Lauren Anthony

If you grew up in KZN, you’ve likely spent at least one childhood holiday riding horses, hiking, and swimming in streams found within the dramatic Drakensberg mountains. If not, then this is your sign to pack your bags and head for the hills, because the Drakensberg is unmatched in scenic beauty and outdoor fun! Speaking of packing, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a one-day hike in the Drakensberg. Must-pack items: Water bottle Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes A warm jacket and waterproof clothing (mountain weather changes fast) Sunglasses First-aid kit Torch or headlamp, with extra batteries Nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy up Navigation tools: a mobile GPS or compass, plus a map Power bank – better safe than sorry SPF Trekking pole(s) If you're camping overnight, add: Sleeping bag Toiletries Extra clothes and underwear – don’t forget thermals Tent and sleeping mat Plenty of food to last the duration of your trip Gas stove and necessary cooking accessories When is the best time to visit? It depends on what you’re looking for, but autumn (March–May) is generally the ideal time. During these months, temperatures are comfortably mild, skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the views are truly breathtaking. To make planning even easier, we’ve found a few Airbnbs near the Drakensberg that might be worth checking out. Click here to view. But without further ado, here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Berg (as we call it in KZN!): Time Out ma

When you think of Durban, what comes to mind? Golden beaches, warm weather, bold flavours? You wouldn’t be alone, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But this friendly coastal city has far more to offer than first meets the eye. From historic markets woven into the fabric of the city to Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, and local artists celebrating Durban’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems that make KwaZulu-Natal truly one-of-a-kind, there’s a deeper story just waiting to be discovered. And quite frankly, if Durban isn’t on your 'must-visit' list, seriously, what is wrong with you? And before you say it, no, we’re not being biased… well, maybe just a tiny bit. After all, we’ve got the official title to back us up: Durban was named one of Time Out’s Best Places to Travel in 2026. Whether you’re a curious local, a first-time visitor, or looking to impress at your next quiz night, here are 10 fun facts about Durban you might not know. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban😋 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban

March is the month we celebrate International Women's Day, and in Durban, one restaurant has found a particularly meaningful way to honour the women who have shaped the country’s culinary heritage for generations. The award-winning restaurant, LivingRoom at Summerhill (Cowie’s Hill in KZN), has launched a new series called MATRIARCHS – Preserving the Flavours of our Heritage. The series brings local mothers, gogos and aunties into the kitchen to share recipes that have defined South African family tables for decades. For hungry guests, the result is a special Sunday lunch experience that blends heritage cooking with contemporary cooking techniques. What is MATRIARCHS about? Cookbooks or culinary archives are set aside for the MATRIARCHS series, which instead captures food traditions directly from the women who keep them alive.  Each event focuses on a different cultural heritage, with the featured matriarch spending time cooking alongside the restaurant’s chefs, sharing recipes, techniques and food memories. These sessions are documented through photography and film, creating a living archive of South African food culture. The first event took place on 8 March, featuring 94-year-old Durban Indian matriarch, Dolly Govender, who worked with the kitchen team to demonstrate the foundations of traditional Durban curries, spice preparation and classic desserts. SuppliedDolly Govender Meet the chef The series is led by chef Johannes Richter, the head chef at The LivingRoom. Born

If you’ve ever wanted to truly lose yourself in the KZN Midlands, then Brahman Hills is providing you with the ultimate opportunity!  Construction has begun on what is expected to be the world’s largest labyrinth at this Nottingham Road venue, forming the centrepiece of a brand-new attraction: the Serenity Garden. Spanning 22 hectares, the labyrinth is designed as more than a giant garden puzzle. Instead of dead ends and tricky turns (as you might find in a maze), it will follow the traditional labyrinth concept: one continuous winding path leading to a central point and back out again. The idea is to walk slowly and let the journey quiet the mind. A garden for the senses Inspired by sacred geometry and ancient walking meditations, the labyrinth will weave through a landscape filled with indigenous plants, sculptures, water features, and contemplative spaces. Visitors will explore: Meditation trails designed for mindful walking An Orchid House filled with delicate blooms A Viewing Platform overlooking the wider garden A contemplation deck for quiet reflection Gentle ‘way of water’ walkways flowing through the landscape When complete (at the end of 2026), Guinness World Records will be invited to verify the labyrinth as the largest on Earth. This is a milestone that could place the KZN Midlands on the global eco-tourism map. According to Brahman Hills CEO Orrin Cottle, the project is about more than breaking records. The goal is to create a space where visitors reconnect wit

If you’re travelling along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline between 28 June and 12 July 2026, keep your eyes on the road for one determined runner clocking up kilometres for a powerful cause. Meet Gavin Skevington (43), a Durban North local and Director of Sport at Northlands Primary School, who is taking on an extraordinary challenge: Around 650km in 15 days, running from Port Edward all the way to the Kosi Bay/Mozambique border post. That’s nearly a marathon a day. The initiative, called Run The Coast 2026, aims to raise R50 000 per charity for five selected organisations, with a total target of R250 000. For Gavin, this isn’t just about distance; it’s about purpose. The charity route Gavin sets off from C H Mitchell Bridge in Port Edward on Sunday, 28 June, and will spend the next two weeks making his way north along KZN’s coastline, finishing at the Ponto border post on 12 July. The run will take place on roads (mostly quieter backroads) rather than the beach, covering towns, rural stretches and coastal communities along the way. Why he’s doing it Having participated in charity events before, Gavin says he wanted to do something bigger, something that would truly inspire action and create meaningful impact. While he has no formal affiliation with the five charities he’s supporting, he says he feels strongly about the causes they represent and deeply respects the work they do in their communities. After engaging with each organisation, he knew this was the right way to channel

With the Easter long weekend around the corner, many people are plotting some well-deserved breaks with a holiday road trip. KZN boasts an incredible coastline, Midlands retreats, and Drakensburg adventures, which means many motorists will be driving in and around our beautiful province this holiday.  But before you pack the cooler box and queue up your road trip playlist, there’s one small detail you might want to check: your vehicle licence disc and driver’s licence card. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, hundreds of thousands of vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards are set to expire at the end of March, just ahead of the Easter travel rush. The numbers you should know Across South Africa, 700 399 vehicle licence discs are due to expire. In KZN alone, this affects 98 735 vehicles. At the same time, 128 080 driving licence cards are reaching expiry. Of those, 20 188 drivers in KZN will need to renew. That’s a lot of motorists who could potentially find themselves delayed at a roadblock - or worse, fined - simply because they didn’t realise their documents had lapsed.  Avoid the last-minute rush The RTMC is encouraging motorists to renew now to avoid long queues, administrative delays, and unnecessary embarrassment over the busy Easter period. If convenience is important to you – and no doubt it is – there’s good news: you can renew their vehicle licence disc online via online.natis.gov.za. The disc is delivered within three to five working da

If you love caffeine with a side of cat cuddles, then this is for you! MeanKat Café has just opened in Durban’s Morningside area, and it’s the city’s newest whisker-filled hangout where rescue cats rule the lounge while you enjoy your coffee and a bite.  Founder Maahira Essack has always adored animals, especially cats. After years of learning their behaviour and understanding what makes them feel safe, she knew she wanted to foster. But she also wanted something bigger and more sustainable. A feline sanctuary MeanKat Café was created to help more rescue cats find loving homes, rather than just a few at a time. All the cats in the café are rescues, and the team works closely with local fosters on more urgent rehoming cases. Many of the kitties come from distressing or neglected environments and simply need a calm, loving space to reset. Just like you! Rahim SheikMeanKat Café has just opened in Durban’s Morningside area Inspired by the incredible work of Suzanne Kunz from PMB Kitten Fostering & Rescue, Maahira recognised a key challenge: when cats are not adopted, fosters cannot take in new rescues. MeanKat helps ‘offload’ the surplus from fosters, increasing adoption opportunities and allowing more lives to be saved. Guests pay an entry fee to spend time in the integrated cat lounge café space, and that fee goes directly to food, vet care, and the cats’ overall well-being. What’s on the menu? Fully halal and fully delicious. Expect specialty coffees, frappes, desserts and l

A Level 4 weather warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service for today (6 March), with eThekwini Municipality likely to be significantly affected. Motorists in Durban are urged to take extra care on the roads as widespread showers and severe thunderstorms have been forecast across KwaZulu-Natal. This includes heavy downpours from midday onwards in the region, accompanied by damaging winds, excessive lightning and possible hail, which could create difficult and potentially dangerous conditions for drivers across the city. What motorists should expect The severe weather may lead to several hazards on Durban’s roads, including: Flooding of roads, bridges and low-lying areas Poor visibility during heavy rainfall Slippery road surface Debris or storm damage affecting traffic routes These conditions can quickly lead to traffic congestion and hazardous driving conditions, particularly during peak travel times. Safety tips for drivers Motorists are advised to plan ahead and drive with caution if travel is necessary. Some key safety reminders include: Reduce speed on wet or slippery roads Increase following distance between vehicles Use headlights in heavy rain or low visibility Avoid driving through flooded roads or water-covered bridges Allow extra time for journeys Avoid unnecessary travel while the storm system moves through the region Residents urged to stay alert The municipality has also warned that heavy rainfall could result in localised flooding, partic

Travelling abroad is a highlight for many South Africans. And while travel insurance is always recommended, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t cover everything. For hundreds of South Africans currently stranded in the Middle East following widespread flight cancellations linked to regional conflict, claiming from insurance may not be straightforward. This is because most standard policies exclude acts of war, political unrest, and related disruptions. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip. What travel insurance usually covers While policies differ between providers, most standard travel insurance plans include: Emergency Medical Treatment: Hospital stays, emergency procedures and medical evacuation. Trip Cancellations or Delays: If caused by unforeseen events such as illness or airline disruptions (excluding war or sanctions). Lost, Stolen or Delayed Luggage: Reimbursement for essentials or the value of lost belongings. Emergency Repatriation: Getting you home safely if something serious happens. What’s often not covered This is where many travellers get caught out. War, Terrorism, and Political Conflict: Claims related to acts of war, retaliatory strikes, unrest or sanctioned territories are generally excluded. If you knowingly travel to a sanctioned country, your cover may be void. Territory-Based Exclusions: Some remote or conflict-affected regions are excluded because insurers cannot guarantee medical access or evacuation. Pre-Existing Medica

After years of planning, AquaPark Pietermaritzburg is set to open to the public this month. This four-hectare, world-class aquatics centre will position the city as a serious player on the African sporting stage. Originally known as the South African Aquatics Park (SAAP), the project underwent a strategic rebrand to AquaPark, highlighting its simpler, more inclusive identity. It’s operated by an independent non-profit company (NPC) and forms part of the broader Xhawula Precinct - the long-term vision for a clean, green, sport-and-education-driven urban hub in Pietermaritzburg. From concept to competition-ready Located at St Charles College, AquaPark has quickly moved from blueprint to reality. Central to the park is its 50m Olympic-standard Myrtha pool, which is the same Italian-engineered system used in 14 Olympic and World Championship venues worldwide. Unlike traditional concrete pools, this modular stainless-steel Myrtha system allows for faster installation, durability and lower maintenance. The 52.5m pool includes a movable bulkhead, meaning it can convert from a single Olympic-length pool into two 25m pools, making it ideal for training blocks, water polo matches, and multi-event competitions. More than just a pool And this is just Phase 1 and 2. The vision is to create a high-performance base where para-athletes, school teams, elite competitors and families train side by side. The larger development plan includes: Two learn-to-swim pools A dedicated water polo/warm-u

Excitement is building in northern KZN as Prince Buthelezi Mall prepares to open its doors at the end of April 2026. Found at the busy intersection of the R102 and R34 in Empangeni, this brand-new retail destination is set to bring serious convenience to residents and visitors of Zululand.  Prince Buthelezi Mall by the numbers 4 years of planning 15 months of development 140+ retail stores 36 322m² of retail space What to expect This fully air-conditioned, multi-million rand centre includes ample parking, road upgrades and even a dedicated on-site taxi rank to make getting there easy. Inside, shoppers can expect supermarkets, fashion retailers, restaurants and speciality stores. Add communal seating spaces, greenery, free Wi-Fi, a children’s play area and a big-screen entertainment zone, and this mall turns into a lifestyle hub. Joining KZN’s big retail league Prince Buthelezi Mall now joins the ranks of some of the province’s biggest retail malls: Gateway Theatre of Shopping - Durban’s mega retail playground, famous for its size and entertainment offering  The Pavilion Shopping Centre - a long-standing favourite in Westville Ballito Junction Regional Mall - serving the fast-growing KZN North Coast Liberty Midlands Mall – shopping convenience for the KZN Midlands Galleria Mall – retail therapy for Amanzimtoti and the KZN South Coast The perfect pitstop for Zululand explorers Visiting the region? Prince Buthelezi Mall makes an ideal stop before or after exploring nearby re

If you have a flight booked to or from King Shaka International Airport and the Middle East or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - or were planning to book one - your travel plans may be temporarily affected. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued a statement amid ongoing global flight disruptions linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East. This has resulted in partial and full airspace closures across several countries in the region, including the UAE. Countries affected include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. These closures have brought much of the region’s civilian air traffic to a halt. This has also impacted Dubai International Airport - the world’s busiest airport for international travel, and Doha which serves as one of the world’s key transit hubs. ACSA, which owns and operates South Africa’s nine principal airports — including OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International — confirmed that the closures are affecting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways. On Saturday, disruptions included: OR Tambo International (JNB): eight cancellations (seven outbound, one inbound) Cape Town International (CPT): four cancellations (outbound) King Shaka International (DUR): two cancellations (outbound) What you should do ACSA advises travellers scheduled to depart for the Middle East or the UAE not to proceed to the airport until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their

iSimangaliso Wetland Park has long been a major tourism attraction for northern KwaZulu-Natal, with its diverse ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Now this UNESCO World Heritage Site is providing women with a space to become champions of climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods as well.  Entrepreneurial and environmental partnership Through a collaboration between community-based women entrepreneurs, WILDTRUST, and Indalo Inclusive, women in KwaDapha, Mabibi, eNkovukeni, KwaZibi, and KwaSokhulu are building climate-smart businesses. At the centre of this transformation is the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project, which places women at the forefront of enterprise development.  From worm-fed poultry farms to egg distribution enterprises and innovative use of invasive plants as animal feed, these women are restoring ecosystems and boosting local food security while securing employment for themselves. Meet the women Take 21-year-old Nokuthula Msweli, whose Thule’s Poultry Farm supplies affordable, environmentally conscious protein to her community, employing two people and supporting 14 dependents.  Or Thobile Shange of Liyana Layer Farm, whose use of invasive aquatic plants feeds her free-range hens while tackling environmental degradation. There’s also Jane Mthembu (56) from KwaDapha, a Small-Scale Fisher Monitor who is a widow and mother of five. Her new role strengthens her household security and sustainable resource us

Located beneath towering yellowwood trees in the south of Durban is this ancient setting that feels worlds away from Durban’s busy city life. Coedmore Castle - AKA Durban’s ‘castle lite’ - can be found in the lush Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, and this once hidden treasure is now getting some well-deserved attention.  eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba recently visited the historic property as part of a renewed push to unlock hidden heritage sites and expand Durban’s tourism infrastructure. Describing the castle as a ‘hidden gem’, the Mayor believes the site has enormous potential to become a must-visit attraction.  A piece of Europe in Yellowwood Park Built in 1875 (but completed in 1885) by the Stainbank family, the stone homestead was constructed using rock from the nearby uMhlatuzana River, with the help of Scottish stonemasons. The vision was to create a little slice of Europe in Durban, complete with battlements, a tower and sweeping views over what was once farmland. Despite its grand, castle-like appearance, Coedmore was always a family home. It remains remarkably intact, with antique furniture, family portraits, silverware, steel-pressed ceilings, wooden panelling and a circular iron staircase leading into the tower. eThekwini MunicipalityeThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba paying a visit to Coedmore Castle The Mary Stainbank collection The castle is also home to the Mary Stainbank Memorial Gallery, located in a restored cow shed near the site of Mary Stainbank’s original gard