Lauren Anthony

This December, Southern Sun and Durban Tourism are joining forces for the SunBreaks Summer Campaign, inviting travellers to rediscover the city under the theme, Visit Durban: Endless Waves of Tranquillity.Durban has always been known for its beaches, but this summer the city is showing off a whole new side. Think surf culture meets township flavour, mixed with a rising cosmopolitan energy.“Durban is having a comeback moment,” says Samantha Croft, Southern Sun’s Operations Director for KwaZulu-Natal. “It’s no longer just a place to relax; it’s a city to experience.”And the SunBreaks offer makes that experience even sweeter. Guests booking stays between 1 December 2025 and 11 January 2026 can grab big savings. Plus, every booking enters you into a draw to win a dream escape to Paradise Sun in the Seychelles, thanks to Southern Sun’s partnership with Savanna.But the city itself is also stepping up the festive energy. Durban Tourism has packed the holiday calendar with the City Street Carnival, Christmas lights, NYE fireworks, live concerts, food festivals, and major sporting events. Add in more daily flights, refreshed hotels, and new attractions, and Durban is reclaiming its crown as South Africa’s summer capital. Photograph: michaeljungGolden Mile Beach Billion-Rand Hotel Upgrades on Golden Mile Beyond the festivities, an even bigger transformation is underway. Durban’s iconic Elangeni and Maharani Towers on the Golden Mile are about to get a R1-billion overhaul through a ne

South Africa’s legendary political cartoonist, Zapiro, will be at Gateway Theatre of Shopping for an exclusive book signing and meet-and-greet later this month. The fearlessly satiric Jonathan Shapiro (AKA Zapiro) is South Africa’s most celebrated cartoonist, having been published across leading newspapers for decades. He has 30 bestselling annuals, several international awards, and three honorary doctorates, including one awarded by the University of Pretoria in 2025.Whether you’ve followed his work for years or simply love clever commentary wrapped in brilliant illustration, this is a rare chance to chat to the man behind some of the country’s most iconic cartoons. Zapiro He’ll be launching his 'What Else Could Go Wrong?' annual collection and marking this 30th publication with a Durban-based book signing. This collection slices through a year of political chaos, global absurdity, and South African-style drama with Zapiro’s signature wit.You can expect everything from GNU squabbles, MK’s political soap operas, SAPS spirals, and Cyril’s ‘decisive indecision’ to international mayhem – including Trump’s tariff tantrums. This book gives readers a hilarious and biting look at the year’s political circus, all captured through that famously razor-sharp pen.The best part?Books will be on sale at the event and Zapiro will be signing them in person. This is the perfect gift (or a well-deserved treat for yourself).If the world felt unhinged this year… don’t worry, Zapiro noticed it

KZN’s first-ever certified wine estate, Abingdon in the KZN Midlands, has announced a new date for its Summer Brunch Series: Saturday, 29 November 2025. And you don’t want to miss out!Nestled at 1,140m above sea level, Abingdon is no ordinary winery. Founded by Ian and Jane Smorthwaite, the estate planted its first vines in 2004, producing its maiden vintage in 2007... showing the world that KZN also has massive potential for winemaking.Today, the family-run boutique vineyard continues to defy expectations, producing an impressive range of estate-certified wines, from sparkling bubbles and crisp whites to rosé and rich reds, all made from 100% Abingdon grapes.The estate is also home to the WSET-accredited KZN School of Wine, where aspiring wine enthusiasts can learn the craft from the experts themselves. Summer Brunch Series This November, the estate has teamed up with Chef Cleo Vanessa for a four-course brunch that promises to delight every palate. Each guest will enjoy two glasses of Abingdon bubbly to kick off the morning in style, while soaking in the serene, cool-climate beauty of the estate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abingdon Wine Estate (@abingdonwineestate) What You Need to Know Date: Sunday, 29 November 2025 Time: 10:00 – 12:00 Cost: R450 per person (includes 4-course brunch + 2 glasses of bubbly) Booking essential: jane@abingdonestate.co.za Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to toast to the season with a glass (or

Salt Rock Gelato, the cult-favourite Ballito scoop shop known for its inventive flavours, has officially opened its newest store at 5 Mackeurtan Avenue in Durban North... and they’ve arrived with a giveaway that could keep you eating gelato every day for an entire year. How it all started Salt Rock Gelato was born out of a collaboration between two enthusiasts with combined industry experience and a passion for great-tasting food! From humble beginnings in a garage basement, Salt Rock Gelato quickly took on a life of its own. By 2022, it had outgrown its original setup and spun off into a dedicated store in Ballito.Now, with Durban North’s branch opening in October 2025, the team says the response has been huge, already matching Ballito’s numbers in one month. Durban clearly knows good gelato when it tastes it! Flavours, the South African way Expect authentic Italian-style gelato with unmistakably local personality. The team has perfected more than 200 flavours, including homegrown favourites like cream soda, milk tart, malva pudding, and even Rascals. If you can dream it, they can churn it. Salt Rock Gelato Win the Golden Award (aka: a free gelato every day in 2026) Salt Rock Gelato has introduced its Golden Award — a chance to win one free gelato per day for the entire year of 2026. To enter, simply follow, like, post, and share your Salt Rock Gelato experience on their @saltrockgelato social platforms. Keep watching their pages because there are more Golden Award special

Faster travel and better coastal access means a whole lot more movement for business and tourism in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. With a high-speed train in the pipeline and new small harbours planned for the KZN South Coast, Durban’s future is looking very connected. Durban to Joburg in a flash At a recent event celebrating the arrival of a new train set in eThekwini, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba gave a big progress update on South Africa’s long-planned regional speed train network.Once complete, the line will link Durban to Joburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Musina, and Mbombela, essentially creating a fast-travel corridor between major cities.Mayor Xaba called it "a milestone for our city", noting how it could boost Durban’s economy and bring more visitors from Gauteng to the coast every week. For businesses, tourism, and everyday commuters, it’s set to be a game-changer. It also ties into a broader push to ease congestion around Durban’s busy port and revitalise areas of the CBD. New small harbours for the KZN South Coast It’s not just rail that’s getting attention. The Small Harbours Development Programme - led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure - is bringing brand-new small harbours to coastal towns that have long needed them.The first stop is Port Shepstone, followed by Port Edward and Hibberdene.These harbours are expected to spark major local economic activity, create much-needed jobs, and give coastal tourism a solid boost. E

uShaka Marine World has announced a limited-time discounted entry to its iconic Wet n Wild waterpark, giving thrill-seekers and families the chance to enjoy a full day of slides and pools for just R159 per person.Running from 14 November to 11 December 2025, the promo slashes the usual prices - down from R245 for adults and R198 for kids/seniors - saving you big as the Durban temperatures heat up. Toddlers under three remain free, making it an even more budget-friendly day out.Wet n Wild is an epic adventure zone in the heart of uShaka Marine World, home to some of the most exhilarating water rides in the country, including the highest water slide in Africa. Whether you're chasing heart-pounding drops or something gentler, the park has a ride for every mood.Rides you can try out this summer include: Plunge (a free-fall slide for the fearless), The Drop Zone: The Rush, Torpedo (Kamikaze speed slide), Body Tornado, Zoom Zoom Racer (a multi-lane slide for a friendly race), The Lazy River, the Mamba Tunnel (for classic slide fun), and kiddies’ splash areas with multiple pools for all ages.uShaka’s Wet n Wild is just one of the attractions at uShaka Marine World! There’s also uShaka Sea World (the fifth-largest aquarium on the planet), shopping and dining in Village Walk, Kids World, Dangerous Creatures, Sea Animal Encounters Island, and more.For the senior citizens, don’t forget the always-popular Grand Me Mondays: seniors pay just R60 to visit Sea World every Monday during off-p

Renowned for healthy, wholesome, and Insta-worthy meals, The Break Room has just announced the launch of yet another delectable dish: SushiToast. Located in misty Hilton in the KZN Midlands, The Break Room is a beloved foodie hotspot and home to the innovative SushiDogg™.Dreamed up by chef and owner Lee Hankey, SushiToast is a limited offer for the month of December, capturing everything diners love about The Break Room – it’s fresh, creative, and downright delicious food made with care.“Food has always been my passion,” says Lee, who studied under Christina Martin and has worked in the culinary industry for over 20 years. “I wanted something just as tasty as the SushiDogg, but lighter... and, boom, SushiToast was born!”The dish combines the flavours and flair of sushi with the convenience and crunch of toast, offering a fresh and satisfying experience perfect for the summer season. The Break Room / SushiDogg Lee’s journey from his first restaurant, Flavour Café in Pietermaritzburg, known for its legendary burgers and milkshakes, to founding The Break Room has been one of evolution and innovation. In 2019, Lee launched the start-up Ginger & Pops, producing small-batch, dairy-free ice cream.He had developed an interest in the trend towards veganism and people looking for foods to suit their dietary requirements. The Break Room started as a vegan venture but soon expanded to include meat, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, keeping up with the ever-changing food landscape.

From November until February, the beaches of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KZN transform into a stage for the leatherback and loggerhead turtles, who crawl ashore under moonlight to lay their eggs in the sand. This is an ancient ritual that’s been playing out here for more than 60 million years. And there’s no better place to experience it than St Lucia, the laid-back little town perched right inside the park itself. Think unspoiled beaches, hippos wandering through the streets (do watch out!), and nights spent watching stars (and turtles) on some of the most pristine stretches of sand in South Africa. Fast facts about Leatherback turtles They’re the largest sea turtles in the world, growing up to 1.8m long and weighing over 500kg. They can dive deeper than 1,000m, holding their breath for up to 85 minutes. Thanks to a unique leathery shell and clever body heating, they can handle icy waters that other turtles can’t. KZN’s turtle monitoring programme, launched in 1963, is one of the world’s longest-running conservation success stories. Where to see the turtles You can join guided Turtle Tours from St Lucia, taking you along the iSimangaliso coastline to witness nesting females and tiny hatchlings making their first dash toward the ocean (if you’re lucky!). Tours typically run between November and February, lasting around 6 to 8 hours, often at night when the beaches are quiet and the turtles feel safe.St Lucia Turtle Tour Safar

Not only has The Oyster Box officially earned South Africa’s highest hospitality honour - a 5-Star Premium grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) - but it’s also unveiled its heartwarming statue to commemorate its beloved resident cat, Skabenga. The 5-star grading is a first for KZN, making The Oyster Box the province’s only property to hold this elite status… and one of just 23 in the country. It’s yet another milestone for a hotel that’s long been synonymous with luxury hospitality for decades. Located along Umhlanga’s beautiful coastline, just 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box has grown from a humble seaside cottage in 1863 to a global icon in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Its individually styled rooms, lush tropical gardens, and legendary High Tea and Grill Room continue to draw guests from across the globe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Oyster Box Hotel (@theoysterbox) But nothing quite embodied the hotel’s character like Skabenga, the cheeky stray-turned-celebrity cat who called The Oyster Box home for 19 years. Known for lounging in the best sunny spots, photobombing guests, and charming snacks from diners, Skabenga became a symbol of the hotel’s warmth and whimsy. After sadly passing away earlier this year, the hotel recently immortalised Skabenga with a bronze statue created by KZN sculptor Sarah Richards, with his fan-donated collars preserved at the base. Guests ca

Durban’s Granny Grommets are proving that there’s no age limit for hitting the surf! Launched by Tania Kriegisch in August this year, the Granny Grommets in Durban have grown to include 26 enthusiastic silver surfers and bodyboarders who meet every Friday at 9am at the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.Tania says the concept started after she spotted a Facebook post for Nahoon Granny Grommets in East London, which she joined last year. “Into the sea I went, finding my groove after not being in the water for years. It was safe, comfortable, and, boy, did the bug bite!” she recalls. What started as a casual dip soon became a Friday morning ritual of laughter, camaraderie, and a good workout, finishing off with coffee, catching some rays, and chats on the beach.After relocating to Durban, Tania scouted the coastline and pitched the idea to the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. On the first day, three ladies arrived, but as Tania says, the smiles on their faces mirrored what she’d experienced in East London. Fast forward a few months, and the group has grown to 26 regular members, with numbers increasing weekly.   Tania Kriegisch / Granny Grommets Durban   “There are no rules!” She says the secret to the success is that Granny Grommets gives participants the freedom to play, with zero pressure, and loads of fun. She says whether you want to stay in the shallow water and catch the foamies, ride the big waves, sit this one out, join for coffee, leave early, or come back in… ‘you do you’. Th

Durban truly is the hottest place to be this summer – in all senses! The city has turned up the heat this holiday season with the launch of its sizzling new campaign, 'Visit Durban: Endless Waves of Tranquillity', which officially gets underway this month.The campaign, launched at the scenic Isithumba Village in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, highlights Durban’s readiness to deliver an unforgettable summer of entertainment and cultural adventures. A Durban summer to remember Durban’s beaches and tourism precincts are being primed for the festive rush, with the city set to welcome holidaymakers looking to cool down on the coast. While Durban Central missed out on Blue Flag ratings, the KZN North and South Coasts scooped 12 full Blue Flag beaches, six Pilot Blue Flag beaches, and two Green Coast sites – a new programme that celebrates natural, less-developed coastal areas that promote nature-based tourism.There are also lots of enhanced safety measures in place. Expect more lifeguards on duty, trained child minders along the beachfront, and smart policing technology - including CCTV and bodycams - to keep you safe. Metro Police and SAPS will maintain high visibility throughout the city’s major hotspots, ensuring peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday.The entertainment lineup is as bright as the Durban sunshine, featuring the Dubane Summer Break, INK Kasi Experience, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, and Durban Fact Rocks, among others. The 2025/26 cruise season, which has just launche

The warm evenings and glowing Durban skyline are the perfect way to end your workday this summer - and the Twilight Sailing Series is back to help you experience just that. The first race of the season set sail last week, led by Bellissima, whose crew made sure Halloween didn’t go unnoticed by tossing on bedsheets, sunglasses, and even hanging a skeleton named Clover off the boom mid-race. Why not mix a little mischief with maritime tradition?Hosted by the Point Yacht Club, the Twilight Sailing Series marks the official start of Durban’s summer sailing season, withharbour and offshore events planned for dinghies and keelboats of all sizes.The club’s 2025–2026 calendar is going to be absolutely action-packed, culminating in the landmark 50th anniversary of the MSC Week Regatta next July.There will be celebrations a-plenty as we mark the golden milestone for one of South Africa’s longest-running ocean races.Fresh from hosting the Marriott Mirror Worlds earlier this year, Point Yacht Club is already charting new horizons, including its 135th birthday celebrations in 2027 and the upcoming Flying 15 World Championships.There is so much on the go, so it’s well worth keeping your eye on the horizon. Welcome new sailors! New to sailing? No problem. The club has you covered with its latest ‘Bums on Boats’ initiative. This is a really fun, no-pressure way to jump aboard, meet the crew, and learn the ropes. Spectators and would-be sailors are both welcome. Where: Point Yacht Club, Durb