World Cup 2010 Host City Durban: Places To Visit

The World Cup will be held in South Africa’s winter, but that doesn’t mean that you have to restrict your self to coffee and bed after watching the beautiful game in South Africa’s coastal playground, Durban.

The ninth biggest port in the world is the entrance to a stunning host city, and Durban will be warm and pleasant during the 2010 World Cup, with visitors flocking there to enjoy the sea, sun and entertainment on offer, as well as the games to be held in the fantastic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

So if you are making your way to Durban for a few of the games, or stopping by to test the waters at countless beautiful beaches, here are a few places to visit during your time at the coast…

Wake up in the morning and visit uShaka Marine World for an interesting adventure and an underwater exploration, which will leave you appreciating sea life and all the wonders of the ocean. There you shall find fresh and sea-water life, curio shops providing authentic African goods, the re-creation of the wreck of a 1940's cargo ship, as well as the fifth largest aquarium in the world by volume of water. Lush vegetation and maritime images of the Port of Durban, plus a water amusement park with countless swimming areas and slides, this complete 'Marine World' will surely rock your world and keep all members of the family entertained.

A round of golf at Windsor Park Municipal Golf Course is another option before going for a buzzing 90 minutes of World Cup football. This is a peaceful and appealing place for golfers of varying skill levels. The layout has an abundance of trees, which more than any other factor dictate the playing strategy at Windsor. It is a very attractive golf course planted with enough evergreens to avoid ever looking bleak, even in autumn. Why not test your ability against other keen golfers, and see if your handicap improves on another continent.

Feeling a bit hungry for a spicy meal after or before the big game? Then visit the shops for spices at the Victoria Street Market, where there are around 180 stalls selling basketwork and brassware, wood articles as well as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. The stalls' main attractions are the exotic spices imported from India. They will transform your curries into fabulous flavourful feasts and you will be glad you experienced Durban from a culinary standpoint. The market is also the perfect place to find little treasures and gems to take home as souvenirs or presents for friends and family.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the largest shopping centre in Africa, as well as the largest in the southern hemisphere. It is located on Umhlanga Ridge in Umhlanga, north of Durban and is certainly worth a visit if you are in the mood to shop or get some good food whilst running a few errands. The mall sees more than 1.8 million visitors coming through its doors per month, but you will not simply feel like a drop in the ocean here, as you will find all of the food, fun and entertainment you desire under one roof.

On the north bank of the Mgeni River lies another lovely creation. The Mangrove Swamps area is used as a Nature Conservation Education Centre, teaching those willing to learn about the wonders of nature and the importance of conserving wildlife. The black mangrove, the red mangrove and the white mangrove may be seen. On the shoreline, there are sand dunes where creeping plants and pioneer scrub are to be found.
The bird life is also impressive, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew and Water Dikkop. The Natal Nightjar may be heard, and keen ornithologists will experience a memorable day in Durban. With the help of Lions International, a boardwalk has been built over the channels to gain access. Bring a camera along and snap a few breath-taking pictures to show off your findings back home.

The Indian District, around Grey and Victoria Streets is another place to add to you list of places to visit. The Tourism Board organises a two-and-a-half hour “Oriental Walkabout” of this area, which includes a visit to the Victoria St. Market and the Muthi Market. If cultural experiences fulfill your need for exploration, the Indian District will have you appreciating a new culture and eating some delightful food.

For those who simply cannot get enough of nature, Durban’s Botanical Gardens is the place to be. Lying on the eastern slopes of the Berea ridge that began as a site for growing experimental tropical crops, today the Gardens offer a herbarium, an orchid house, a cycad collection, a garden for the blind and a charity tea garden. The tea garden is open from early morning until later in the afternoon every day. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Botanical Gardens.
The Natal Sharks Board welcomes and encourages visitors to its complex in Umhlanga Rocks, where they can view an audiovisual presentation on the day-to-day work done by the Sharks Board as well as the important role sharks and other animals play in the marine ecosystem. Learn more about one of the most feared and respected creatures on the planet, and find a new appreciation for sharks.

Along with countless places to find entertainment, interest and fun, the beaches in and around Durban provide hours of fun in the sun and surf, while allowing the whole family to enjoy the warm weather in a relaxed and happy environment. Look out for Umhlanga Beach, Amanzimtoti and Ballito Beach.