OnTap Magazine

SEE AND DO Durban is synonymous with beach and its inaptly named Golden Mile (the sand actually stretches for several kilometres) is home to surf lessons, kids’ activities, rickshaw rides and at the southern end, the family-friendly uShaka Marine World . Most de nitely worth a visit in is the Moses Mabhida Stadium , built for the 2010 World Cup. It’s a ne example of how a venue built for a major sporting event can be repurposed to become a tourist attraction. Sedentary types can take the SkyCar to the top of the stadium’s 106m archway, while those seeking more adventure can walk up and then hurl themselves o the top on the Big Swing (the world’s tallest, according to the Guinness Book of Records). ose who lack a head for heights can walk, cycle or take a Segway tour around the stadium grounds. Other than the beach, kids are catered for at Umgeni Bird Park or good old Funworld , a beachfront theme park that’s been operating in some form since the 1930s. Or if you’re trying to save some rands, take the kids to roam around the Botanic Gardens in Musgrave or the Japanese Gardens in Durban North – entrance to both is free. About half an hour’s drive inland along the N3 you’ll reach the Valley of 1000 Hills, with craft shops, petting farms, game drives and a steam train ride into the hills. EAT When you picture yourself dining in Durbs, there’s one food in particular you probably have in mind: bunny chow. You wouldn’t necessarily think a helping of curry dolloped into a hollowed-out loaf would be the kind of cuisine people get snobbish about, but feelings run high when it comes to picking the best bunny in the city. One name that comes up often is Hollywood Bets . When I rst heard the recommendation many years back, I was visiting Durbs alone and the thought of walking into a betting shop was too intimidating to contemplate. But the restaurant actually sits atop the shop, with tables on a surprisingly salubrious and welcoming deck. Order a quarter, half or full bunny with chicken, lamb or the classic sugar beans and a cold Castle lager on the side. ere’s even a kids’ menu so you can happily take the whole family. Also near the top of many people’s bunny list is Sunrise Chip n’ Ranch (AKA Johnny’s Roti), a 24-hour takeout joint in Overport, or if you want something a touch fancier and a bit more central, try e Oriental at e Workshop Shopping Centre in Durban’s CBD. DRINK ere are currently three microbreweries in Durban itself, with more to choose from in the Kloof and 1000 Hills area. One of the longest running in the region is Robson’s Real Beer , whose American inspired taproom sits at e Point, close to uShaka beach. Just around the corner is the impressive new taproom of Durban Brewing Company . Half a dozen food vendors serve up sustenance in the cavernous space, which has one of the best views of any South African taproom, looking out over the harbour as it feeds into the Indian Ocean. at Brewing Company has sadly had to close its taproom on Station Drive – another casualty of Covid – but they’re still brewing and you can taste the range at Unity Bar in DURBAN AND THE VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS The Royal Sibaya is a fabulous, family friendly place to stay, close to Durban's airport Fine beer and fine reading material at Stumpnose Brewery James and Sam Clark open the Yng Gns taproom to the public on Saturdays ontapmag.co.za | Autumn 2021 | 35