Province of KwaZulu-Natal Travel Forum

I have tried every number listed on every website link for Cheetah Coaches but they just ring. The e-mails I send are being returned. Have these guys gone out of business?

How about few drinks or even a VT meeting in July? Date is not set yet but I will let you know when it is all booked.

I am travelling alone to INDABA as a representative of www.oakgrovefarm.co.za and Overberg Tourism and Stanford Tourism from the Western Cape. I wish to meet up with travel and tour operators and any other interested parties. My personal focus is also on www.stanfordbirding.co.za with the Stanford region being accredited as an Important Birding Area.

I'm from the UK, looking to stay for 2 weeks near Durban with my mother & daughter; my mother is visiting her brother there but me & daughter will be holidaymakers. I've seen what looks like a great place to stay on the southern side of Umdloti; it's practically on the beach and me & my daughter think it looks fun. My mother says it will be dangerous, esp at night - she is thinking of muggings etc not snakes.

Pls can anyone let me know how realistic this view is? I've Googled the place & it looks quite sleepy; there are only 570 refs to "crime umdloti" compared to + 300,000 for "crime Jo'burg" & nothing for "car jacking". I think she's over-reacting.

help - I don't want to stay in a gated bungalow in Durban when I could be staying in a beach house on the Indian Ocean!!

thanks in advance
Siobhan

Are there in Durban's beach sunloungers and beach-umbrella for the tourist?
If yes in which part of Durban?In front of what?
Thanks

I'll be flying into Durban for the weekend of March 15/16, staying at a guest house in Musgrave. I was not planning to rent a car for this visit, since it just seems like more trouble than it's worth for such a short stay.

With no car, what kinds of activities could I think about for Saturday? I have read tons of VT tips, but I'm not sure what would be appropriate. The aquarium is a possibility, but I prefer to do more outdoor, wandering-around type stuff. Are there cool areas of Durban that I could grab a cab to and just walk around and sightsee? The Botanical Garden sounds interesting, but I don't know where it is or if I can get there with no car.

Also--it seems like I am getting there in the height of the rainy season. Should I be expecting massive rain on these days? If so I might just stay in my room! :-)

Follow our visit to the Hluhluwe Park we want to go to the Boar War sites around Ladysmith. From what I have read, they are difficult to find and a guided tour is recommended. Does anyone know if it is possible to join a group tour rather than do it on an individual basis. Thanks

Val

We are spending a week in the Durban area any suggestions which Safari Park is the best to visit and is it better to go on an organised safari or self drive?

Hi, I'm moving to Durban from the U.S. next week, and I'm wondering what sports bars, cafes, etc. I can go to that will show American football games (ESPN or such). I'm especially desperate to find somewhere to watch the Superbowl. I've searched the internet over and haven't found anything yet. Any advice?

Hi
Going to Durban in January...Any tips on what to avoid ie. food and places. Also, is there any poisonous insects/snakes to watch out for daily. Will also be going to Zulu land for 3 days, so any insects/snakes etc to stay away from or look out for?/

Thanks a mil!

Hi Guys, Travelling to Durban next week. I left SA with my mother in 1971 and in 2006 made contact with my Dad (and extended family) while visiting I would like to take them all for a meal. They live near Estcourt, any recommendations would be appreciated, there will be kids as well as grown ups. Thanks in advance, Mungo66

Hi Guys

I'm flying over on Saturday for 2 weeks what kind of weather am I in for.

Thanks

Mazza

After trawling the web for ages I have given up trying to find distance/direction guides. Any locals who can advise which way to go - ie is it best to go all the way back up N2, or is there a quicker way to achieve our journey?
Thanks

I've been reading all the questions posted here about life in Durban and South Africa in general and I saw that at least 80% are about: how dangerous it is?
this is my question also: How dangerous? can we live a normal life over there? I know we have to be realistic, nowhere is safe after all....but I read so many bad things...so many.....I am terified that my finace will decide to go and work in Durban and I do not know if we should go after all. Please give me an idea, because I am very conserned and I do not know where to turn to. Thank you so much.

Hello,

I am writing to ask for information about renting an appartment in Durban.
In fact, we are a group of 7 Moroccan schlar. We will be taking part in a conference in Durban between 18 and 25 next octobre;
Will you please provide any information that can help us rent an appartment so easily

Hi everyone!
I'm from moscow (Russia) I've got an internship offer with consulting company in Durban. i really wanna go, but everybody says that the crime is really high there. is that true or as always exaggerated. how safe is it for a young girl who lives alone? (though the company promised to locate me in the safest district). The office is located in Overport City. is it safe area?
How much is the car rent? what is budget option to buy a car?
The R1000 living allowance is enough? Can i live on R5000 per month (excl. appartment).
I have so many questions, because i've never been to africa. though i have a rich experience of traveling and living abroad.
all the answers are highly appreciated. thanks,
Maria

Firstly, Many thanks to all that gave me such helpful suggestions on my saftey issues! we are heading off to Sunny South Africa in September and will be renting for 6 months so we can see how we get on! I now have another question that I am hoping someone will be able to help with, we want to take our pets with us, 3 dogs and 5 cats!! I just dont know where to start although I have contacted some agencies, I have had no reply yet. Has anyone had any experience with bringing pets into SA? any suggestions would be gratefully received! we are leaving from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Canada. also any suggestions on cheap flights from Canada to Durban. Mega Thanks in advance!

Hi, my husband visited Scottburgh and Umkomaas recently and desperately wants to move there, we are English and have been living in Nova Scotia, Canada for a year. unfortunately, business opportuities have not been good here, so my husband wants us all to move to that area in KWZ he has fallen in love with, but as I am a mother of 4 children I am so worried about crime rates there and if my children will be safe there, also if the schools in this area are good and if business opportunities are any better than they are here. We would like to open Coffe house with bookstore or an exclusive restaurant, is there a demand for that in these areas. would be grateful for any advice, Thankyou in advance!

How safe is it to drive around in a hired car while in KZN?

Hi!

What’s your favourite place on the KwaZulu Natal coast and why?
There can be any reason why you like it really; beauty, snorkelling, nightlife, beaches, people, accommodation, wildlife, diving, food, surfing etc.

So, where do you like and why?

Cheers
Brian

Hi!

Me and my girlfriend are going to be living in Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu Natal from the beginning of September 2007 to the end of May 2008.

We plan to buy a car,so we can get around, especially at weekends.
We want to buy something cheap and basic, but in good enough condition that it doesn’t break down in the middle of nowhere – and keeps going for 9 months, with the odd service.

How much would be looking at paying, what kind of model, and where would be a good place to go to buy it?

Thanks!
Brian

Hi there,

We will need to get from Umhlanga Rocks to Essenwood Road in Berea. Can anyone recommend an easy-to-follow and safe route? We're very new, nervous, and don't want to risk taking a wrong turn into any bad parts of town. Can anyone also recommend a safe place to park in the area? Thanks!

Does anyone know anyting about Thanda Lodge?

hi,
is there any filipinos here in Durban? been here for 1month now and ihaven't seen any filipinos here. where can i contact you?

Like the person posting below, I am considering a job offer from a company based in La Lucia. After reading the SAPS crime statistics (murders, violent assaults, rapes etc.) for Durban North which includes Umhlanga Rocks (which we were told was a good area to live), we (I'd be moving with my family) are considering dropping the opportunity. Could anyone familiar with area please help us weigh up this move by answering the following questions?

- To what extent does the fear of violent crime affect your daily life?
- Do you personally know anyone who has been mugged / carjacked / murdered / violently assaulted or raped in this area?
- How much would we have to pay in rent to live in an area which would pretty much guarantee security? Is there such a place in the area?
- Would buying an older car help avoid carjacking?
- To avoid carjacking, should there be more than one person in the car?
- Where / when are carjackings mostly likely to occur?

Thanks!

Hi All

I have been reading quite interesting bits of information about South Africa and Durban in particular.

Actually I am planning to move to Durban as I have a job offer. I guess you guys would be the right people to guide me on the scenario in Durban

- Keep reading about the high crime rate in Durban. Please tell me, seriously, how bad is it? or is it exaggerated too much. This must be one pertinent question that foreigners must be asking. My reason being I would be moving in with my family

- Are there areas which one must really avoid going to.

- Is it like all the areas are risky.

- How good is it for settling down with families - specially schooling etc.

- What level of income would be enough to live comfortably.

Hi everyone,I live in London, but i come home to Durban every year.But i would love my younger sister to visit me this festive season,Problem is she is in std 9,and is 16years old,i was wondering if she would be allowed to travel on the plane alone,From Durban-change in Jo'Burg,then direct to London Heathrow.i would be there when she arrives.PLEASE RESPOND A.S.A.P...THANX!!

Does anyone have experience with walking safaris in Hluhluwe - Umfolozi park? If so, do you have any advice? Was it good? Any one trip that is better than others?

Thanks

Hoping to return to Durban with my family this coming year but don't want to stay in Durban itself . I can't decide between Amanzimtoti or Umdloti...both look ideal but as I've not visited in years I'm not sure . I'll be travelling with my husband who loves to potter round the shops and markets and my 13 year old who is happy doing anything and everything so long as he gets a pool to swim in at night .
Hope someone out there can help with the suggestions...have spotted a couple of places to kip down in too , one being Bush Babies in Amanzimtoti .
Any advice welcomed .

hi there,any reviews on beachouse/bentley-on-the-beach,on the promenade please.