Places to Stay in Durban

June and July maybe the winter months in Durban, but not as we understand the concept. It's subtropical so we're talking about daytime temperatures in the early 20s, dropping by about 10 degrees overnight. Not only that but the winter months are drier than other times of the year - you'll probably see no more than 2-3 rainy days if you base yourself here for the entire tournament.  And even a dip in the sea won't shrink your proverbials as the water temperature is well over 20°C. The days aren’t super-long, with the sun rising at just before 7 and setting just after 5, but that’s still over 10 hours of (probably) sunshine and clear blue sky to enjoy.

It’s over 20 degrees, the sun is shining and the place that you’re staying sits on a 100km stretch of beach - not tricky to work out how you’re going to keep yourself entertained, surely. The most accessible stretch of beach is the ‘Golden Mile’, but it’s here where the comparison with Blackpool ends – wide-sandy beaches pounded by excellent surf, lined with hotels, bars and restaurants and colourfully-dressed Zulu rickshaw men who offer rides along the seafront.

 

If you tire of the beach (!?) or happen to experience one of those rare rainy days, head for uShaka Marine World (daily 9am to 5pm, Wet ‘n Wild closed Mondays & Tuedays, R90+). The main draw is the Aquarium (uShaka SeaWorld), which features a wide variety of sealife from the Western Indian Ocean, Africa’s largest Dolphinarium (we have no idea how intense the competition is for this title), a seal stadium and a penguin rookery. In addition, you’ll find a slide-packed water park (Wet ‘n Wild) and a ‘Village’ of aquatic themed shops and restaurants

 

On the subject of sealife, but on a slightly toothier and larger scale, you can also visit the HQ of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm, audio-visual and dissection 9am and 2pm Tuesday-Thursday & 2pm Sunday, R25 for the latter). As well as displays and an audio-visual about sharks, it also offers the opportunity to watch a real life shark being dissected (for those of you with interests beyond the teeth). If you want to take things further still, you can even join them for a 2 hour boat tour of the shark nets.

 

Those keen to venture further afield should consider acquainting themselves with the culture, history and wildlife of the KwaZulu-Natal. For culture, you should consider a visit to one of the nearby Zulu cultural villages such as Shakaland or Phezulu. For history, the battlefields of the Zulu War are accessible but are a fair distance. Still, it’s worth it as the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rourke’s Drift are largely unchanged since those struggles between the British and Zulu in the late 19^th century – take a tour as there’s little to explain the events once you’re there. For wildlife, one of South Africa’s greatest, and oldest, game parks is within reach, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. Again you’re going to have to be up at dawn for it to be worth your while but your efforts won’t be in vain as the park supports one of Africa’s greatest populations of rhino, both white and black.

Florida Road is where the young and trendy crowd hang out – it’s packed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs so just a short stroll up the road will allow you to eat, drink and boogie. And if you’re pining for the beers of home, the Keg & Thistle stocks a good range of imported brews including Boddies, Guinness and a range of German offerings.

 

Not feeling so young and trendy? Well the alternative is the beachfront, where the beach bar cum club (the latter on weekends only) and Durban institution Joe Kools is the place to visit. Or you could head for Suncoast Casino where over 200 slots and 50 gaming tables provides ample opportunity to burn through your cash.