Lauren Anthony

For an inclusive beach experience, you need to make a beeline for Amanzimtoti Main Beach, where fun in the sun is for everyone. The brilliant people behind Wheels on Waves have announced the Easter Games, which will be packed with ocean-side challenges tailored for disabled and able-bodied individuals. What is Wheels on Waves? Started by Wesley Smith and his son Reece, a quadriplegic who's also known by his online moniker ‘Rolling with Reece’, Wheels on Waves is changing the tourism landscape in the most inspiring way.Their mission? Turn Amanzimtoti into Africa’s most accessible beach destination. Make sure disabled beachgoers don’t just watch the waves, they ride them! Offer surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, swimming, and wheelchair-friendly ocean access at absolutely no cost. Inclusive tourism is booming globally, with 10% of the world’s population living with disabilities. Amanzimtoti is catching that wave early by transforming from a sleepy coastline into a groundbreaking, accessible adventure hub.Wheels on Waves has already raised funds to buy specialised Sandcruisers - floating wheelchairs designed to take individuals out on the ocean – a service they offer free of charge. They’re also currently learning South African Sign Language and pitching in at the Durban School of the Hearing Impaired, from clearing rubble to fixing their swimming pool. This is a non-profit with heart and horsepower. Wheels on Waves Easter Beach Games Activities The team have lots of fun activi

While we’re unfortunately missing out on two public holidays this year – as they fall on Saturdays – we’re fortunate in that South Africa has MANY public holidays to enjoy while in Durban or exploring the province. Plus, if you plan your leave cleverly, you can really maximise your time off with extended long weekends and longer breaks, depending on which days you select.Both Human Rights Day (21 March) and the Day of Goodwill (26 December) fall on Saturdays, which is fine if you’re a weekend worker – not so much if you’re off on Saturdays anyway. Let’s be honest though, Dezemba is pretty much a holiday month regardless, so we’re really only losing one day. South African public holidays in 2026 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day 21 March (Saturday): Human Rights Day 3 April (Friday): Good Friday 6 April (Monday): Family Day 27 April (Monday): Freedom Day 1 May (Friday): Workers’ Day 16 June (Tuesday): Youth Day 9 August (Sunday): National Women’s Day 10 August (Monday): National Women’s Day observed 24 September (Thursday): Heritage Day 16 December (Wednesday): Day of Reconciliation 25 December (Friday): Christmas Day 26 December (Saturday): Day of Goodwill Maximise your leave days in 2026 If you’re keen to make 2026 your year of travel, then there are lots of ways you can arrange long, travel-worthy breaks. By aligning your annual leave with the public holidays, it’s possible to turn some 20 leave days into up to 48 days off! Here’s how: For Easter, book Tuesday 7 to Fr

Andy and DJ - both rescued and rehabilitated by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) – are two of the province’s celebrity turtles. Now, their post-rehabilitation adventures are giving marine scientists (and ocean lovers) plenty to smile about.Ann Kunz of the SAAMBR has shared that both turtles are thriving after their releases and are offering rare insight into turtle behaviour along our coast. Meet Andy the Green Turtle: A proud South Coast local Andy, the green sea turtle, has clearly decided that the KZN South Coast is home. Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Since his release in October, Andy has stuck to a relatively small stretch of coastline between Southbroom and Port Shepstone, spending much of his time around Beacon Rocks.Two other rescued green sea turtles were released in the same vicinity, which could indicate Andy is sharing this wonderful foraging zone with familiar company.But don’t be fooled by his limited range… Andy has been busy! The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Tracking using a satellite tag sponsored by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation shows he’s clocked around 700 to 1,000 kilometres of movement, zigzagging between rocky reefs packed with algae, his favourite snack. Green turtles are herbivores, and this part of the KZN South Coast offers prime grazing, thanks to shallow reefs and nearby protected areas like Aliwal Shoal MPA.Adult

It’s good news for the many motorists who will be making the journey home from a glorious holiday in KwaZulu-Natal this week, as the petrol price is set to hit its lowest since 2022.After weeks of sunshine, sea swims, braais, and beach walks in and around Durban, thousands of holidaymakers are packing up to drive back inland – and the timing couldn’t be better. According to month-end data from the Central Energy Fund, January 2026 is shaping up to bring a welcome fuel price drop, offering some financial relief just as the long road trips begin. Already thinking of your Durban return? Book your accommodation now! What’s happening at the pumps? From Wednesday, 7 January, motorists can expect petrol prices to ease by between 59 and 64 cents per litre, with Petrol 93 dropping by around 59c and Petrol 95 by about 64c. Diesel users are in for an even bigger win, with wholesale diesel prices expected to fall by between R1.35 and R1.47 per litre, while illuminating paraffin is set to decrease by R1.08 per litre. What’s behind the petrol price drop? A combination of stable global oil prices and a stronger rand, which has had a particularly good time of late. The rand strengthened by around 13% against the US dollar in 2025, buoyed by improved local market confidence, a stable Government of National Unity, South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list, and positive global commodity trends. Over December, the rand hovered comfortably around R16.60 to the dollar, helping drive fuel pric

If island escapes feature heavily on your vision board, you’re in luck! Durban is getting direct flights to Réunion Island and Mauritius in 2026, so you can start planning those trips now!According to Durban Tourism, LIFT Airlines has confirmed it will launch direct flights between Durban and Réunion Island from 26 February 2026, with Mauritius flights following in June 2026. It’s a major win for Durban travellers who love seamless getaways, fewer stopovers, and more time with toes in the sand.The announcement was made at a pre-launch event at Dube TradePort, where LIFT representatives shared their excitement about opening the airline’s first international routes out of Durban.Réunion Island will be first off the runway, offering Durbanites easier access to one of the Indian Ocean’s most dramatic and adventure-filled destinations. Mauritius, a long-time favourite for honeymoons and family holidays, returns as a highly anticipated direct route for KZN travellers after several years without one.Tourism and economic leaders welcomed the announcement, highlighting how new international routes boost not only leisure travel, but also trade, cargo movement, and business links between regions. For Durban, it’s another step in strengthening the city’s role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean islands and the African continent. Tourism in Recovery Mode This expansion follows months of positive momentum in domestic travel. LIFT had already geared up for what has become a bumper festive seas

The coast is the place to be this summer, with Durban recording visitors in the thousands! New Year’s Day always sees massive crowds arriving at Durban beaches, as well as further north and south along the coastline – and this year is expected to be a bumper season. While New Year’s is a day of celebration, it also places a significant strain on municipal resources, with lifeguards and Metro Police stretched to capacity trying to ensure everyone’s safety. Durban’s Safety Response The eThekwini Municipality has already shown it’s ready for the influx of tourists, with Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba recently announcing increased capacity at the beachfront, with an additional 650 seasonal staff brought in to help. This includes: 78 Lifeguards 135 Litter Pickers 67 Beach Guides 70 Pool Supervisors 113 Pool Attendants 43 Childminders and 135 Additional Security Guards The municipality has also procured seven tents for separated children and secured an overnight facility at Ellis Brown Primary School in South Beach. A further 200,000 armbands have also been procured to help identify children easily. READ: The best beaches in and around Durban Keeping Safe on the Beaches It’s not all up to the municipality, however, as we all have a role to play in keeping safe on the beaches this festive season. Here are some water safety tips to consider: Always listen to lifeguards’ instructions Enter the water feet first Never swim alone; always have a buddy Stay in designated areas with lifeguards

Between interest rate cuts, a long-awaited Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list exit, and the country’s successful hosting of the 2025 G20 Summit, confidence is climbing fast. And when investor confidence grows, the property and tourism sectors feel it first.What does all this mean for you? More choice, better value, and an explosion of exceptional accommodation options across Durban and the KZN North Coast. A Country on the Up South Africa’s improving global standing is already trickling down to everyday consumers: The latest interest rate cut puts even more money back into pockets. If you’re paying off a R2-million bond, you’re saving an extra R300 a month, on top of the R1,000 saved in the past year! Being removed from the FATF grey list has boosted business confidence, strengthened the financial system, and reassured international investors. After successfully hosting the G20 Summit, the world is seeing us as a capable, attractive destination for business and leisure. More Investment Homes = More Holiday Choices This combination of positive sentiment is prompting renewed investment in property, with the KZN coastline high in demand for short-term rental offerings. This means more stylish and affordable places to stay – and great investment opportunities for you. Here’s a look at how the rentals are doing: Durban 394 active Airbnbs Average occupancy: 44% Booked 161 nights a year Average daily rate: R1,532 Annual host revenue: R258K Dolphin Coast (Ballito, Salt

Durban is preparing for an epic New Year’s Eve, with the city set to come alive through music, fireworks, and must-attend events stretching from the beachfront to Umhlanga. From large-scale public activations to stylish ticketed events and countless restaurant and club parties, there are lots of ways you can celebrate the countdown to 2026 in Durban. All White with Something Bright Beach Party One of Durban’s feel-good New Year’s Eve highlights is the All White with Something Bright Beach Party, hosted at Beachwood Golf Course. Guests are invited to dress in white with a splash of colour and enjoy an early evening celebration filled with live music and dancing.The night features performances by The Good Groove band, with vocalists Jamy Lee, Elinor, Ashleigh and Stewy, while DJ Louwellyn Jacobs delivers old-school jazz and R&B classics. There is limited capacity, so booking is essential. Venue: Beachwood Golf Course, Durban North Time: From 5pm Book: Webtickets.co.za Bollywood Fusion New Year’s Eve Party For a high-energy, family-friendly option, the Bollywood Fusion NYE Party takes over The playTsogo Globe at Suncoast. Hosted by The Bhangra Boat, this is Durban’s biggest Bhangra New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring DJs, live bands, dancers, and food.Guests are encouraged to dress in all white with a touch of gold, and ticket holders stand a chance to win a cabin on Bhangra Boat 2026. Venue: Suncoast Casino, Durban Time: 6pm to 1am Book: Webtickets.co.za Tiger’s Milk Umhl

There’s no reason to get blue this summer…unless you’re searching for Blue Flag beaches! Fortunately, we’ve found the top spot for these pristine bathing spaces: The KZN South Coast! The Blue Flag Awards Ceremony on 31 October in Port Alfred once again revealed the KZN South Coast to have the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches. This is an internationally recognised standard, locally managed by the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), which promises you global standards for safety, water quality, environmental management, amenities, and conservation education.  Where are the Blue Flag Beaches? Hibberdene Beach (10-year recognition) Marina Beach Ramsgate Beach Southport Beach Trafalgar Beach Umzumbe Beach (15-year recognition) St Michael’s Beach Pennington Beach (awarded for the second consecutive year) And the Pilot Blue Flag Beaches? Port Edward Beach Mtwentweni Beach Rocky Bay Beach Preston Beach Umthwalume Beach Scottburgh Beach Beyond its Blue Flag accolades, the KZN South Coast also boasts the highest number of tidal pools in KZN, offering protected bathing for families and ocean lovers. There are also two of the world’s best dive sites right here: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, famous for their sharks, reefs, and spectacular marine life. ICYMI: The best beaches in Durban The ‘I Love Summer’ Beach Programme To celebrate the festive season, the region is rolling out its vibrant I Love Summer beach series. This is a free-to-attend beach programme tha

Head to Durban’s North Breakwater and you’ll spot a mesmerising new splash of colour on the Point Beach Pump Station. The massive, ocean-themed mural — featuring sun corals, darting reef fish and soft underwater light — is the latest creation by Durban’s beloved street artist, Giffy Duminy, which is already attracting notable attention. Inspired by his own snorkelling and scuba adventures along the very same breakwater, the piece captures the secret underwater world thriving just metres from one of the city’s busiest industrial zones. It’s a reminder of something Giffy has been saying through his art for years: Durban’s biodiversity is wild, abundant and right on our doorstep. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giffy (@giffyartist) Who is Giffy Duminy? A self-taught muralist from Durban, Giffy has spent years transforming public spaces with his bold, ultra-recognisable wildlife art. His passion for nature shows up in each brushstroke — from bees and dassies to sunbirds and sea turtles — celebrating the ecosystems that make KZN so unique. Giffy says Durban has so much potential for public mural art, where decay is juxtaposed with upliftment. He draws his inspiration from local wildlife and the abundance of biodiversity that provides a seemingly never-ending source of inspiration for the artist.  He works independently as well as on commissions, including this most recent mural commissioned by the eThekwini Municipality’s Architecture

If Durban feels busier this festive season, that’s because it is! According to eThekwini Municipality’s latest festive season update, the city is experiencing its strongest December tourism period since before Covid, with record-breaking beachfront numbers and a major spike in visitor confidence. From early-morning beach walks to sunset promenade strolls, Durban is firmly back in summer mode, and the numbers tell a compelling story. Festive Season by the Numbers Here are some of the standout stats from 1 December to 21 December: 873,000 beach visits recorded, with zero drownings 201,000 visitors on the beachfront on Reconciliation Day (16 December) – the busiest day in recent history Over 200 children safely reunited with guardians 247,000 child ID armbands issued to support family safety Hotel occupancy at 70% Direct visitor spend of R1.8 billion Estimated contribution of over R6 billion to Durban’s GDP 83,000 attendees at 11 major events so far 61,000 event attendees expected before early January Beach Status Update One of the biggest attractions for Durban visitors is the warm swimming beaches and golden sands. Currently, 22 of Durban’s 23 bathing beaches are open and safe for swimming. Only Laguna Beach remains temporarily closed as a precaution while infrastructure issues are addressed.  This marks the first festive season since the 2022 floods, when nearly the entire coastline is accessible to bathers. To ensure public safety, beach water testing has been increased fr

There’s something about late December in Durban that feels incomplete without cricket. As the holiday crowds roll into the city and the summer heat settles in, all roads tend to lead to Kingsmead Stadium, where sunscreen, cold drinks, and top-tier cricket combine into one of Durban’s favourite festive traditions. Betway SA20 Action Arrives! That tradition continues this summer as the Betway SA20 Season 4 gets underway on Boxing Day, 26 December, ushering in weeks of high-energy T20 action. While Durban’s Super Giants begin their campaign away against defending champions MI Cape Town, the spotlight quickly shifts home, with Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium hosting a string of must-see festive fixtures – starting on Sunday, 28 December! This first Durban showdown sees the Super Giants welcome MI Cape Town to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead. Expect packed stands, ocean air, and the unmistakable rhythm of a Durban summer as fans settle in for an afternoon of world-class cricket. From there, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead plays host to a festive run of matches through late December and early January, including home fixtures against Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals. Super Stars Join the Action Season 4 brings serious star power to the league – as well as international names commentating. Expect to hear from AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Robin Uthappa, Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, and Ashwell Prince.  Durban’s S