npturner

Thanks, I can certainly give some insight into the local area. For my wife, uMhlanga has become extremely built up compared to how it was 10-15 years ago when she lived there, but for me its a vibrant town, with lots of places to eat and drink.

uMhlanga

There’s a few favourites that we like to visit when down there, here’s a brief outline;

Butcher Boys - A great local Steak house chain. Their Bacon, chili and cheese sauce is a must-try. By UK standards its priced very well, with a Fillet coming out at about £14-15, and a glass of decent wine around £3. If you so wish, you can sit outside and watch the rich crusing around in their Ferarris and Audi R8's.

Lord Prawn - Its in a tiny mall near the centre, and been around under the same ownership since the 80's. Its quite small and cozy, but food is good.

Mythos - Next to Buther Boys, its an authentic Greek Restaurant that opened last year. They do dancing and plate smashing one day a week (can't remember which now).

The George - (formally 'The George & Dragon'), it was my Father-in-laws local pub before he moved to Zambia. Its a typical Sports bar, but if you just want a simple beer and watch the world go by, its perfect. Food isn't too bad either.

Oyster Box - As people have previously said on here, great place, lovely views, and not too expensive to have Cocktails on the sun deck over loking the lighthouse.
They also do a curry buffet which we will be trying this time.

There is of course a lot of other places to go, many are new, and we haven’t tried them yet. We did have breakfast in Doppio Zero, which is located under the Pearls in the new complex. It was nice and service was good.

Gateway - The largest Shopping mall in the Southern hemisphere. Apart from all the normal designer shops, there’s a Cinema and lots of places to eat.

Umdloti

7km north of uMhlanga is this small coastal village. One road in, with a North and South Beach road. Its where we normally stay as its a little less hectic than uMhlanga, plus we have friends that live there. Worth a visit even if you are staying in the City.

The Bush Tavern - Although we only go every 1-2 years, I consider this as my local. It overlooks the ocean, has great live music on Fridays and during the weekend, and very cheap food (£4 for a Bunny Chow).

Bel Punto - Great Italian restaurant, with excellent sea food. The kitchen is open plan, and i'm always amused by the old Nonna (owner) walking (just about) around checking the food before it goes out. Its expensive even by UK standards, but always fully booked. They also have a 2nd restaurant up near the Spar shop which is a little cheaper (La Casa Nostra)

Java - As with the above, all in the same complex, overlooking the sea. Its our 'go-to' place for Breakfast.

Tasca Pizza - A little way down North beach road is this little beachside pizza take-away which has some small tables. Nothing fancy, but good food.

Sybaya Casino - Located between Umdloti and uMhlanga, its a huge Casino complex with restaurants. Last time we went it was vert smokey inside, but I think they have since banned smoking from the main area. Its ok if that floats your boat.

Other places

uShaka Marine World – Located near Durban Marina at the end of the Promenade. It’s a water park and sea world. Driving there is quite an experience as you drive right through downtown Durban…. Its pretty rough! Once you are at the parking its ok, and there’s also Curio shops and places to eat.

Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve - About 200km north or Durban (about 2.5hrs drive), this reserve is also one of the largest sancuries for the protection of Rhino.
We always stay in Mpila Camp in the southern 'iMfolozi' side, which is pretty basic, but due to the lack of fencing, you get to see many animals on your door step. The first time we stayed and had to chase Hyenas away from our Braai (BBQ) was a pretty intense experience!

Aliwal Shoal – About 30mins south of Durban, near Scottbugh is this great little Shark cage diving / Snorkelling place. I sent snorkelling with back tip sharks last year and it was great. Just remember to take sea sickness tablets. I don’t normally suffer, but its pretty choppy 5 miles out to sea.

Midland Meander – Just north of Pietermaritzburg on the N3 (about an hour inland from Durban), this area which is signed Nottingham Road is a lovely scenic drive with little gift shops and restaurants along the way.
Notable places to visit is the Rawdens Estate, a colonial thatched house in lovely grounds where you can get afternoon tea, and their own craft ales. Nearby is The Bierfassl, which is a German restaurant/pub with great food, including their signature Eisbin.

Also just outside Durban you have The 1000 hills, which overlooks spectacular hills. There are also dancing demonstrations by Zulus and village tours. Also nearby is the Shongweni Farmers market where you can get fresh food, craft beers and listen to live music. We plan to visit on this trip.