Aweh! Find out what’s happening in Durbs
The new year has just begun and with it comes a bounty of exciting adventures from chasing waterfalls to theatre performances and even a cruise to Mozambique! Come join in the fun this 2024.
BROWSE the exciting adventures below to discover your cup of tea this New Year – be sure not to miss out!
Thursday, January 4 (until January 14)
Aladdin pantomime still showing at KickstArt Theatre
Bring the family to see flying carpets, giant genies, popular songs, jokes galore, gorgeous costumes and sumptuous sets, ranging from a Cave of Wonders full of dancing jewels to a golden Chinese palace.
Aladdin continues until January 15 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN campus, Durban. Times include 14:30 on Tuesdays to Fridays, 11:00 and 15:30 on Saturdays and 14:30 on Sundays.
The show stars Daniel Anderson as Aladdin; Blessing Xaba as his long-suffering mother, Widow Twankey; Iain Robinson as the dastardly wizard, Abanazar; Georgina Mabbett-Kelly as Princess Jasmine; Mthokozisi Zulu as Wishee Washee; Rory Booth as Genie of the Ring and Belinda Henwood as Dar-Ling. Steven Stead and Darren King are directing, with sets and costumes designed by Greg King, choreography by Evashnee Pillay, and lighting by Tina le Roux. Tickets range from R150 to R265 and can be booked at Webtickets.
Friday, January 5
Family-friendly hike at Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Enjoy a hike in nature with the family. You will have the opportunity to take a selfie with a zebra, visit the beautiful Coedmore Castle and dam with an abundance of birdlife, as well as tour an old abandoned cemetery with lots of beautiful tombstones and the ruins of the old chapel. This trail is one of the only wheelchair-friendly hiking trails in Durban. Meet at 07:30 at the KSNR (Lourie Picnic Site). There is a 5km or 10km hike. The hikes are Grade 2 for casual hikers and Grade 1 for serious hikers. The hike is set to be between 2 to 4 hours long.
Entry costs R100pp, and children under 13 are R60 each. There is an additional R60pp entrance fee into the reserve. Book through Quicket.
Saturday, January 6
Chasing Waterfalls Hike through Kloof Gorge
After being closed for such a long time, the reserve has finally reopened, and Durban Hiking and Adventures is excited to hike once again through the Kloof Gorge. Come see a number of beautiful waterfalls, amazing scenery, lovely view sites and a beautiful picnic/braai area. Please bring your own food and drinks if you would like to stay after the hike. The hike will take place from 06:00 to 12:00. Meet at the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (Kloof Gorge) main parking lot. The address is 152 Kloof Falls Road, Krantzkloof, Kloof. Ticket prices include the entrance fee into the reserve and cost R179 per adult and R119 for children under 13. For included transport from North Beach/Suncoast, tickets cost R349 per person. Bring hiking boots/shoes, water and a backpack. A walking stick is highly recommended for the longer hike. There will be a few water crossings, and it is a great help!
There are two options for the hike. Option 1 consists of approximately 3–5 km which will take 2 hours, and is graded Grade 1 (regular hiker) and 2 (casual hiker). Option 2 consists of approximately 12km which will take 4 hours, and is graded Grade 2.5 (regular hiker) and 3.5 (casual hiker). Book through Quicket.
Also read: Outdoor experiences to help you unwind
The Crescent Book Sale
Every month, the SPCA Durban holds a book sale on the first Saturday of the month at The Crescent at 1–3 Sunset Crescent, uMhlanga Ridge, from 08:00 to 14:00. Pop in to find an array of secondhand books and CDs. Card payments are available.
New Essenwood Market
The Berea Market has been revamped and is now the New Essenwood Market. Set under a canopy of leafy trees, it takes place every Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00 at Essenwood Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Morningside Route 1. Find food, crafts, books, jewellery and handmade décor. Enjoy tea in the tea garden while you listen to live music, and your kids can take part in activities such as pony rides, carnival games and a jumping castle.
For more info, contact planbessenwoodmarket@gmail.com.
Monday, January 8 (until January 11)
MSC Splendida Family Cruise to Mozambique
Keen to take your family on a cruise that is packed with activities for all age groups? MSC is offering a cruise from Durban to Pomene, Mozambique, designed just for kids and teens with plenty of fun for the adults in their lives, too. The MSC Kids and Teen clubs will provide kids of all ages with awesome entertainment, while the exclusive Kids Cruise activities will include magic shows, face painting, balloon sculpting, daddy/daughter-mommy/son dance, Prince and Princess of the seas, kids karaoke, Junior Masterchef and, of course, an amazing treasure hunt on the beautiful island of Pomene in Mozambique. A truly unforgettable family week away aboard the MSC Splendida with mom, dad, grandparents and the kids, of course, and during the school holidays!
The cruise will run from Monday, January 8 at 08:00 until Thursday, January 11 at 10:00. To book with a R3 000 deposit, go to Super Events.
Craft and Cake at The Hatter’s Tea Garden
Keen to paint while you enjoy a scrumptious tea in a lovely setting? Why not come over to The Hatter’s Tea Garden, in Westville (at 123 Jan Hofmeyr Road), for a Craft and Cake day from 11:00 on Monday, January 8? For R285, you will be provided with all the materials you need, a canvas, tea or coffee and a slice of cake.
To book, WhatsApp Sammy at 079 571 5943.
Tuesday, January 9
Rhumbelow Film Club
Rhumbelow Film Club in Durban will be showing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) at 18:30. The films are available for members only. Please contact Roland at roland@stansell.co.za to become a member of the Film Club.
Thursday, January 11
Yachting Networking Event
Studio Sherwood is bringing an exciting evening filled with everything yachting on January 11 from 17:00 to 21:00. Whether you’re looking to get into yachting or you’re a seasoned industry professional, at this event, it’s all about yachties helping yachties. There are amazing prizes to be won. Look forward to a welcome drink on arrival and canapes served. A cash bar will also be available. This networking event is for yachties currently in the industry, as well as for people looking to get involved in yachting. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to hear first-hand information from industry leaders about the industry and how to get started. Guest speaker Joey Meens will be speaking about the superyacht IAMI GUEST programme and why it is so important to choose an accredited course that is recognised within the industry. James Sherwood from Shiptalk will give insights to deck departments and the progression route to captains.
Tickets cost R110.64 each. No children under 16 years will be allowed to enter. Venue: Old Town Italy, uMhlanga. For queries, contact info@trilogyluxtraining.co.za or 074 130 6295. Book at Quicket.
Also read: Fire, water and weather can be recipes for disaster during the holidays
Rhumbelow Theatre presents Barry Hilton
Come down to the Rhumbelow Theatre to see family comedian Barry Hilton for one night only. Barry has an uncanny knack for finding the humour in everyday situations and has become a South African comedy icon for over four decades. His humour is never rude or crude and has left his audience in stitches and always wanting more. The show will be held at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban, and starts at 19:30. The venue will be open 90 minutes before the show for snacks and drinks. Tickets cost R200 each. No children under five are allowed. Guests are welcome to bring picnic baskets with food.
Book through Computicket or contact Roland at roland@stansell.co.za or 082 499 8636.
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