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TThese three coastal cities offer many activities for people who want to make the most of their weekend, or those who want to learn more about their city.
Durban
Take a guided walking tour of the district around Dr Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) and Bertha Mkhize (Victoria) streets to immerse your senses in the city's Indian heritage and history.
uShaka Marine World is one of the world's largest aquariums. Sea World, is the centrepiece of the 40-acre uShaka Marine World, encompassing the Wet and Wild Water Park and a string of shops and eateries. The aquarium's animal encounters promote sustainable use of the marine environment. uShaka also offers some adventure, from The Ocean Walker to the Shark Dive Experience.
No Durban experience is complete without a Rickshaw Ride along the beachfront. There are only 20 or so registered rickshaw-pullers in Durban who are known for their magnificent head-dresses adorned with beads and other decorations.
Did You Know?
DDurban is one of the top surfing destinations in South Africa.
TThe iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium offers a modern sports structure that's well worth a visit. If you're in need of an adrenaline boost, there's a bungee swing from the top, or take the SkyCar to the viewing site on the stadium's great arch for a 360-degree view of Durban and a great photographic opportunity.
FFancy some breakfast, or perhaps a hearty brunch? Try the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts in Bulwer Road for a tasty meal under the trees, then browse the gallery and ethnic craft shop for mementos afterwards.
Durban is the bunny chow capital of South Africa. The city has many excellent curry restaurants that specialise in this spicy cuisine, and there are as many that have made seafood their drawcard.
In the city itself, historical points of interest on your itinerary should include the neo-Baroque City Hall, KwaMuhle Museum and the Old Court House Museum. But simply taking in the many examples of 1930s art-deco architecture with a walking tour will be worth your while. Check local listings.
Cape Town
Known for its wine and scenery, Cape Town offers many experiences for travellers.
Signal Hill is just about the only place where you can see the sun setting while the moon rises over the Atlantic.
You can, of course, ride the famed cableway to the top of Table Mountain to see the sunset or the view, but a lesser-known vantage-point is at the end of Tafelberg Road on Table Mountain. Drive past the lower cableway station to the end of the road for a view over the city, Table Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
Why not learn to surf? It's a demanding pastime that can take months to master, but Muizenberg on False Bay is an ideal place to get started. It has several surf schools with professional instructors.
The stroll from Muizenberg to St James along the seaside boardwalk is a delight, and if you walk a little further to Kalk Bay, there are plenty of eateries and hipster-ish coffee shops to enjoy.
Port Elizabeth
The Port Elizabeth Opera House is the only surviving example of a Victorian theatre in Africa. It has links to the greats of SA theatre – John Kani, Athol Fugard, Winston Ntshona, and Nomsa Nkonyeni. It was built on the site of the town's gallows and ghost sightings have been reported.
Go sandboarding in the Alexandria Dunes or horse riding in the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. The city is known for its burgeoning restaurant scene, like the pastries at Grass Roof Farm or pizza at Charlie’s Pizza and Pasta in Summerstrand.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s (NMBT) smartcard gets you access to a variety of attractions and activities, including museums, nature- and game-reserves, adventure sports, art galleries and sightseeing, as well as discounts on shopping and entertainment.
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