KRIDZIL BLOG

During these times, we understand that finances might be tight, and a fun leisure vacation may be the last thing on your mind. For this reason, we have chosen to share five free things you can do in KwaZulu-Natal while enjoying your next Kridzil vacation.

Each of these activities can be experienced either on your way to Kridzil or on your way home. Your next holiday should be relaxing and allow you to unwind – not add additional stress on you or your wallet.

Besides these incredible free activities, we have a few other places we think you will enjoy – Places to visit on the South Coast Part 1 & Part 2.

1. Go Hiking

Go on a scavenger hunt with Geocaching

This super-fun, outdoor, recreational activity allows participants to use a GPS receiver or mobile device to ‘play’ hide and seek with containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. Remember to carry a pen and the Geocaching golden rule – if you take something, leave something of equal or higher value.

Walk the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is a well-known stretch of beachfront in Durban which runs roughly from uShaka Beach to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World and now encompasses a route directly to Moses Mabhida Stadium.

2. Enjoy the Beach

KwaZulu-Natal is a popular beach vacation destination for couples, friends and families. Dotted along the coastline are numerous beautiful beaches – from Richards Bay all the way down to Port Edward. One could spend days driving from beach-to-beach along the coast, exploring the gorgeous landscape and taking advantage of the warm Indian Ocean.

Some beaches are a surfers paradise; some are best for sunbathing and wading in the shallows, and others are great for long walks.

Here are our top 5 South Coast Beaches and what to do nearby.

3. Learn About South African History

Explore the King Shaka Heritage Route

This route will take visitors through the entirety of KwaDukuza, previously known as Stanger. This journey should end with visitors at King Shaka Zulu’s grave. This historical route includes the following locations:

• King Shaka’s Spring
• King Shaka’s Pool and Cave
• Shaka’s Trees
• Observation Rock
• High Rock
• Mavivane Execution Rock
• King Shaka’s Tomb Stone

Drive one of The Battlefield Routes

South Africa has several battlefields routes, which visitors can explore to learn more about our colourful history. The best advice would be to choose an era, war or campaign, do some research and then select the sites you would like to visit. A few of the routes include:

• Early Zulu Battles and Historical Sites
• Voortrekker – Zulu Wars
• The Rebellion of Langalibelele
• The Anglo Zulu War
• Transvaal War of Independence 1880-1881
• The Zulu Civil War 1883-1888 
• The South African / Anglo Boer War 1899 – 1902 
• Bhambatha Rebellion

View creative works of art at the Margate Art Museum

The Margate Art Museum first opened its doors in 1994 and is open to the public from 08:30 to 16:00, Tuesday to Friday, and 08:00 to 14:00, on Saturdays. Showcasing diverse exhibitions from both local and non-local artists, this Museum is a large part of the community and a valuable source of outreach and education. The school corner exhibits works created by learners from the surrounding schools. This Museum is a definite ‘must-visit’ during your next Kridzil vacation.

4. Take a Scenic Drive

Explore the Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander is a popular art and crafts route north-west of Pietermaritzburg which boasts five different routes and more than 160 places to visit. With such a wide array of things to do (and see), there is no time to be bored while exploring this area! The picturesque landscape with its breathtaking views is home to tiny villages – each offering a variety of handmade and artisanal goods. It might be free to travel along these routes, but you’ll definitely want to carry some money to spend along the way!

Wander along the Freedom Route

Walk in the footsteps of South Africa’s struggle heroes – visit their homes and hideouts, admire the statues and plaques built in their memory and learn more about the brave activists who changed South Africa for good. With places to visit in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg, most of which are in the city centres and within close proximity to one another, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and pack light for this journey.

Meander through the Midlands Amble

Sometimes referred to as the Albert Falls Amble, the Midlands Amble is a complementary route to the Midlands Meander. Historical Locations, Nature Reserves and Historical Crafts such as cabinetry and shoemaking are the focal points of the Amble. The area is divided roughly into ten mini routes each focussing on a specific town and its’ rich history. The Amble is a paradise for all fishermen and bird lovers and at the heart of this area is Albert Falls Dam – a must-visit for all!

5. Visit a Museum

Durban Natural Science Museum

This museum is one of the oldest and most popular in South Africa. This is the only natural science museum in South Africa falling under local government. This museum is home to a diverse collection of small and large mammals, African birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. The museum is also famous for its close-to-life-size Tyrannosaurus rex model and the 100-year-old near-complete Dodo skeleton.

Kwa Muhle Museum

This museum was once the headquarters of Durban’s infamous Native Administration Department. By visiting this museum, you will discover what life was like in and around Durban during the apartheid. View exhibitions of the creation of segregated accommodation and the development of townships.

Old Court House Museum

This building, now home to Durban’s largest history museum, is one of the oldest public buildings in the Durban CBD. A few of their permanent displays include the “Durban Room” where visitors can see the reconstruction of Henry Francis Fynn’s wattle and daub cottage, a sugar mill from Clairmont, Miss Fann’s fancy repository and David B. Anderson’s apothecary druggist and chemist shop of 1907.

Bergtheil Museum

Bergtheil Museum was named after Jonas Bergtheil who brought the first German settlers to Natal. The museum focuses on the history of those who settled in Westville, Claremont and New Germany and their contributions to these areas. The museum also houses a reference library with an extensive collection of South African Military History.

Cato Manor Heritage Centre

Perhaps best known for its tense history of forced removals, Cato Manor is a township which boasts a unique multi-cultural community. The Heritage Centre distinctly showcases the severe realities of removals, rebellion, protests and suppression. The newly opened uMkhumbane Cultural and Heritage Museum is the ‘big brother’ to the Heritage Centre and is named after the river which runs through it. It is estimated that around 150 000 people were forcefully evicted from Cato Manor by the apartheid government. Therefore, it is essential that this history is preserved and shared with future generations.

Old House Museum

This museum opened its doors in 1954 after the building was donated to the city of Durban by George Churton Collins. Recreated within the museum is the home of one of Durban’s most prominent families, the Robinsons. Glimpse into the life of an upper, middle-class family from a time where the use of wagons was the only reliable mode of transport.

Have you visited any of the above places?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us on our Facebook Page.

PS. Don’t forget to book your next Kridzil Vacation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!

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