5 ways to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day in Durban

ALTHOUGH many couples are finding purse strings a little tight right now, there’s no reason not to celebrate the global day of romance. This Valentine’s Day, love can certainly be in the air as you enjoy the great outdoors together and experience a little of KwaZulu-Natal’s distinctive, eclectic culture.

Valentine’s Day is about making memories. There are plenty of opportunities to dine out and book spa days. This year add a little romance with some unusual experiences that you can enjoy with a loved one. There are heart stopping adventures and stunning scenery – what better City to visit to pop that all important question than Durban?

1. Pack a picnic:

Traditional picnics are truly magical. There are many interesting spots to visit. You can pack a basket (don’t forget some pink champagne), add some board games and head to the likes of the Durban Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Gardens in Durban North and Westville’s Palmiet Nature Reserve for some old-fashioned fun in the shade of a tree. Paradise Valley, just a few minutes from the city of Durban, offers a perfect picnic spot as well as trails into the forest in the valley with the added bonus of a waterfall.

Try People’s Park.  Located beside the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it has a massive modern play area and a 1 km racing track and field, shaded pergolas, perfect for picnics, and fountains as well as space for cycling, skateboarding or roller skating. If you’re that couple who needs to keep the kids busy while you enjoy some quality time together, this one’s for you.

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2. Bike or hike:

If you need to work off some energy, grab a bike. For those who don’t have their own, there’s always the option to hire. R70 for a bicycle and R140 for a tandem (romance on wheels) will give you time to cycle Durban’s legendary promenade from the harbour mouth to Blue Lagoon, the Moses Mabhida stadium and beyond. There are many stop off points for refreshments including the iconic Bike and Bean right on the Promenade.

Those looking for something more challenging can head for Giba Gorge in the Giba Valley alongside the N3 highway. There are trails for avid mountain bikers and trail runners as well as a special spot for Kiddies BMX. You can picnic on the lawn or grab refreshments from the onsite café. The reasonable entrance fee won’t leave you out of pocket.

3. Take a Cruise:

Cruising city canals is not restricted to the Romanic city of Venice. You can board one of the Zulumoon Gondolas at the dock at uShaka Marine World and then spend a few magical hours admiring the sights of the Durban Point Waterfront with its lovely bridges as well as the fish life in the canal itself. Although most gondola tours are done during the day, you can reserve a special tour at night.  You can also enjoy a cruise with the love of your life through Durban’s harbour as the sun sets.

ALSO READ: WIN: Unwrap the gift of love this Valentine’s Month

4. Conquer the Arch:

For some reason, people love proposing somewhere on high. One such spot is the 106m high arch above Durban’s distinctive Moses Mabhida Stadium. Take in the city scenery and the breath-taking views of the East Coast as you make your way up the 500 steps that make up the Adventure Walk. Again, this a spot where you can make a special moment even more unforgettable and even steel a kiss and a wonderful picture for your album.

5. Walk Beneath the Ocean:

Find yourselves in another world. The innovative Ocean Walker at uShaka Marine World allows you to walk slowly, almost like an astronaut, along the floor of the Open Ocean exhibit whilst gazing at the huge fish and rays as they mill slowly around you. Alternatively, you can even hazard a shark cage dive for an adrenaline rush. A stroll through the “shipwreck” aquarium or even an hour spent snorkelling in the lagoon are other memorable ways of giving this Valentine’s a truly marine spin.

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