Christmas in South Africa means sunshine, greenery and the outdoors. And if you’re in Durban, you know you won’t have to worry about the weather. Instead of cramping into someone’s living room, move Christmas outdoors this year, and have a picnic. The kids can run around without knocking anything over and get rid of their energy to boot. Here are our favourite scenic picnic spots to try.
1. Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Picture: Claire Birtwhistle
Durban is a fun-filled city with plenty to do, and the Coedmore Castle Park is a great spot to experience some of what the city has to offer. With plenty of trails for walking or cycling, the park is perfect for sporty families as well as those just wanting to relax. Here you will also find the Coedmore Castle, which houses the Mary Stainbank art gallery – it’s not currently open to the public though. Keep your eyes peeled for small game and abundant birdlife! If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Durban, be sure to check out the Coedmore Castle Park!
Entry: R40 per person
Address: Coedmore Ave, Yellow Wood Park
2. Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Picture: Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
To experience one of Durban’s most densely-populated mangrove areas, explore this nature reserve situated on the Umgeni River. Mangroves are tropical tree species that grow in saltwater, and Beachwood covers 76 hectares of this spectacular natural estuarine system.
They are open to the public every third Saturday of every month, so not on Christmas Day this year, but you can also visit by appointment on other days.
Entry: Free, but they have a donation box and a zapper plaque for tour guides who are mostly volunteers.
Address: Riverside Road, Durban
Contact for appointment: 082 559 2839
3. Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
Picture: Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
On the banks of the Umbilo River, this tranquil reserve offers a lovely waterfall to dip your toes in. There are various hiking trails near the picnic area on offer for the active bunch, while birders will have enough to keep them busy too.
Entry: R13 per person
Address: 10 Oxford Rd, Pinetown
4. Durban Botanic Gardens
Picture: Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, this botanical garden is paradise. There are guided tours on offer, or you can just stroll around the lake, the orchid house, the cycad collection, the butterfly garden and many other areas of interest.
Entry: Free
Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Berea
5. Durban North Japanese Gardens
Picture: Umhlanga Tourism
This zen oriental garden with Japanese water features and wooden bridges is as peaceful as it gets. The ponds attract a variety of water birds, and a playground will keep youngsters busy for hours. Large tree covering offers ample shady picnic spots. Note: no charcoal braais allowed, only gas braais.
Entry: Free
Address: Tinsley Road, Durban
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