, Umhdloti Centre

A firm favourite for long, languid and inevitably boozy Sunday lunches. Stylish yet casual and classy, Bel Punto is a modern, family-run, authentic Italian restaurant. The service is top notch and the wine list is extensive.

Marco Paulo, Shop 3 Accord House, 2 Golf Course Drive Mount Edgecombe

It’s perhaps not the most picturesque of locations, but the vibe is fantastic, the service is friendly and efficient and the food is absolutely delicious. And it’s pretty reasonably priced as well. Yummy starters include the Brinjal Three Ways and the Crispy Phyllo Prawns with Asian Tartar.

Marco Paulo, 

Craft, 35 Newport Avenue, Durban 4001

The wine list is pretty limited but the menu is interesting, with favourites including the oxtail ravioli and the risotto cakes with dipping sauce. Some of the seafood options are served steamed in the bag, while meat turns on the grill in the open-plan kitchen. The pizzas are all named after saints, and the pizza oven in the main ‘church’ of the restaurant adds warmth on a chilly winter’s night.

Durban’s Night Life !

Tiger Tiger

This is one of Durban’s top nightspots with music ranging from 80s to Dance.

Casablanca

Its a nice entertainment  venue for older audience.

Casablanca

Clapham Grand

It rocks the city specially on student night.

Durban Tourism

Flight Attendants Discounts in South Africa

World Of Crew gets you a few awesome deals only for cabin crews in South Africa. Have a look into these and let us know if you manage to visit them during your layover!

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Any Cool Experience to share in Durban?

How was your layover in Durban? Did you discover any new places? If so, please do share these useful tips with your fellow cabin crew, by commenting below!

Have a great layover !

 

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