Durban is packed with responsible travel experiences if you know where to look. This brief list of five green travel activities has an environmental focus. If it’s community-based or cultural travel you’re after, get started at the Green Hub (see below) and discover a whole new world of opportunities.
1.Visit the Green Hub for your Durban Green Map
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Durban has produced its very own Green Map, a guide to green activities and locations around the city and beyond. The Green Map includes nature reserves, local markets, eco-restaurants, community projects and the like. You can find a copy at the Green Hub, on the banks of the Umgeni River mouth, or use the more extensive online mapon the Imagine Durban website.
Green benefits: source green travel ideas for the greater Durban area from a single map. In addition, related tours and activities can be booked at the Green Hub.
2.Explore Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
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Across the river from the Green Hub (you can see it) is Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. This fascinating little reserve is wedged between Durban city and Durban North, a busy residential area. It’s one of the last remaining fragments of natural mangrove forest on Durban’s coastline. The reserve is closed to the public except for a brief window of opportunity on the third Saturday of the month. During that time you can pop in to see the fierce-looking Mangrove Crabs fighting over yellow leaves, learn the stories of the amazing mangrove ecosystem and look for the elusive Mudskipper.
Green benefits: learn about local biodiversity and ecosystems and contribute to preserving an endangered natural area.
3.Cruise the beachfront promenade
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Durban’s beachfront promenade is one of the best things about the city. It runs from uShaka Marine World in the south to Blue Lagoon (the Umgeni River mouth) in the north, a distance of around 7km. A major restoration project has turned the promenade into something really special, with views of the Indian Ocean and vegetating sand dunes as far as the eye can see. You can rent a cruiser and ride along the beachfront or simply take a walk and absorb the scenery. From the promenade there’s access to SunCoast Casino (a good place to park your car) and Moses Mabhida, Durban’s impressive stadium.
Green benefits: cycling and walking produce no carbon emissions. Also, renting cruisers and spending money on the beachfront supports local businesses.
4.Tour the Durban Botanic Gardens
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According to their website, “The Durban Botanic Gardens is currently the oldest surviving botanic garden on the African continent and our City''s oldest public institution.” The gardens date back to 1849, when they were used for the trial of agricultural crops. Today they make up a beautiful green space with individual collections of cycads, orchids, bromeliads and palms, some of which have particular conservation significance. If you’re looking for a sense of peace or perspective though, find a bench under a magnificent tree. Many of the heritage trees are centenarians!
Green benefits: supporting the gardens communicates the importance of preserving green space and cultivates an appreciation for nature.
5.Eat at the Corner Café
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It’s difficult to choose a favourite thing about The Corner Café. It’s a toss-up between their excellent locavore food, cheeky personality and green principles. All in all, it’s a winning package. Located in Glenwood, The Corner Café serves breakfast and lunch to a loyal following and curious visitors. And who wouldn’t be curious about a menu featuringthe “Tart of Lightness”, “Spur Salad Valley” and the “Pizza of Love”?
The purpose of the café is to operate in a way that least disrupts the environment. Beverages are ordered in glass bottles rather than plastic and washing and cleaning is done with dolphin friendly detergents. Kitchen scraps are fed to the wormery which fertilizes their herb garden. Meat is sourced from Hope Meats, so, as owner Judd says, “No antibiotics in your food china”.
Green benefits: eating genuinely nutritious food and backing a local enterprise that’s pioneering green principles in the restaurant industry.
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About the blogger
I’m Jo, an avid explorer and content creator based in the balmy hills of subtropical Durban, South Africa.
My great passion is the pursuit of green; a proverbial voyage of discovery on the seas of sustainable lifestyle.
I’m endlessly intrigued by green travel, stories and design and firmly believe they can inspire us to lead better lives.
Jo''s blog
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Stay in Durban
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Within walking distance of Umhlanga’s main beach, shops and restaurants, and 20 minutes from Durban airport, Villa Calla is a stylish Mediterranean seaside home. It offers a sparkling pool and fully licensed bar.
Nearby attractions include Gateway shopping, La Lucia Mall, Mount Edgecombe Golf Course and two casinos.
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