| Easter weekend is around the corner. Many South | | | | world's highest indoor climbing rock and the |
| Africans will be making their way down to the | | | | highest fountain in Africa. |
| Kwazulu Natal Coast for some well-deserved | | | | - Aliwal Shoal: "The Shoal", lying 5.5 km off the |
| downtime. Durban is the third biggest city in South | | | | shore of the southern Kwazulu Natal coast offers |
| Africa (behind Johannesburg and Cape Town) and | | | | scuba divers the unique opportunity to experience |
| one of the most popular holiday destinations in | | | | both wreck and reef dives, as well as seasonal |
| South Africa. A lot of things have been happening | | | | shark diving, at the same site. It's situated near |
| in Durban in the last year or so. Durban | | | | the coastal town of Unkomaas (just South of |
| International Airport will be decommissioned at the | | | | Durban). This scuba center has a host of facilities |
| end of April this year. The newly built King Shaka | | | | on offer, including a large 5-meter dive pool for |
| International Airport (also known as the La Mercy | | | | those who wish to test gear and get the feel of |
| Airport) will start operating on 1 May 2010 (a | | | | their equipment. Kitting up is done in the comfort |
| month before 2010 FIFA World Cup starts). The | | | | of the dive centre, and gear is then loaded and |
| newly built Moses Mabhida stadium was completed | | | | transported, along with the diver, to the launch |
| last year and will be hosting various matches in | | | | site. Upon returning warm showers, kit racks and |
| the 2010 FIFA World Cup. | | | | storage facilities are available. |
| Here are some destinations that holiday makers | | | | - Durban's Golden Mile: Flanked by luxury hotels |
| can visit in Durban this Easter: | | | | and apartment blocks, Durban 's Golden Mile skirts |
| - uShaka Marine World: This theme park is | | | | the main beaches and the Indian Ocean. |
| comprised of 4 sections: uShaka Sea World (the | | | | Attractions include an amusement centre, paddling |
| 5th largest aquarium in the world with 32 tanks), | | | | pools, paved walkways, gardens and fountains. |
| uShaka Wet 'n Wild (a waterworld with rides for | | | | Funworld, with its bumper cars, roundabouts and |
| young and old), uShaka Beach (which has direct | | | | hurdy-gurdy machines, is a firm favorite with the |
| access from the amusement park) and uShaka | | | | younger set. A ride in a cable car offers a |
| Village Walk (filled with restaurants, cafes and | | | | birds-eye view of the Durban beach front and the |
| other shops). It's located on the strip of land | | | | pools, fountains and lawns of the Ampitheatre |
| between the Durban beachfront and the Durban | | | | Gardens. Water Wonderland keeps pre-teens |
| harbour. | | | | amused for hours. |
| - Gateway Shopping Center: The largest shopping | | | | - Fitzsimon's Snake Park: With over 120 indigenous |
| mall in Africa and in the Southern Hemisphere. | | | | snake species in its collection, the Fitzsimon's |
| Gateway is situated in the Northern Durban | | | | Snake Park allows visitors to see some of the |
| suburb of Umhlanga. The mall was modeled on | | | | world's most deadly snakes up close. As well as |
| the Mall of America and has more than 350 | | | | mambas, cobras and puff adders, the park is |
| stores and more than 70 restaurants. Gateway | | | | home to crocodiles, iguanas and even tortoises. |
| also has 18 movie theatres, 6 Nouveau Cinemas, | | | | The park hosts regular talks and demonstrations. |
| an IMAX theatre, a theme park, a 4000 square | | | | Visitors can also witness venom collecting and |
| meter skate park (designed by Tony Hawk), the | | | | snake feeding sessions. |