Popular Attractions
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Musgrave Situated on the eastern slopes of the Berea ridge, Durban Botanic Gardens is renowned for the rarest original specimen of a plant in the world – a cycad named Encephalartos woodii.
Initially the garden grew experimental tropical crops but today the extensive offerings include the herbarium, orchid house, cycad collection, a garden for the blind and a tea garden.
Along with an extensive collection of South African cycad species, a highlight is the Orchid House, best viewed during spring.
Guided tours are on offer but it’s essential to book well in advance. The charity tea garden is open from 09:30 – 16:15 daily.
Things to do near
Musgrave
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
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Bulwer (1 km from Musgrave) The Marutswa Forest Project started in 2004 and aims to promote the conservation of Bulwer's unique biodiversity. The indigenous forest is managed by Ezemvelo Wildlife and offers three forest trails all varying in intensity. All the trails start at the visitors centre and end along the same route.
The contour trail is suitable for anyone and is the easiest trail as it is completely flat. Visitors will first pass through the rehabilitation section before entering the forest. The trail is approximately 1275 m with boardwalks and steps along the way. The walk ends on the grasslands with distant views over the rural landscape.
The tanglewood detour is slightly steeper as it branches off the contour path up a slope for about to 10 to 15 m before adjoining with the contour path again.
The terrace traverse is the steepest trail. It rises up through the grasslands before entering the forest at the base of the scree slopes. It then trails along the terrace before sloping down through giant boulders to join the tanglewood detour.
Racecourses
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Greyville (1.6 km from Musgrave) She's pear-shaped but a winner! The Greyville Racecourse surrounds the Royal Durban Golf Club's Championship course, which provides a picture of green grass and foliage throughout the year framed in the background by the many hotels of Durban's Golden Mile. This right-handed track has a circumference of 2 800 metres, and a run-in of 500 metres and no straight for sprints.
Unusual features are the golf course in the centre of the track, the Drill Hall which obscures the 1600 metre start and two subways. The construction of these subways resulted in the course having an uphill section from the 2 400 metre post up to the 1 800 metre position, thereafter a gentle downward slope for about 800 metres, followed by an uphill section from the 1000 metre mark into the straight. In 1996, history was made when it became the first track in the country to successfully install floodlights, enabling the course to accommodate night racing at all its midweek meetings.
Shopping Malls
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Durban Central (2.2 km from Musgrave) Ever dreamt of sashaying in a sari, getting tattooed with henna or tucking into an ‘atomic bomb’ curry? Satisfy your yearning for burning and a lot more at Durban’s oldest market.
Venture down to the Victoria Street Market on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Durban Central and step into a sensory Afro-Indian world. Here the smell of incense and spices pervades the atmosphere where over 180 traders sell their produce. You will find all manner of delightful food and spices including a fish market.
Durban’s Indian community is the largest outside of India and has influenced the character of the city immensely. Operating since 1870, Victoria Street Market still offers a dizzying whirl of colour, aromas, vibrant fabrics and the cheerful noise of bartering. Shoppers can purchase silk saris, scarves, jewellery, woven baskets, beaded and carved curios, Asian ceramics and even cheap Chinese products.
Further down is the clothing mecca of Grey Street (Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street), where you will find typical Indian architecture, narrow lanes, colonnades over pavements and an array of fabric shops.
Open Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 18:00; Sunday and public holidays 10:00 – 16:00.
+27 (0) 31 306 4021.
Shopping Malls
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Durban (2.4 km from Musgrave) With its incomparable harbour views, Wilson's Wharf is Durban's trendiest fusion of fun food, top shows and crafts, blended with the rustic interface of a boating marina and working slipways.
The waterfront has something for everyone, from a fast-food court to restaurants providing funky food and fine dining, from cuisine from the four corners of the globe to an oyster bar, and from harbour cruise dining to a cosy coffee bar or festive pub atmosphere.
Shops contain a wide range of quality crafts and speciality items for the discerning shopper, while the 165-seat intimate Catalina Theatre brings top shows to Durban's only stage with bay vistas.
The Marina offers deep-sea fishing charters daily, or visitors may take their pick of the catch-of-the-day from a full range of seafood at the wharf-side fresh fish market.
Galleries and Museums
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Durban Beachfront (2.6 km from Musgrave) Built right on Catalina flying boats' Control Tower on Wilson's Wharf, Catalina Theatre's theme and decor reflect the ambience of a creative and dramatic flying machine!
Catalina Theatre is the dream of Durban thespian, director, producer and performing arts personality, Themi Venturas. New productions are staged every two to three weeks and vary from comedy and the classics to drama and rock music.
At Catalina there is a seat in the house to suit every artistic taste and personality. Bar staff are funky, the drinks are cold and the harbour view is breath taking. Say no more!
Big Event Venues
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Durban Central (2.7 km from Musgrave) Where Africa and the world meet. The International Convention Centre Durban (DICC) is one of the most advanced conference facilities in the world. Key factors in the design of this
state-of-the-art technology driven centre are flexibility and versatility.
The DICC is a purpose-built, fully air-conditioned centre with three convention hallsthat are interlinked but separate. Moveable walls allow for numberous different venue configurations. Alternatively the halls can be opened up to form one large venue with seating for 5000 delegates or 7000m squared of column free floor space.
Together with its sister venue, the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC), the ICC can double its capacity to accommodate 10 000 conference delegates. The centres can function independently or as two halves of one whole. This is achieved by closing Walnut Road, a brick-paved concourse between the two centres, to provide easy access for delegates.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Stamford Hill (3.1 km from Musgrave) Staging its first Test match in 1923, Kingsmead cricket grounds has seen some of South African cricket’s most significant triumphs. Kingsmead is also home to the KwaZulu-Natal cricket team – the Sunfoil Dolphins.
Today the extensively redeveloped stadium sport new stands, keeping the old main grandstand as a token of its past grandeur. The 25 000-seater stadium is almost situated within bowling distance of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean – it's just a short stroll to the beach.
The below-sea-level pitch is something of a local legend – apparently when the tide comes in it rises the water table, giving seam bowlers an unexpected advantage.
Big Event Venues
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Durban Central (3.1 km from Musgrave) Situated opposite the International Convention Centre Durban, the Durban
Exhibition Centre is a multi-purpose
exhibition, function and conference centre.
Two large halls offer a
combined space of 9600m2 while several smaller halls, luxury suites and catering facilities are also
available. The DEC also features 20 000m2 of plazas
and gardens which are suitable for outdoor events
and conference parking.
Galleries and Museums
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Durban (3.7 km from Musgrave) The BAT Centre is Durban's vibrant multi-purpose arts centre merging visual and performing arts under one roof. The bright mosaic and mural-covered building has undergone a complete transformation from its former navy hang-out days. Here you will find galleries, artists-in-residence, plus performances of folk music, poetry and spoken-word. The auditorium is the site of the main events held at the BAT Centre. It can hold up to 750 people or 500 people
seated and has dressings rooms and ablution facilities.
Why BAT? Acronym for 'The Bartel Arts Trust' this centre is also an urban-based community art centre that is a venue and facility for skills training, promotion and exposure of disadvantaged and emergent artists. The focus of the centre is local arts, culture, crafts and entertainment that reflects the Zulu, Indian and Western heritage of KwaZulu-Natal. The difference at BAT is the grassroots, the experimental, the cross-arts trends and the innovation that is promoted at the centre.
Galleries and Museums
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Durban Central (3.7 km from Musgrave) Visit the Old Court House Museum, one of Durban's oldest buildings bearing a fascinating and varied past.The building was loop-holed during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879; it bore witness to both the South African Wars and the Bambatha Rebellion, and more recently acted as a recruitment centre and canteen during both World Wars. It was here that African men were given sanction to enter the city or were denied access, and had to pay the mandatory Poll Tax. Here too, at the beginning of his legendary vocation as an activist, Gandhi was asked by the judge to leave the court for wearing a turban! The museum features a number of collectables in the foyer, including an extensive miniature car collection. The Daphne Strutt Costume Room features fashion from throughout the 20th century, interesting accessories such as cigarette cases, bags, shoes, jewellery and hats enhance the display. A number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau pieces make this exhibition a must for aficionados. The 'Movers and Shakers' exhibition features miniature figurines relating to KwaZulu-Natal's history. A touch screen computer display introduces visitors to a broad overview of the province's history through the lives of these personalities.The Durban Room features the city's progression in lifestyle, wealth and means of production, from the colonial era to the post-colonial era.The Durban Room features four unique exhibits - the David SB Anderson Pharmacy, Henry Francis Flynn's Cottage, Clairmont Sugar Mill (showing developments in the production of Natal's most lucrative resource) and the Miss Fann Fancy Repository with a display of the fine imported fabrics, haberdashery and luxuries available in Durban at the end of the 19th century. Need to know? Visiting Hours are Monday to Saturday: 8:30 to 16:00; Sundays and Public Holidays: 11:00 to 16:00; closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Stamford Hill (4.1 km from Musgrave) Durban's stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, played host to one of the 2010 Fifa World Cup semi-finals. This brand new stadium lies next to the Mr Price Kings Park Stadium, providing seating for up to 80 000 fans. The entire area is extensibly developed and incorporates Olympic-standard football, athletics and swimming facilities.
The vibey and colourful semi-tropical city of Durban has strong eastern ties. It's a truly multicultural city with a strong emphasis on the beach. Pack your boardshorts or bikini, sunglasses and skimpy evening gear and revel in Durban's endless summer – it averages 320 days of sunshine a year.
Needing some action? The surfing's great in the heart of the city and up or down the coast, there's awesome diving with sharks on the South Coast and beautiful coral reefs up in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, along with fantastic wildlife viewing there and at Hluhluwe/Umfolozi. Durban is KwaZulu-Natal's holiday Mecca and there's a wide range of beachfront accommodation to suit all pockets along the coastline.
Popular Attractions
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Stamford Hill (4.1 km from Musgrave) Leap off the top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium for the most exhilarating ride of your life. The ‘Big Rush Big Swing’ is the only stadium swing and the largest swing of any kind on the planet.
Step into the void 106 meters above the stadium field and swing out under the famous arch. Ultra-friendly and qualified guides give ample instruction and assistance. All equipment is provided.
+27 (0) 31 312 9435
www.bigrush.co.za
Casinos
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Battery Beach (4.1 km from Musgrave) SUNCOAST Casino & Entertainment World's setting is idyllic – surrounded by waving palm trees and right on Durban's beachfront along the ‘Golden Mile’.Durban’s largest casino offers entertainment heaven for anyone inclined to gaming. Gamblers can choose from 1 330 slot machines, 50 gaming tables and the exclusive 77 Ocean Drive for higher limit slots and tables.Along with the astonishing array of gaming on offer, the Miami South Beach Art Deco style complex houses plenty of shopping and entertainment options. There is mega fun for the whole family with 12 restaurants and fast food outlets, kids entertainment, eight cinemas and a dance bar.
Beaches
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Durban Beachfront (4.2 km from Musgrave) Snake Park Beach is one of the popular surfing beaches on Durban’s Golden Mile. During peak season it usually gets flooded with holidaymakers. Although the exposed beach break is inconsistent, it gets pretty crowded when the surf is up. Winter is the best time of year for surfing the left or right waves. The beach is patrolled by lifesavers and protected by shark nets.
Beaches
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North Beach (4.2 km from Musgrave) Right on Durban’s Golden Mile, the Bay of Plenty is one of this city’s popular surfing beaches, particularly during their mild winter season. It can get busy in the water when the surf is up. Right and left waves break consistently off the beach and jetty.