England’s tour of South Africa takes the Cricket team to Durban for what promises to be a hot and humid Christmas! With the 1st Test, which takes place at Kingsmead Stadium, running from Boxing Day to the 30th December we thought we’d share insider ideas for passing time in this part of the world.
Durban at night. © Image & Design Ian Halsey MMXV CC BY-NC 2.0
The Beach
For Brits, heading to the beach on Christmas Day is sure to be a surreal experience, more so if you head to a Durban beach as it gets packed with locals during this holiday period. Those in the know suggest avoiding the beaches altogether, but we guess it is horses for courses, and maybe you might enjoy that kinda thing.
Behold: the inevitable cliché by Tyler Yeo CC BY 2.0
The Food
Most places are closed on Christmas Day, but you can still find a few choice eateries open. The Rainbow Terrace Hilton Restaurant, Cosmopolitan Restaurant and The Oyster Box are all top choices – to discover more about menus and what is available where visit The Durban Food Blog. However you may find places have been booked up way in advance, in which case speak with your accommodation provider who may be able to help you find something less well known, or they may even extend an invite to their own festive celebrations.
The Activities
- Whale and dolphin watching from Wilson’s Wharf
- Catamaran trip
- Scuba diving at the Aliwal Shoal – about an hour drive from Durban
- Tala Game Reserve – about a half hour drive inland
Durban 2012 – 12 by Brent De Vries CC BY-NC 2.0
The Match
Kingsmead Stadium in Durban is home to the Boxing Day test match whenever the Test Series is played in South Africa. In 2015 it runs from Saturday 26th to Wednesday 30th December before cricketing fun moves on to Cape Town. England fans will no doubt have all their fingers crossed as England were beaten 2-0 at home when the two countries last met in a Test series in 2012. For more information about what to expect visit the EBC website.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
Whether this is the only trip you’ll make all year, one of many, or you plan to visit Durban while you are already travelling – we have a great value comprehensive travel insurance option for you. Visit WorldwideInsure.com to find out more.