4 Best Sights in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

Most of the popular bathing beaches in KwaZulu-Natal are protected by shark nets maintained by this shark-research institute, the world’s foremost. Each day, weather permitting, crews in ski boats check the nets, releasing healthy sharks back into the ocean and bringing dead ones back to the institute, where they are dissected and studied. Boat tours are offered, allowing the public to join the Operations Department staff as they service the shark safety gear off the Golden Mile beaches. The boat leaves the harbor at 6:30 am and tours, which run Monday to Friday, usually last for about two hours. Depending on the season, you will more than likely see dolphins and whales close at hand, but the real kicker are the sunrise views across the city. Included in the boat tour fee is a complimentary ticket to the Shark Dissection show, which takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (subject to minimum attendance number). The Shark Museum and curio shop are also worth a gander. Booking is essential for boat trips and no one under six is allowed. Book well in advance for this—it may turn out to be a highlight of your trip.

One of the biggest malls in the southern hemisphere, Gateway has been designed to let in natural light and is surprisingly easy to navigate. Shopping ranges from surfing paraphernalia and imported and local fashions to electronics, Indian spices, and designer wedding frocks. Gateway also has a large variety of entertainment options including an IMAX theater, indoor trampoline park, funfair, karting track, and sports arena.

Join tourists and locals for a gentle stroll or vigorous run along the 3-km (2-mile) paved stretch that reaches from Durban View Park in the south to Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve in the north. This is a great way to check out the local coastline and bathing areas, and you'll pass Umhlanga's landmark lighthouse (closed to the public) and the pier, with steel arches designed to look like a whale's skeleton. It's also known as the Umhlanga Rocks Promenade.

If you're in the area between November and February, be sure to take in this amazing natural phenomenon that sees 3 million barn swallows returning to their nests at sunset. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset armed with something to sit on, binoculars, camera, sundowners, and some mosquito repellent.