Route A – Durban Beachfront

Discover Durban’s beachfront, city and esplanade

Discover Durban’s over eight kilometre-long stretch of sandy beaches, previously known as the Golden ‘Mile’, by walking, cycling or skating – the beachfront’s impressive promenade – recently extended through a major investment of R380 million. From the harbour mouth in the south to the Umgeni River in the north, enjoy dozens of swimming and splash pools, fountains, waterslides, curio markets, fun parks, restaurants, nightclubs and, of course, the famous uShaka Marine World. There are numerous hotels with access directly to the beach. Then visit the iconic City Hall and the Esplanade – home of yacht clubs and the vibey Wilson’s Wharf entertainment zone.

 

If you are travelling along Durban’s impressive promenade from the Durban Harbour entrance heading north (with the beaches on your right), here are some facts you may find interesting:
  • The section from the Durban harbour entrance to uShaka Marine World Beachfront promenade has recently received a R380m make-over – now making it the longest uninterrupted waterfront promenade in Africa – running for over 8kms from the Durban harbour entrance in the south to the Umgeni River mouth in the north.
  • This investment is anticipated to spark further investment in the area.  Future plans include a ‘Durban Eye’ Ferris wheel, a mall adjacent to uShaka Marine World, and further mixed-use development. Durban just keeps on getting better and better.

Speaking exclusively to Moneyweb recently, eThekwini Municipality’s Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning Mr Philip Sithole stated that, “This is a major investment by the Municipality into Durban’s most important tourism asset. It is a catalytic project aimed at taking the beachfront to another level and unlocking investment both into the broader beachfront and especially in the Point Waterfront. We believe the promenade will become recognised internationally, together with the likes of Copacabana in Rio and Bondi Beach in Australia. Following the completion of the promenade extension by the City, the first phase of the new development plans for the Point Waterfront are anticipated to be launched next year. This will include a hotel tower and residential tower, in addition to a new shopping mall next to uShaka. Various investors are interested, but UEM Sunrise will be driving the process that will also include local partners.”

Source: Mr Suren Naidoo, writing for Moneyweb, 15 November 2019. Suren is a passionate young South African business journalist with a keen interest in property, tourism, retail, media and sports. Contact Suren and get access to Moneyweb’s financial intelligence and support quality journalism for only R63/month or R630/ year. Contact www.moneyweb.co.za