Categories: Guides

Durban Holiday Ideas (For The Perfect Host)

The holidays are here! Well, just about. And while you’re meant to kick back and relax during your downtime, we know that the stress of coming up with Durban holiday ideas to suit everyone can be a real pain. Plus, having to host extended family, buy gifts and entertain friends throughout the festive season, your nerves might end up more frazzled come January.

Blending family and friend time means a few less events booked into your calendar, and a little more room to breathe. Here are some Durban holiday ideas that your whole crew is going to love:

1 | Try Something Sweet

Desserteries are trending hard right now in Durban, and it’s easy to understand why. Granny and best friend working on each other’s nerves? Distract them with tasty treats, like High Five Dessertery’s delicious bubble waffles, churros or freak-shakes (in Village Road, Kloof). Moody teenager hitting a sugar low? Swing past Kupcake Heaven in Umhlanga Rocks Drive for seriously superior handmade and organic cupcakes. Your family and friends won’t know what hit them (and you won’t have to).

2 | Be A Tourist In Your Own City

Put the hard work into someone else’s hands and take advantage of ready-made Durban holiday ideas. Guided golf cart tours are the coolest way for your family and friends to cruise around unseen parts of the gorgeous Durban Botanical Gardens. Better yet, Blue Dolphin Tourist Services offer you this same guided tour as part of a full three-hour Durban city tour, including a visit to the Indian market, the beachfront and the president’s house – with a 45-minute cruise of the Durban harbour to boot.

3 | Do It For The Kids

Put the little ones first these Durban holidays when you visit these kid-focused spots, and get rewarded with some quality adult hang time too. Family and friends will love old-school kiddies entertainment centres like Mr. Funtubbles in the Midlands Mall, or The Fun Company in Toti’s Galleria. The serious tech upgrade at these spots makes for some super engaging entertainment: think 4D theaters and glow-in-the-dark tenpin bowling. Am I talking from personal experience? I’ll never tell.

4 | Dine Out – Wisely

Yup, it can be done with both family and friends in tow; you just need to know where to go. If you’re looking for a dash of elegance, but run the risk of your offspring terrorising the restaurant, there are a few places that can handle it. The gorgeous Coral Tree Restaurant in Zimbali is refinery at its best – with a sprawling estate, gorgeous outdoors and pool to keep the little ones entertained (no wonder it made it onto our list of best Durban restaurants with a view). Sage Café and Deli in Ballito is also right up there as a serene brunching spot, with a hoard of little stalls, card-making activities and jungle gyms to preoccupy the kids. And if you want to sneak off for a quick on-site pedi, well, no one’s judging.