Durban - Offering a picturesque view of the whole of Durban, the Moses Mabhida SkyCar is one of the city’s main tourist destinations.
It takes just under two minutes in the SkyCar or funicular, to reach the top of the arch and what awaits you at the summit can be described only as pure perfection.
Standing at the pinnacle of the stadium, one has a rare 360º view of Durban’s landscape.
The tourist attraction is one of many places around the city that 13 000 national and international tourism delegates set their sights on when the Indaba trade show kicked at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
It is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three “must-visit” events of its kind on the global calendar.
It showcases the widest variety of southern Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world.
The Independent on Saturday this week visited attraction sites and discovered some gems.
Known for its architectural beauty, which rivals that of other “World Cup” venues, the stadium is a place worthy of all its accolades as it offers a host of fun-filled family activities, like the stadium tour, and big swing.
We decided to take a ride up the SkyCar and it was an exhilarating experience.
Entering the cabin, which is framed by glass windows was a bit jittery, with some visitors holding on to the handrails for dear life. Sensing their fear, the operator – or driver as he likes to be called – reassures everyone that the ascent and descent will be safe.
The ride is smooth and once at the top, the doors open automatically and the first thing that greets you is the distinctly fresh breeze.
The view is breathtaking.
Even those who suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights) are temporarily cured. From the Suncoast Casino, to the harbour to the railway station, the city’s main hub and landmarks have never looked this magnificent.
For just R55, the SkyCar is “one of those things that every one has to try”, the operator says. And if walking up a flight of stairs – 550 steps to be precise – is more your thing then you could give the Skycar a miss and opt for the skywalk on the 106m arch. The adventure walk costs R90.
Other activities at the stadium include the big swing, which will set you back by R590.
If your fear of heights is too strong to give the funicular a try but you still want to explore Durban, fear not because a stone’s throw away from the stadium is The Cube, a park offering similar scenery with a bit of serenity.
Surrounded by immaculately tall trees, the park at Innes Road, Morningside, offers a sight to behold in the morning when the morning fog has not lifted, giving everything a surreal quality.
Two green benches and a huge cube design with African paintings adorn the recreational area. This is the ideal spot if you’re yearning for some quiet relaxation time on a balmy Durban day away from the bustle and noise of the city.
It also provides a perfect backdrop for Kodak moments, as a group of tourists, here for the Indaba, discovered this week.
Having arrived in Durban on Monday, Trudy Jacobs, from Cape Town, said she was fully indulging in all that Durban had to offer.
“This place is just breathtaking,” she said, posing for pictures with two friends.
“And that’s a lot coming from someone from Cape Town.”
Soaking up the view of Greyville Race Course, Suncoast Casino and the Moses Mabhida and Kings Park stadiums, a couple lounge at another Durban park, in Currie Road, Musgrave.
If you are there early enough, the couple say, you can enjoy the bright sunrise – or, later, watch as twilight turns to evening.
If you’re looking for academic stimulation, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College has a nice spot high up on the hill that offers a view of the harbour.
One of the city’s main shopping centres, the Pavilion is ideal too.
Another viewing destination worth visiting in Durban is the unique Roma revolving restaurant. But for this view one has to pay.
Situated on the 32nd level of John Ross House, it overlooks the whole of Durban and surrounding areas, offering exciting sea and bay views.
It has a speed control mechanism that allows a revolution of anything between 60 and 90 minutes. The restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine and is open for dinner every day from 6pm to 10.30pm. - Independent on Saturday