With its blend of cultures and architecture, Durban is unique and not to be overlooked as a travel destination. This KwaZulu-Natal city will be in focus with the upcoming Africa’s Travel Indaba in May and the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The all-year-round warm city is the gateway to the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Hopefully, the delegates of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 (a tourism marketing event taking place from 13 – 16 May) and punters attending the Durban July on 6 July will make use of this opportunity to explore the rest of the region. Let’s look at some highlights.
Experience the sardine run at Rocky Bay
Rocky Bay is one of the most attractive and popular beaches on the KZN South Coast. The annual sardine run, which passes by the KZN South Coast, is a world-renowned phenomenon accompanied by some of the best diving. With the Marine Protected Area (MPA), Aliwal Shoal located just offshore, Rocky Bay has become a prime dive site for everyone from beginners to advanced level, with the winter sardine run making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Watch from the shoreline: Annien Koulountis, Resorts Manager at Rocky Bay Resorts, explains that for those wanting to watch from the shoreline, there is lots of marine action to enjoy. “At this time of year, the ocean is truly alive with the humpback whale migration underway and lots of whales breaching. There has also been bait ball activity associated with the sardine run, including birds diving and dolphins frolicking. For many days, Rocky Bay Resorts caravan park and cabin have front-row seats to witness this spectacle. If you are interested in aerial viewing, there are also paraglider and microlight tours available locally.”
Dive or snorkel: “This is such an exciting time of year for boat rides and diving because of all the migrations that are happening at the same time – the sardine run, the humpback whale migration, and the start of the ragged tooth shark mating season,” explained Michelle Smith, Owner of Mokarran Dive Charters, based at the resort. “This makes for epic boat rides, snorkelling and diving that coincides perfectly with school holidays. Obviously, nature has her own rhythm, which we cannot control, but that is exactly what makes these once-in-a-lifetime sightings so special.”
Mokarran Dive Charters is a full-service, owner-run, 5-star PADI dive centre, managed by Clive and Michelle Smith, boasting more than 20 years of experience. The highly experienced crew guarantees visitors a fun, personalised and professional experience, for first timers as well as experienced snorkellers and divers, from children to adults.
Shark cage diving: “For visitors who want a truly unique ocean experience, then shark cage diving is a must-try,” said John Miller, Owner of Shark Cage Diving KZN at Rocky Bay Resorts. “There are so many species of sharks found in our warm waters at Aliwal Shoal, making it one of the best spots to dive. At this time of year, we’re likely to see black tips, dusky and spinner sharks that grow up to two-and-a-half metres. It’s a completely safe and secure adventure, with no diving experience required, and we cater for everyone from six years of age. Even non-swimmers can participate.”
The steel cage is always attached to the boat for safety, as per SAMSA regulations, with the team specialising in cage diving. The team enlightens visitors with a talk on sharks, marine life, conservation and shark nets while doing surface viewing from the boat. Professional underwater photos and DVDs are also available.
Deep-sea fishing: For those interested in fishing during this season, Rocky Bay Resorts is also home to Albacore Fishing Charters run by Lloyd Pellew and his team. He boasts decades of experience in both fishing and boat charter, with seven charter boats available.
“From early June to end July, we have the annual sardine run which is a must for everyone to witness,” said Pellew, who was born and raised in Rocky Bay and has more than five decades of fishing experience. “There are shoals and shoals of these silver fish moving up the coast, accompanied by hundreds of dolphins and birds.”
All tackle and bait are supplied for the seven-hour game or bottom fishing expedition and guests keep their catches. Booking is essential, so call 074 362 4206 to secure your spot.
Microlighting or aircrafts : Take in the greatest shoal on Earth from the skies with World of Wings Flight School. Experienced pilot, Noel NcDonogh, takes visitors and prospective pilots on training flights along the KZN South Coast around Rocky Bay. By taking to the air in a microlight or aeroplane, visitors enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the sardine run. Flights take off from Umkomaas Airfield in Craigieburn. Book a flight via email: noel@wowflight.co.za or phone 072 117 5130.
Experience the Valley of a 1000 Hills
Explore deep into this beautiful part of the country with the Valley of a 1000 hills. Visit a local Zulu village and learn stories about the area from the people who know it best, meet a sub-chief and traditional healer, and have lunch with one of the families.
Do a Township and City Tour
Experience real township life on a half-day tour of Umlazi or KwaMashu and Inanda townships. Meet a sangoma (traditional healer), visit a spaza shop and taste traditional food.
www.visitdurban.travel
Head north
The Umhlanga coastline is the perfect stepping stone to the rest of southern Africa, connected to all major destinations by road and air. It is a short drive to two World Heritage sites: the majestic mountains of the uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park in the west and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the north, which is approximately a three-hour drive by car or motorboat.
Getting there: SAA flies between Johannesburg and Durban seven days a week. flysaa.com
