By ARTHI SANPATH
Durban - Sometimes, the buzz at the beach and the hot sun just does not make for a good afternoon.
If you have a couple of hours to while away, just up the way from the coast is Durban’s famous Mitchell Park.
It incorporates a park and zoo, named after Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, a 19th century colonial governor of Natal.
It started off in the early half of the last century as an ostrich farm, but was later turned into a zoo.
Just about everyone loves this spot, covered by a canopy of trees, which also blocks out traffic noise.
Even if you just have free time on a weekend afternoon, it is the perfect place to which to escape.
As I ambled through the gardens at leisure, the flowers really were a sight to behold.
The management changes the display regularly, so there is always something new to see.
The best way to enjoy the park is to grab a picnic blanket, some delicious snacks, cool drinks, maybe a good book, and settle in at any of the shady spots – this is usually the scene at weekends when families go to spend time together.
The cool breeze through the leaves can lull you into an afternoon nap, but that’s all part of having a relaxing afternoon.
If you come along with children, and even grandparents, there is something for everyone to do.
The small zoo, with a nominal entrance fee, is a treat for the little ones, who can see ducks, birds, tortoises, meerkats, Madagascan hedgehogs and African striped weasels.
The zoo originally had lions, leopards, crocodiles, and an Indian elephant called Nellie.
An hour could easily be spent looking at the various animals, but no feeding is allowed.
If the kids still want more, a play area will keep them occupied.
Swings, see-saws and slides can bring out the child in anyone, but this area is strictly for the little ones.
As this was not an option for me, I headed off to the Blue Zoo restaurant inside the park.
In the cool surroundings, with little noise, and none of the rushing around often found at restaurants in shopping malls, the Blue Zoo is popular with locals and famous for its curry dishes.
The delicious and fresh desserts were a perfect way to round off the afternoon.
All in all, two hours can easily be spent at the park, and even if you are looking for a brief break, Mitchell Park, being a stone’s throw away from the bustling city centre, is a great place to relax in natural surroundings. - Independent on Saturday