Local Attractions

The Natal Sharks Board
The Sharks Board welcomes and encourages visits by members of the public to its Umhlanga Rocks offices. On offer is a sensational multimedia program. It is a three-screen, surround-sound window on the shark's role in the oceans. Special effects include wind, intelligent lights and the more adventurous should sit near the front to be sprayed with a fine mist of water at appropriate moments. This 25-minute show not only entertains but is also educational, with King Neptune teaching an errant turtle about the importance of sharks.

For more information visit their website: http://www.shark.co.za/

Umhlanga Light House
The Umhlanga Lighthouse was completed on November 24, 1954 and has since become an area landmark. The circular concrete tower, painted white with a red band at the top, stands 21m above the beach and has a focal plane height of 25m. The fixed red light enable a ship waiting to anchor in the outer anchorage to monitor its position if the red light can be seen, it suggests the ships anchors have probably dragged and is too close to shore.

More information: http://sugarcoast.kzn.org.za/sugarcoast/index.html

Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway is more than a shopping mall – it's billed as a 'Theatre of Shopping' offering visitors, much more than the average shopping centre. The impressive structure, situated alongside the N2 highway in Umhlanga Rocks, houses a vast array of shops, cinemas and restaurants PLUS a huge standing wave known as DRex, a mega skate park designed by international expert Tony Hawk, the highest climbing wall imaginable and now a go-kart track, putt-putt course and a challenging 4x4 track. It's definitely worth a visit since you can nip over the ridge for a swim at Umhlanga Rock's beautiful Bronze beach to cool off after you have exhausted yourself at Gateway.

More information: http://www.gatewayworld.co.za/default.asp

For more information on local attractions visit Durban's Attractions & Experiences websites

http://durban.kzn.org.za/durban/132.xml
http://www.sa-venues.com/travel/kzn_daytrips.htm