5 places that are worth the drive this holiday
Nobody should have to stay indoors this festive season.
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FOR some, going away for weeks or even weekends is just not in the budget, but it doesn’t mean that you and the family have to be housebound for the holiday season.
Also read: 4 fun holiday clubs for children in Durban
About an hour’s drive from Durban lie some exciting places to visit – perfect for a day trip and packed with activities for the entire family to do.
First stop. . . The Wild Coast Sun Casino and Hotel Resort. Less than two hours away from Durban, the area abounds with adventure. Seafishing, rock, surf, fly or spearfishing, scuba diving, hiking trails and horse riding on the beach are at the top of the list. There’s also paddle-boating, canoeing or simply relaxing on a river cruise. Enjoy the adrenalin rush of the Wild Waves Water Park, let the children go wild at Aloha Village and brave the first indoor Skypark in South Africa to play a variety of games. There are also plenty of places to choose from to eat.
The Valley of 1000 Hills is only about 40 minutes away and boasts cultural and heritage sights and experiences, arts and craft stores, restaurants, flea and farmer’s markets, the Umgeni Steam Train, safaris and tours, eco-tours and much more.
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is also one for the day-trip bucket list. Based in Howick, this historical landmark commemorates the moment in history when Nelson Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962. The site boasts a visitor’s centre and a world-renowned sculpture. Travel time is an hour and 20 minutes.
The Piggly Wiggly, situated in the heart of the KZN Midlands, is a treasure trove of shops, fun activities and delicious food. You will find a kiddies’ zipline, chocolate factory, wine store, arts and crafts stores and the much-loved Lions River Railway which is a miniature electric train that circles the establishment.
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Wild 5 Adventures, nestled in the Oribi Gorge on the lower South Coast, offers thrill seekers the ultimate activities. These include a 110m abseil, foefie slide, 85m suspension bridge, quad biking adventures, paintball, team-building and guided trails (hiking and birding). This is about a two-hour drive from King Shaka Airport.
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