48 hours (approximately) in Durban

by Lee Folkard

Friday Afternoon arrival

Lee is a Durban based photographer. Having lived in Durban his entire life and being an avid foodie – we asked Lee what he would do if he could pretend to be a tourist in his own city for 48 hours.

I stay in the Umhlanga Ridge area, north of Durban. Literally a walk away from Gateway Theatre of Shopping. With that being said a good first stop on arrival is to make your way to Goundens (located in the industrial area of central Durban) – Their signature dish being their mutton bunny chow – nothing says Durban more than a good curry, put that into a quarter loaf of bread and you have yourself Durban’s most authentic meal. I’d recommend this as a take-away which you can then enjoy in the comfort of your own space.

If you’re feeling like getting out on the town for your Friday night,
The Dutch in Umhlanga (a more formal affair) or Dropkick Murphy’s on Florida Road (Much more casual) would be your best bets for some drinks and unwinding.

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 Saturday Morning

I like to get my mornings started pretty early, being a photographer I enjoy nothing more than watching an amazing sunrise – my favourite place to watch a sunrise and start my day is the Umhlanga Pier. Sitting on the bench on the pier and listening to the waves crash beneath you is an awesome way to clear your mind and revel in the beauty of nature.

A good kick start to your Saturday would be a good cappuccino at iwantmycoffee – I take mine with a 200mg shot of organic ginseng. The quaint coffee shop offers views of Chris Saunders Park and Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Missed sunrise?

Fancy a morning jog, the Umhlanga promenade stretches a good 4,6km and always has a good number of runners and walkers.

If you’re feeling more adventurous –
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve offers two hiking trails that are pretty scenic and peaceful.

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Saturday Brunch

By now you should be ready to get some food fuel. The Factory Cafe opens till 12:30 on a Saturday. The Factory Café is housed inside the Colombo Coffee & Tea roastery. Artisan coffees and a wide selection of teas are on offer. Their breakfast menu is changed up often and the smell of coffee fills the space. A welcomed sensory overload.

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Saturday Late Lunch

One of Durban’s newest offering – Old Town Italy.

An Italian food emporium. An authentic Italian market where you can shop, talk, eat and learn.

There’s a butcher shop, bakery, fresh produce section, gelato station and the restaurant. The kitchen closes at 16:00 on a Saturday. My perfect combination from Old Town Italy is to make up my own cheese board. The food emporium offers a wide selection of cheeses and cold cut meats. Pair that up with your favourite red wine and you have a little taste of Italy in Durban. Before heading out, I’d highly recommend a delectable dessert from the bakery or a scoop or two of gelato from the gelato station.

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 Saturday Evening

RocoMamas have recently come to Durban with two branches open;

Gateway and Durban North. Both are crazy busy and booking ahead would be advisable.

Their tagline: Based on a true story of love, rock and hamburgers.

Their smashburgers are tantalizing. I’d recommend a craft beer or milkshake with your dinner!

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