Lauren Anthony

From November until February, the beaches of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KZN transform into a stage for the leatherback and loggerhead turtles, who crawl ashore under moonlight to lay their eggs in the sand. This is an ancient ritual that’s been playing out here for more than 60 million years. And there’s no better place to experience it than St Lucia, the laid-back little town perched right inside the park itself. Think unspoiled beaches, hippos wandering through the streets (do watch out!), and nights spent watching stars (and turtles) on some of the most pristine stretches of sand in South Africa. Fast facts about Leatherback turtles They’re the largest sea turtles in the world, growing up to 1.8m long and weighing over 500kg. They can dive deeper than 1,000m, holding their breath for up to 85 minutes. Thanks to a unique leathery shell and clever body heating, they can handle icy waters that other turtles can’t. KZN’s turtle monitoring programme, launched in 1963, is one of the world’s longest-running conservation success stories. Where to see the turtles You can join guided Turtle Tours from St Lucia, taking you along the iSimangaliso coastline to witness nesting females and tiny hatchlings making their first dash toward the ocean (if you’re lucky!). Tours typically run between November and February, lasting around 6 to 8 hours, often at night when the beaches are quiet and the turtles feel safe.St Lucia Turtle Tour Safar

Not only has The Oyster Box officially earned South Africa’s highest hospitality honour - a 5-Star Premium grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) - but it’s also unveiled its heartwarming statue to commemorate its beloved resident cat, Skabenga. The 5-star grading is a first for KZN, making The Oyster Box the province’s only property to hold this elite status… and one of just 23 in the country. It’s yet another milestone for a hotel that’s long been synonymous with luxury hospitality for decades. Located along Umhlanga’s beautiful coastline, just 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box has grown from a humble seaside cottage in 1863 to a global icon in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Its individually styled rooms, lush tropical gardens, and legendary High Tea and Grill Room continue to draw guests from across the globe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Oyster Box Hotel (@theoysterbox) But nothing quite embodied the hotel’s character like Skabenga, the cheeky stray-turned-celebrity cat who called The Oyster Box home for 19 years. Known for lounging in the best sunny spots, photobombing guests, and charming snacks from diners, Skabenga became a symbol of the hotel’s warmth and whimsy. After sadly passing away earlier this year, the hotel recently immortalised Skabenga with a bronze statue created by KZN sculptor Sarah Richards, with his fan-donated collars preserved at the base. Guests ca

Durban’s Granny Grommets are proving that there’s no age limit for hitting the surf! Launched by Tania Kriegisch in August this year, the Granny Grommets in Durban have grown to include 26 enthusiastic silver surfers and bodyboarders who meet every Friday at 9am at the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.Tania says the concept started after she spotted a Facebook post for Nahoon Granny Grommets in East London, which she joined last year. “Into the sea I went, finding my groove after not being in the water for years. It was safe, comfortable, and, boy, did the bug bite!” she recalls. What started as a casual dip soon became a Friday morning ritual of laughter, camaraderie, and a good workout, finishing off with coffee, catching some rays, and chats on the beach.After relocating to Durban, Tania scouted the coastline and pitched the idea to the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. On the first day, three ladies arrived, but as Tania says, the smiles on their faces mirrored what she’d experienced in East London. Fast forward a few months, and the group has grown to 26 regular members, with numbers increasing weekly.   Tania Kriegisch / Granny Grommets Durban   “There are no rules!” She says the secret to the success is that Granny Grommets gives participants the freedom to play, with zero pressure, and loads of fun. She says whether you want to stay in the shallow water and catch the foamies, ride the big waves, sit this one out, join for coffee, leave early, or come back in… ‘you do you’. Th

Durban truly is the hottest place to be this summer – in all senses! The city has turned up the heat this holiday season with the launch of its sizzling new campaign, 'Visit Durban: Endless Waves of Tranquillity', which officially gets underway this month.The campaign, launched at the scenic Isithumba Village in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, highlights Durban’s readiness to deliver an unforgettable summer of entertainment and cultural adventures. A Durban summer to remember Durban’s beaches and tourism precincts are being primed for the festive rush, with the city set to welcome holidaymakers looking to cool down on the coast. While Durban Central missed out on Blue Flag ratings, the KZN North and South Coasts scooped 12 full Blue Flag beaches, six Pilot Blue Flag beaches, and two Green Coast sites – a new programme that celebrates natural, less-developed coastal areas that promote nature-based tourism.There are also lots of enhanced safety measures in place. Expect more lifeguards on duty, trained child minders along the beachfront, and smart policing technology - including CCTV and bodycams - to keep you safe. Metro Police and SAPS will maintain high visibility throughout the city’s major hotspots, ensuring peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday.The entertainment lineup is as bright as the Durban sunshine, featuring the Dubane Summer Break, INK Kasi Experience, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, and Durban Fact Rocks, among others. The 2025/26 cruise season, which has just launche

The warm evenings and glowing Durban skyline are the perfect way to end your workday this summer - and the Twilight Sailing Series is back to help you experience just that. The first race of the season set sail last week, led by Bellissima, whose crew made sure Halloween didn’t go unnoticed by tossing on bedsheets, sunglasses, and even hanging a skeleton named Clover off the boom mid-race. Why not mix a little mischief with maritime tradition?Hosted by the Point Yacht Club, the Twilight Sailing Series marks the official start of Durban’s summer sailing season, withharbour and offshore events planned for dinghies and keelboats of all sizes.The club’s 2025–2026 calendar is going to be absolutely action-packed, culminating in the landmark 50th anniversary of the MSC Week Regatta next July.There will be celebrations a-plenty as we mark the golden milestone for one of South Africa’s longest-running ocean races.Fresh from hosting the Marriott Mirror Worlds earlier this year, Point Yacht Club is already charting new horizons, including its 135th birthday celebrations in 2027 and the upcoming Flying 15 World Championships.There is so much on the go, so it’s well worth keeping your eye on the horizon. Welcome new sailors! New to sailing? No problem. The club has you covered with its latest ‘Bums on Boats’ initiative. This is a really fun, no-pressure way to jump aboard, meet the crew, and learn the ropes. Spectators and would-be sailors are both welcome. Where: Point Yacht Club, Durb

The Soul Sync Wellness Event gets underway on Saturday, 8 November 2025, promising a morning of deep rest, reconnection, and pure self-care at the lush Venue Fontana in Ilfracombe on the KZN South Coast.Hosted by The Guided by Grace Foundation, this half-day retreat (open to ages 16 to 100!) is all about slowing down and tuning in.Picture yourself surrounded by a eucalyptus forest, moving through breathwork, yoga, embodied journeying, and sound healing… all designed to bring you back to balance before the year wraps up.“Soul Sync is about coming home to yourself and remembering that safety and connection live within us,” says host Shez Rossouw of The Guided by Grace Foundation. What’s on the wellness line-up Breathwork & Somatic Experiencing with Shez Rossouw: Drop back into your body and truth. Soulful Yoga Flow with Jaime Prentice: Gentle movement to restore flow. Embodied Journey with Derryn Scott: A sensory experience reconnecting you with your inner wisdom. Sound Bath Healing with Samantha Ingle: Vibrations to calm the nervous system and quiet the mind. Between sessions, guests can graze on a nourishing harvest table, explore a conscious wellness market, and take home sponsored gift bags packed with local treats. The benefits of taking time out Yoga and meditation are like a reset button for your mind and body. Besides improving your flexibility and strength, yoga helps you tune into your body, easing tension and boosting energy levels. Pair that with meditation, and y

While in years gone by we would celebrate 5 November by lighting up the sky with fireworks, this year, nature is putting on its own show with the rise of the year’s second Supermoon at 7.34pm. This is the second and brightest Supermoon of 2025, and it’s set to light up the city like never before. It’s the perfect excuse to skip the loud bangs – Durban’s pets will definitely thank you!The Supermoon happens when the full moon swings closest to Earth in its orbit. This one passes just 357,000 kilometres away, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. According to the Durban Astronomical Society, you can enjoy the view from almost anywhere in the city, with no telescope required - just (hopefully!) clear skies and a comfy viewing spot. Join Durban's astronomers! While the Durban Astronomical Society isn’t hosting a public viewing this evening, they do host astro viewings on the Friday closest to the new moon. The next one is lined up for Friday, 21 November 2025, at 7pm at St Henry Marist College’s Observatory Dome (next to Entabeni Hospital). It’s free, family-friendly, and features some seriously cool telescope time with volunteer astronomers. Remember, these viewings are always weather-dependent, so check ahead!You can also become a member of Durban’s growing astronomy community with meetings held on the second Wednesday of every month, welcoming astronomy experts as guest speakers. There are also several events and star parties hosted by the Society throu

The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that fuel prices are dropping from Wednesday, 5 November 2025, just in time for road trips along the East Coast for some summertime fun.After a few months of price rollercoasters, things are finally looking up (or should we say down?) at the pumps. Oil prices hovered between $58 and $68 a barrel in October, while the rand held its own at around R17.30 to the dollar, which was just strong enough to help keep those prices in check.Here’s what you can expect to save:- Petrol 93 & 95: down by 51 cents per litre- Diesel 0.05%: down by 21 cents per litre- Diesel 0.005%: down by 19 cents per litre- Paraffin: down by 1 cent per litre- LPGAS: down by 61 cents per kgIt might not sound huge, but when you’re clocking up the coastal kilometres, saving more than half a rand a litre adds up! And you don’t want to miss out when Durban’s summer lineup is this good.With extra rands in your pocket, there’s no better time to plan a holiday in Mzansi’s favourite seaside playground. Road trip options around Durban From the KZN North to the South Coast, the Blue Flag beaches are sparkling and ready for swimmers.Durban’s events calendar is also sizzling with summer action. Highlights include the Dubane Summer Break, INK Kasi Experience, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, and Durban Fact Rocks.Feeling adventurous? Head inland to explore the Valley of a Thousand Hills, go on a cultural journey at Isithumba Adventure, meet some wildlife at Phezulu Safa

The long-awaited Blue Flag beaches have been announced! However, the city advises that even beaches without Blue Flag status are still safe for bathing – despite some false reports.While Durban Central missed out, the KZN North and South Coasts are celebrating being officially recognised for outstanding beach management and environmental excellence at the 2025/26 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards, held in Port Alfred on Friday, 31 October.The Blue Flag programme, run locally by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), recognises beaches that meet international standards for water quality, safety, facilities, and environmental education.The region, extending from North to South Coast, scooped 12 full Blue Flag beaches, six Pilot Blue Flag beaches, and two Green Coast sites – a new programme that celebrates natural, less-developed coastal areas that promote nature-based tourism.“Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols, they’re a promise. A promise of care, of commitment, of collaboration, of clean water, safe swimming, well-managed beaches, and a world-class coastal experience that celebrates South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage,” says WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, during her address. An award-winning coastline Among KZN South Coast’s standout achievers are Hibberdene Beach, holding Blue Flag status for 10 consecutive years, and Umzumbe Beach, recognised for 15 years of excellence. Photograph: ShamsHole in the wall natural rock