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Travel Tips

Travelling in KwaZulu Natal

35 Things to do in KwaZulu Natal

You will never run out of things to do............

1. Catch sardine fever (Sardine hotline 082 284 9495, http://hibiscuscoast.kzn.org.za);
2. Watch a shark dissection (Natal Sharks Board 031 566 0400, www.shark.co.za);
3. Raft the mighty Tugela and Umkomaas rivers Zingela Safaris 036 354 7005, www.zingelasafaris.co.za;
4. Feel the spray of the Tugela Falls at the Drakensberg’s Amphitheatre ((KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za, Howick Publicity 033 330 5305);
5. Surf at Long Beach in Durban (www.mrpricepro.com);
6. Scuba dive at Sodwana Bay, Protea Banks or Umkomaas (KZN Tourism 031 366 7500, www.kzn.org.za);
7. Search for whales (KZN Tourism 031 366 7500, www.kzn.org.za);
8. Swim with the fish at uShaka Marine World (uShaka Marine World 031 328 8000, www.ushakamarineworld.co.za);
9. Watch the turtle migration at Kosi Bay (KZN Wildlife at Sodwana Bay 035 571 0051);
10. Take to the water in a kayak (Glenmore Eco-Ventures 082 799 1935);
11. Fly fish (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
12. Go on a summer holiday ((KZN Tourism 031 366 7500, www.kzn.org.za);
13. Get back to nature at the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
14. Amble through the dunes at Mpenjati Beach Reserve south of Ramsgate (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
15. Hike at Kosi Bay (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
16. Dine out at Wilson’s Wharf in Durban’s harbour (KZN Tourism 031 366 7500, www.kzn.org.za);
17. Pedal lagoon boats in Unvongo (Hibiscus Coast Tourism 039 312 2322, www, hibiscuscoast.kzn.org.za);
18. Brush up on your history at Spioenkop Dam (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
19. Bird watch at Nsumo Pan in Mkuze Game Reserve (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
20. Camp at Midmar Dam (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999, www.rhino.org.za);
21. Go fishing at Cape Vidal or Kosi Bay (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999);
22. Climb the lighthouses at Port Shepstone, Cape Vidal, St Lucia and Umhlanga rocks (www.lighthouses.co.za);
23. Take a boat tour of Durban’s harbour (KZN Tourism 031 366 7500);
24. Catch tiger fish on Jozini Dam (Pongola Tourism 034 413 1144);
25. Swim in an icy Drakensberg rock pool (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999) ;
26. Learn to kite surf in Durban (Ocean 2 Air 031 301 1110, www.ocean2air.co.za);
27. Fish for bass and blue gill at Crystal Dam in Mount Currie Nature Reserve (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999);
28. Camp at Umlalazi Nature Reserve and fish, go water skiing, wind surfing or take a walk through a mangrove swamp (KZN Wildlife 033 845 1999);
29. Try a Bunny Chow, a very simple affair consisting of a hollowed-out quarter, half or full loaf of bread filled with any available curry including beef, mutton, chicken or beans;
30. Take a beaded rickshaw ride on Durban beachfront (Go to the Golden Mile, Marine Parade, Durban);
31. Visit the Victoria Street Market and experience a very real part of Africa (+27 31 306 4021);
32. Wander through an old mine sweeper boat, tug and pilot boat at the Maritime Museum in
33. Durban (031 311 2230);
34. Take the Banana Express to Port Edward (Banana Express 039 682 4821)
35. Do a canopy tour of Karkloof (033 330 3415, www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za)

Attraction in the City of Durban

Durban offers a variety of historical places of interest to visit in between trips to the beach.

Maritime Museum: Learn more about Durban's seafaring tradition as you would through the various interesting ships on display, including the 75-year old coal-fired Ulundi. See also the 38-year old JR Moore which with its oil-burning engine worked as a tugboat in the harbour, or the SAS Durban, a 42-year old naval minesweeper.

Take a walk through the Britannia Exhibition Hall to learn about the whole nautical experience, from communication systems to weather prediction to star navigation. The children will love exploring the ships while you learn more about Durban's maritime history.

Township Tours: Siphiwe Kunene runs township tours from Durban to KwaMashu Township. (Here’s a titbit of info for you: KwaMashu means the Place of Mashu – and Mashu was the Zulu name for Sir Marshall Campbell, the sugar magnate who introduced the rickshaw to Durban). Siphiwe's tours will introduce you to magnates of different kinds.

You’ll get to experience township life in the sprawling suburbs of Mashu’s Place, visit a shebeen, meet a sangoma (diviner), be diagnosed by an inyanga (herbalist) and eat some delicious township food. What is unique about this tour is that Siphiwe is a Kwa-Ma-shoe-shoe himself, so there’ll be no-one better to give you the inside edge.

uShaka marine world : A trip to this kaleidascope of adventure and entertainment is a must for any visitor to Durban, and at least a day is needed to enjoy it in its entirety. At the centre you will find Sea and Dolphin world, comprising of a large aquarium and dolphin stadium where you will be entertained by the antics of the dolphins, seals and penguins.

Children will love the rock touch pool, while the more adventurous can dive into the tanks of the offshore rocky reef exhibit. Next to the main complex you will find Beach World, where adventure seekers can enjoy non-stop activities such as windsurfing, surfing, jet skiing, kite surfing, charters and more.

The complex's Wet ‘n Wild World also offers great water entertainment for the whole family, from swimming pools and river rides to a supertubes and a rollercoaster. With all this on offer it will be no surprise if you don't find time to enjoy uShaka Marine World's shopping and restaurants - there really is something for everyone at uShaka Marine World!

Battlefields

Stand looking out over the fields and valleys of Shaka's Kingdom, stretching from the Drakensburg Mountains down to the golden coastline.

Visit actual battlegrounds and imagine the bloodthirsty cries of Shaka's Impis, the rain of their spears onto the British Redcoats and how they met against the superior artillery of the British military and the guerilla tactics of the Boers.

Blue flag beaches of KwaZulu Natal

Blue flag beaches are the best and safest around............

Blue Flag certification started as an environmental and tourism campaign in Europe to assure visitors that certified beaches are clean, safe and environmentally sound.

Blue Flag status is only awarded to those beaches that achieve excellence in water quality, environmental education and information, and adhere to international safety standards. High levels of cleanliness, the quality of facilities (toilets and showers) and professional lifeguard services are key criterion of Blue Flag beaches.

The renewal of the status must be earned throughout the year as the judging takes place annually. It is not a permanent status.

South Coast beeches that has achieved Blue Flag status are: Hibberdene, Lucien, Margate, Ramsgate and Marina Beach. Scottburgh and Uvongo beaches have been awarded pilot Blue Flag status for 2005.

Durban's South Beach has Blue Flag status, as well as the North Coast’s Umhlanga Beach and Willard Beach in Balito. The Blue Flag assures you, the visitor, that the beaches are clean, safe and environmentally friendly. The award also helps to educate the community about the need and means of caring for our coastline; to promote one of South Africa’s natural treasures; and to help clean and protect our coastline.

The Blue Flag campaign ensures the preservation of our beaches' beauty.

Feeding Frenzy

The annual Sardine Run happens over June and July between Port St. Johns and Durban when millions of sardines move from the Cape to follow the narrow band of cooler water eastward.

The females of this cold water species, also known as Pilchards, relase thousands of eggs into the water to be fertilized, after which the larvae are on their own.

Pelagic bird, marine mammals, fish predators and humans alike, are drawn to this natural spectacle to produce one of the most significant gatherings of marine life recorded in any ocean worldwide. A photo-opportunity like none other, the Sardine Run has been compared to the wildebeest migration of the Serengeti.

The shoals may stretch up to 15 kilometers long, 3 kilometers wide and 40 meters deep, spreading over 1000 kilometers of ocean. Microlight tours are offered for a birds-eye-view of common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins and Spinner dolphins; copper, black-tip, dusky and spinner sharks; Humpback, Bryde’s, Southern Right and Minke whales; King fish, Barracuda and a army of other game fish and even the odd Cape Fur Seal.

Flocks of cormorants, terns, gulls, petrels and even albatrosses frantically flock along, diving and darting. Licensed tour companies take divers to the epicenter of the action.

The South Coast isalso well geared for fishermen and observers, and offers a variety of other events to enjoy the wonderful mild winters of the South Coast, including the Sardine Half Marathon, the Shelly Beach Ski-Boat Classic and the Margate Airshow.

For more details phone 039 312 2322

Haute Cuisine - Durban style!

Durban is not renowned for being a seat of culinary invention but we have made at least one major contribution to world cuisine in the shape of the Bunny Chow.

The Bunny Chow is a very simple affair consisting of a hollowed-out quarter, half or full loaf of bread filled with any available curry including beef, mutton, chicken or beans. The Bunny Chow should be freshly made out of mature curry and the piece of bread, or virgin, which was removed to make room for the curry should be placed on top of the Bunny before it is wrapped. Some chefs add sambals to their Bunnies but many feel that this is an unnecessary elaboration.

The exact origins of the Bunny Chow are shrouded in myth and legend but one school of thought has it that it was invented by a chef at the Queen's Tavern.

Another theory is that it was invented for the Indian caddies at the Royal Durban Golf Course who were unable to get off from work for long enough to nip into Grey Street for a curry at lunchtime. The story goes that they got their friends to go and buy the curry for them and that it was brought back to the golf course in hollowed-out loaves of bread because there were no disposable food containers at the time. The explanation that Bunnies were first made in Grey Street does hold a bit of water because the shopkeepers there were known as banias and therefore, the phrase Bunny Chow could mean "food from the shopkeepers".

If the origin of the Bunny was in Grey Street, then a prime candidate for the place where it was invented is the G.C. Kapitan Vegetarian Restaurant which operated at 154 Grey Street between 1912 and 1992. Whether the bunny was invented there or not, G.C. Kapitan’s beans bunny was famous and enjoyed by ordinary people and such luminaries as Indira Gandhi.

Whatever the truth, however, the Bunny Chow has earned itself an enduring place in the affections of Durbanites and there are many of us who couldn't exist for very long without them. The correct way to refer to Bunny Chows when talking about them or asking for directions to the nearest purveyor is as Bunnies. The use of the word Chow will indelibly mark you as an outsider, and a pretty uncool one at that.

The Bunny Chow should always be eaten with the fingers starting with the lump of bread, or virgin, on top. Aficionados treat the virgin as an appetizer for the main course and it is considered very bad form to seize and eat someone else's virgin without their express invitation. You should then help yourself to the curry and tear pieces off of the side of the loaf and dip them in the gravy.

The trick here is to avoid tearing off pieces of loaf which are below the current gravy line otherwise you end up with a steaming-hot mass in your lap. For much the same reason you should check whether your Bunny Chow was made from the end of a loaf or whether it is a Funny Bunny made from the middle and, hence, without a crust at the bottom.

A Funny Bunny isn't any less tasty but you do have to be careful to support the base in case it gives way and gives onlookers something to laugh about; you begin to see how it got its name?

While eating your Bunny you may sweat and blow your nose often, Say"Whooee!!" You may not betray that you're in pain if the Bunny is too hot for your taste. Just relax and think of those nice endorphins you're going to get when your brain finally gets into gear. Steer clear of the gravy if you are in real difficulties as experience has shown that it is the hottest part of the curry - whatever the burn level, do not drink water, it only makes it worse!

KwaZulu Natal - Beaches and Surfing!

The KwaZulu Natal coastline boasts six hundred kilometres of white sandy beaches on the warm Indian Ocean coastline.

These beaches offer something for everyone, from protected beaches for family outings to the more untamed beaches that are a surfer's paradise. Scuba dive or snorkel on the Elephant Coast or enjoy the holiday vibe at one of the South Coast's four "blue flag" beaches.

The beaches offer plenty of relaxation and sporting opportunities, including surfing, boating, fishing and whale and dolphin watching, or for the more adventurous take a trip in a microlight to enjoy the spectacular view from above. It is also a surfer's paradise, offering some of the best waves in the country. There are great waves wherever you go, with warm waters all year around, so that you need little more than a spring wetsuit for warmth, and on hot summer days even this is not a necessity.

Winter heralds the start of the true surf season, with breezy eight-foot swells sweeping in from the Cape coast between May and August. The swells are a bit smaller in the summer months, offering fun surf at the many beach breaks, with most surfers taking advantage of the wind-free mornings before the north-eastern winds pick up.

With some 600 kilometres of coastline only a handful of popular breaks get crowded, but many quieter waves can be found along the coast, with many good roads making for easy access. With all this on offer any surf fanatic would be sorry to miss this awesome coastline, and your adventure could even find you surfing a strip of coast that has never before been touched!

KwaZulu Natal - Best beaches

The KZN Southcoast is home to a range of "Blue flag" beaches.

MARGATE BEACH: A mile long beach on the South Coast, ideal for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. There is also a famous fishing spot off a specially-constructed pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops, plus accommodation to suit any budget.

MARINA / SAN LAMEER: A beautiful, long sandy beach with an adjacent tidal pool. The beach is located between Southbroom and San Lameer and is close to the Trafalgar Marine Reserve and Mpenjati river mouth and lagoon. Lifeguards are always in attendance and facilities are maintained in top class standards throughout the year. Easy access for the disabled

RAMSGATE BEACH: Ramsgate is a quaint village just south of Margate. A quiet beach with picnic facilities in a park-like setting provides a peaceful haven from the bustling beach towns. An easy walking trail extends southwards from Ramsgate towards the picturesque Southbroom beach and lagoon.

HIBBERDENE BEACH: Based on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Hibberdene is a relatively narrow beach which is sheltered from the southerly winds. The often steeply sloped beach has good waves. A grassy picnic area makes it ideal for families. A new boat launching site has been developed alongside the Blue Flag area.

LUCIEN BEACH: Lucien beach, which lies to the north east of Margate main beach, is a quiet but popular beach accessible by a steep set of stairs. Top class lifesaving facilities are in place in a new building which has lots of parking. The elevated parking area provides good views of the sea and coast stretching towards Margate. A good place to park and then walk along the coast towards Uvongo - a pleasant walk with views of dolphins and other sea-life. Easily accessible from the adjacent holiday flats.

WILLARD BEACH: This is the main swimming beach in Ballito, 'Pearl' of the North Coast. A 2.4 km boardwalk follows the shoreline southwards providing an opportunity for an easy stroll with spectacular views of bays and coves. A more rugged trail extends northwards from Willard to Shaka's Rock which takes you through a hole in a cliff – best attempted at low tide.

KwaZulu Natal Parks and Reserves

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park and Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999, and extends across 328 000 hectares of breathtaking scenery, from Mapelane (Cape St Lucia) in the South to Kozi Bay in the North.

The Maputoland and St Lucia Marine Reserves are linked to each other to form a continuous protected area stretching 150 km from the Mozambique border southwards to Cape Vidal and 3 nautical miles out to sea. The Park is home to a huge hippopotamus population as well as many crocodiles, elephants, the humpback whale, buffalo, rhino, zebra and buck.

A horseback wildlife safari is a must to experience the wildlife up close for an unusual experience. The Park also offers a range of other activities, including bird-watching, fishing, hiking, camping and scuba-diving, all of which offer fantastic photographic opportunities to capture your amazing experiences forever.

Sodwana Bay is renowned for its sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. It offers many popular dive sites with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora. Sodwana is situated on the coast within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The reserve lies adjacent to Africa’s southern-most coral reefs.

In summer, loggerhead and leatherback turtles come out of the sea to nest on the Sodwana beaches. Guided turtle tours are popular with visitors. Aside from Sodwana’s wealth of opportunities for diving , boating and angling, a five-km self-guided trail is available for the enjoyment of nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Malaria precautions are necessary.

KZN - Durabn and Northcoast "Blue flag" beaches.

The KZN Northcoast is home to a number of safe "Blue flag" beaches.

SOUTH BEACH: Part of Durban's world famous 'Golden Mile', South Beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, especially for kids as it is protected from the powerful westerly winds and large waves by the Bluff.

ADDINGTON BEACH: On Durban's Golden Mile, situated on the coast of the warm Indian Ocean, adjoining the multi-million rand uShaka tourist development site and uShaka Marine World. The beach comprises a wide, sandy shore extending on either side of the bathing area. The sea conditions, protected by the harbour entrance, are generally smaller and enjoyed by those who prefer calm, safe conditions for swimming. Learn to surf, etc as there are organisations who provide private lessons in this area. Visit uShaka, snorkel in the pools and then spend the day relaxing on Addington beach. The beach will run regular environmental education programmes and throughout the year, professional lifeguards will be on duty.

UMHLANGA BEACH: One of South Africa's most popular beaches, Umhlanga is based in the heart of the Umhlanga Rocks area adjacent to many popular shopping, eating and hotel facilities. The beach lies at the edge of the warm Indian Ocean, some 15km notrh of Durban city. Visitors toUmhlanga go to see and to be seen! A narrow sandy beach with good swimming area, the boardwalk along the coast allows one to walk for lengthy distances, enjoying the coast. Restaurants and facilities for hiring equipment are all available.

Major attractions in the KZN interior.

KwaZulu Natal is not all about beaches and surfing. Amazing scenery and history awaits your discovery in the Midlands.......

Drakensberg / uKhahlamba Mountains : Named by the Dutch Voortrekkers The Dragon Mountain and the Zulu people The Barrier of Spears this World Heritage Site range offers breathtaking basalt cliffs towering above lush yellowwood forests and scenic waterfalls. The mountains form the border between South African and the Kingdom of Lesotho, the only access being via the Sani Pass, at the top of which you will find Africa's highest pub, some 3000 meters above sea level.

There are plenty of San rock art sites throughout the mountains, and for the more adventurous the mountains and valley offer sheer rock or ice climbing opportunities, as well as abseiling, white water rafting, and helicopter flips. There are some beautiful guest establishments in the region, offering good bases to explore all that is on offer, and the Drakensberg is particularly beautiful in winter when snow covers the jagged mountain peaks.

Zululand: Be inspired by the sheer majesty of this region, offering diverse views of the brilliant blue Indian Ocean, Mangrove swamps , lush green hills and indigenous forests, with the Drakensberg mountains standing proud in the distance. Enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the local people, who will accommodate you in everything from game lodges and seaside cottages to floating lake chalets and Zulu homesteads.

The region offers plenty of game viewing opportunities as well as hiking and nature trails. Enjoy the true Zulu experience by taking an ox wagon trip visiting mud-hut villages or witness a traditional Zulu wedding ceremony before having your fortune read by a traditional sangoma (healer).

After all the excitement restore your soul with a visit to Paulpietersburg where you can replenish in the therapeutic sulphur springs.

Major Attractions: KwaZulu Natal countryside

Explore the KZN countryside...........

Shakaland: A visit to this traditional Zulu homestead or umuzi is a must for any traveller out to explore the cultures of South Africa. The homestead is divided into two areas, the home of the Zulus and hotel rooms.

Experience the magic of Africa as in this authentic kraal, as you see warriors wielding their spears and listen to the secrets of the tribe elders and Sangoma witch doctors. Learn more about the local customs as you experience them first hand, from tribal dancing to traditional beer-drinking ceremonies. You will leave richer for the benefit of having lived as one with one of South Africa's oldest tribes.

KwaZulu Natal Battlefields: Step back into the poignant memory of numerous battles that have taken place on African soil, and learn the fascinating stories behind these wars. Walk in the footsteps of Shaka, Churchill and Gandhi, while guides talk you through each battle, explaining strategies, losses, awards and victory. The legacy of the kingdom's bloody conflicts lives on in a series of battlefield sites, monuments, museums and towns.

The region also offers beautiful scenery and a mix of culture, and the hospitable nature of the locals make it a must see for history buffs and general tourists alike.

Midlands Meander: The Midlands Meander is worth a visit to enjoy the heart of KwaZulu Natal. It started up in 1985 with a small number of crafters who put their talents together to create an arts and crafts route, and today this self-drive route from Pietermaritzburg to just north of the Mooi River boasts about 134 members.

Choose from one of four tours and with the help of colour coded road markers enjoy country roads filled with arts, crafts, monuments, potters farms, antiques and plenty of restaurants and places to stay. There is plenty to discover through your leisurely trip with a wide range of sporting, environmental and historical activities thrown in for good measure, offering something for everyone.

Shaka Land

Take a step back in time and enter the world of Shaka, King of the Zulu at his Great Kraal overlooking the Umhlatuze Lake.

Stay in first-class accommodation, which consists of traditional beehive huts with all the mod cons, including en-suite bathrooms. Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing,spear making and the beer drinking ceremonies.

Sodwana Bay

Dive one of the best sites in South Africa!

Sodwana Bay is renowned for it's great dive spots. Coral reefs - between 1 to 9 miles out flourish with fish. From leatherback turtles, dolphins, huge potato bass, to schools of brightly coloured rainbow fish - you'll see it all.

During peak season this area throngs with divers and so the apres-dive becomes a party. The beach is a protected area especially during turtle egg laying season. You could be one of the lucky few to witness the turtles beaching themselves to lay their eggs.

The Hluhluwe / Umfolozi game reserve

The Hluhluwe (try saing that after a few beers!) game reserve is the oldest game reserve in Africa.

A trip to the oldest game reserve in Africa is a must, where you can see the big five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) as well as a range of birds and other wildlife. The park is well known for its white rhino conservation, as well as its 96 000 hectares of diverse fauna and flora. Take a guided game viewing trail or walk, or enjoy a trip across the dam on a 40-seater boat.

This Game Reserve is worth a visit for its beauty and diversity of wildlife across its savannah planes.

Unusual attractions in and around Durban

Tired of going to the beach? Take the Banana Express and explore!

Take the Banana Express to Port Edward: The Banana Express steam train runs on the last narrow, 61cm railway in Kwazulu- Natal with its steam locomotive, the Garratt 16A, one of the last narrow rail locomotives still running.

Years ago this passenger train, carrying tourists from Port Sheptstone to Ixotsaj or iZotcha, hauled sugar cane, wood, cement and fertilizer. There is more than enough to see between Port Shepstone and Port Edward, even if you missed the train and are tagging along in your car. In Port Shepstone, explore the cultural history of the region and learn about shipwrecks and the sardine run at the maritime museum.

The train meanders to Harding over the land of six Zulu chiefs, then follows the coast for a while before heading inland through indigenous forests, canefields and past rural villages. The plantations are all thanks to Edmund Morewood, who brought the root plants from Mauritius in 1850 to start sugarcane farming in the then Natal.

At Paddock station, a national monument, tour operators offer tours through Oribi Nature Reserve. If you’re not feeling adventurous, have some of its famous tea. Still on the way, there is Southbroom’s croc farm and the snake and bird park in Uvongo.

At Port Edward, visit the shipwreck of the Sao Joaoa (St. John). It was the biggest ship afloat in the world at the time, but heading back to the East with an immensely valuable cargo of beads, ming porcelain, money, cowries and spices, was damaged in a storm in the Southern Cape. The ship attempted to sail to Delgoa Bay, but was wrecked on route off the rocks at Port Edward.

Contact Banana Express at 039 682 4821. The train usually departs at 10:00.

Visit the Elephant house

The Elephant House is an exclusive, thatched, AA accredited bed and breakfast, with a colorful history.

Set in the Sundays River Valley, only minutes away from the Addo Elephant National Park, it offers elegant tranquility and security.

The Elephant House was built in the early 1850’s on the highest natural point on the Berea Ridge overlooking what is now Jameson Park and the Indian Ocean.

Durban's oldest surviving home, it was originally used by the Milner brothers, Henry, Philip and Thomas, as a weekend hunting lodge. It became known to the people of Durban as the Elephant House after surviving numerous attacks from local elephant herds. A sandy track that is now Florida Road was the path the elephants took on their daily trek to water in the Greyville Marshes which are now part of the Royal Durban golf course, The house was very much in their way at the time and so they would frequently attempt to forcefully remove it.

When Brian Agar bought the house in 1975 he was intent on demolishing it. After learning its history he decided that Elephant House could not die and it was declared a National Monument in 1978. During the course of restoration and in the time the Agars’ have spent in the house some interesting artifacts were discovered including a water bottle with a marble in the neck, dark blue castor oil bottles, green gin bottles known as Genever, an old ink well and an ivory toothed comb.

A canon from the ship Aristoto is on view in the garden. The ship was wrecked on Back Beach, now Addington, in 1854. Edward Snell bought the house in 1857, with the ship and her cargo. He would fire the cannon every New Year’s Eve.

745 Ridge Road, Musgrave, Durban, KZN, 4062
Tel: +27 31 208 9580, Fax: +27 31 208 9580

Visit the Kingdom of the Zulu's

The kingdom of KwaZulu Natal on South Africa's Eastern most coast, is a place offering a rich diversity of nature, culture and history, set against a colourful backdrop of sun, sea, mountain and sky.

Visit South Africa's busiest port, Durban, and enjoy the warm beachfront vibe, before visiting uShaka Marine World or the beautiful botanical gardens. Take a trip further afield to walk in the footsteps of prominent military figures, such as Shaka, Churchill and Gandhi, and explore the many famous battlefields that saw bloody conflict, sacrifice and victory, before facing your own adventure white-water rafting on the rapids of the mighty Tugela.

The unspoilt Elephant Coast is an eco-wonderland, offering the world's highest dunes, beautiful coral reefs, palms and bushveld. Visit a luxury game park or get closer to nature on one of the many wilderness trails, enjoying scuba diving or whale spotting along the way.

A trip through the Pietermatrizburg Midlands area is a must if you prefer markets and galleries, while the magnificent Drakensberg is home to breathtaking snow-capped cliffs, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls.

For a pure rush of adrenaline climb the sheer rock face of the mountain or view from above as you soar in a helicopter. KwaZulu Natal offers something for every taste and fulfils every dream.