The Golden Mile stretches from South Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
Travel Indaba 2018 has been around for close to four decades and in May, the KwaZulu-Natal province hosted it for the 27th consecutive year. Here’s a list of things to do while in Durban, home to the trade show.
Explore the Golden Mile
The popular beachfront that stretches from South Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north is filled with restaurants and retail outlets. The beach is also a go-to spot for outdoor activities such as surfing or running, with the backdrop of a breathtaking sunrise.
Eat bunny chow
This quintessentially Durban dish consists of hollowed-out bread filled with curry. The filling that has been scooped out is kept for dipping in the curry, which is typically made using mutton, chicken or chicken liver. While its precise origin is open to debate, it is commonly attributed to the city’s large Indian community. It is said that the vegetarian beans bunny is the original version of the dish but both are equally delicious.
Conquer the Big Rush
Thrill-seekers can attempt the Big Rush at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which holds a Guinness World Record for the tallest swing. Step off the jump platform and embrace a 60m free fall, accelerating to a speed of over 120kph and swinging in a huge arc over the football pitch. When the swinging finally stops, a recovery winch will bring you smoothly back to the jump platform.
View an exhibition
Shop 7 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium houses the permanent exhibition called South Africa in the Making — Walk with Monty Naicker. The tribute to the struggles of icons who fought against apartheid also features Yusuf Dadoo, Nelson Mandela and heroic female activists such as Fatima Meer.
Visit the Victoria Street Market
The marketplace was started when the Indians arrived in Durban, which is home to the largest Indian population outside of India today. Here you will find an array of spices, beaded handicraft and other South African souvenirs. Ask for the cheery and helpful Joe at Joe’s Corner Shop and he will help you choose hand-mixed curry blends and fragrant spices to take home. Across the road, local medicine men and healers occupy a plethora of outdoor shops amid the hustle and bustle of the nearby Berea train station.
Enjoy an ocean view, cocktail in hand
The aptly named Panorama Bar (at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel complex) offers a great view of Durban’s beach and F&B options for some afternoon lounging. Soak up the sun by the pool while savouring some excellent cocktails and light bites. We recommend the Whiskyjinja — made of Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, sours, honey, apple juice and ginger liqueur — over a seafood snack bucket.
Also check out Travel Indaba 2018, which took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre. This article first appeared on July 2, 2018 in The Edge Malaysia.
