Lauren Anthony

Looking for something different to do this Heritage Month? The KZN South Coast is packed with cultural gems that offer a deeper look at the region’s history, heritage and communities. We asked South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) to share some of the area’s best heritage experiences. Their nine recommendations span everything from township tours and cultural villages to 4x4 trails and cave explorations. Here’s what made the list. Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban🍽 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban📢 Latest news from Durban

A particular kind of panic arrives when exams are approaching, and the syllabus still seems impossibly long. You know you should have started earlier. You know there’s more to learn. And suddenly, the thought of everything that still needs to be done makes it even harder to sit down and begin. But according to Hilton-based educational psychologist Terry Shuttleworth, feeling that you have ‘left it too late’ doesn’t mean you have no options. The key is to stop trying to solve everything at once. Disclaimer: Terry Shuttleworth is an educational psychologist based in Hilton, KZN Midlands, working with adolescents and young adults on emotional regulation, neurodivergence and trauma, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and somatic-based approaches. Shuttleworth was consulted by Time Out as an independent psychologist and was not commissioned or compensated for comment. Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban🍽 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban📢 Latest news from Durban

Whether you’re writing trials, preparing for matric finals, or a university student getting ready to write life-changing exams, we’ve got your back! Time Out Durban chatted to KZN-based educational psychologist Terry Shuttleworth to get some helpful tips for exam prep – as well as what NOT to do! Here’s a look at the study mistakes almost everyone makes, and how surprisingly easy they are to avoid. Disclaimer: Terry Shuttleworth is an educational psychologist based in Hilton, KZN Midlands, working with adolescents and young adults on emotional regulation, neurodivergence and trauma, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and somatic-based approaches. Shuttleworth was consulted by Time Out as an independent psychologist and was not commissioned or compensated for comment. Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban🍽 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban📢 Latest news from Durban  

It’s one of our favourite times of the year again…International Dog Day! Celebrated every 26 August, this is an important day to appreciate that special bond you have with your canine companions. It’s also the perfect chance to remind everyone about the furry friends still waiting for safe, loving homes in rescue centres around Durban.  Don’t worry, you don't have to adopt to make a difference. There are so many great rescue organisations in Durban and across KZN doing vital work to rescue, rehabilitate, sterilise, foster and rehome dogs. We just want you to support them in any way you can! In honour of International Dog Day, here are some organisations worth supporting if you want to help a dog go from the waiting list to a forever home.  This guide was written by Lauren Anthony, a KwaZulu-Natal-based lifestyle writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guidesare written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.    Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban🍽 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban📢 Latest news from Durban  

Durban isn’t just a top holiday destination, it’s a pet-lover’s paradise too. From breezy beachfront cafés to countryside pubs with dedicated doggy menus, KZN offers plenty of spots where your furry companion is just as welcome as you are. So hook the leash, pack the treats, and plan a day trip with your favourite travel partner. Great food tastes even better when shared with someone who never judges your order and is always happy to see you. Basic etiquette While you may love and adore your pets, not everyone around you will feel the same. Being mindful and considerate of others sharing the space is essential. Most restaurants enforce a "leash-only" rule, so be sure to follow it at all times. Always clean up after your pet and remember to bring waste bags with you. But, without further ado, here are some of Durban and surrounds' paw-approved pitstops to raise the woof… TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban😋 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban

Who can resist a good market? Great deals, a wide variety of choices, locally made goods and food, live music, and a strong sense of community – all without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Durban is home to a vibrant market scene, perfect for slow weekends and a bit of retail therapy.  Whether you're spoiling yourself or shopping for someone special, we've rounded up some of the best markets in the 031 to explore. 

Can you feel it? It is here! While the World Cup didn’t get off to a sterling start for South Africa, as we once again played Mexico in the opener (we miss you, Shabalala!), that 2010 buzz is resonating as football fever takes hold. Bafana Bafana came crashing out of the tournament after co-host Canada beat them with an extra-time goal. Despite a historic end to a 16-year dry run, it was not meant to be for our boys.  Still, the 2026 tournament action continues. From beach bars and buzzing pubs to cosy Midlands firesides, here’s where you can catch every goal, upset and dramatic penalty shootout up until 19 July.  This guide was written by Lauren Anthony, a KwaZulu-Natal-based lifestyle writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

While the rest of South Africa is layering up and scraping ice off windscreens, Durban is doing what Durban does best in winter: getting out and enjoying this epic city.  Because we all know, winter is when Durban truly comes alive! With school holidays starting this week, the province is expecting one of its biggest winter tourism seasons yet. According to the latest Winter 2026 Tourism Forecast, more than 920,000 visitors are expected to travel to KwaZulu-Natal between 26 June and 20 July, generating close to R1.9 billion in tourism spend. "The projected increase in visitor numbers and tourism spend is a strong indication that KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa's most attractive destinations," said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi. What are you waiting for?   Check out these epic events taking place in Durban and surrounds this winter!  This guide was written by Lauren Anthony, a KwaZulu-Natal-based lifestyle writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guidesare written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

If you grew up in KZN, you’ve likely spent at least one childhood holiday riding horses, hiking, and swimming in streams found within the dramatic Drakensberg mountains. If not, then this is your sign to pack your bags and head for the hills, because the Drakensberg is unmatched in scenic beauty and outdoor fun! Speaking of packing, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a one-day hike in the Drakensberg. Must-pack items: Water bottle Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes A warm jacket and waterproof clothing (mountain weather changes fast) Sunglasses First-aid kit Torch or headlamp, with extra batteries Nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy up Navigation tools: a mobile GPS or compass, plus a map Power bank – better safe than sorry SPF Trekking pole(s) If you're camping overnight, add: Sleeping bag Toiletries Extra clothes and underwear – don’t forget thermals Tent and sleeping mat Plenty of food to last the duration of your trip Gas stove and necessary cooking accessories When is the best time to visit? It depends on what you’re looking for, but autumn (March–May) is generally the ideal time. During these months, temperatures are comfortably mild, skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the views are truly breathtaking. To make planning even easier, we’ve found a few Airbnbs near the Drakensberg that might be worth checking out. Click here to view. But without further ado, here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Berg (as we call it in KZN!): Time Out ma

When you think of Durban, what comes to mind? Golden beaches, warm weather, bold flavours? You wouldn’t be alone, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But this friendly coastal city has far more to offer than first meets the eye. From historic markets woven into the fabric of the city to Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, and local artists celebrating Durban’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems that make KwaZulu-Natal truly one-of-a-kind, there’s a deeper story just waiting to be discovered. And quite frankly, if Durban isn’t on your 'must-visit' list, seriously, what is wrong with you? And before you say it, no, we’re not being biased… well, maybe just a tiny bit. After all, we’ve got the official title to back us up: Durban was named one of Time Out’s Best Places to Travel in 2026. Whether you’re a curious local, a first-time visitor, or looking to impress at your next quiz night, here are 10 fun facts about Durban you might not know. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban😋 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban

Love books? Glenwood is the place to be this Heritage Weekend. The Glenwood Book Fair returns from 24 to 27 September 2026, bringing almost 60 literary and creative voices to four venues around the Durban suburb. The not-for-profit community event is organised by MYGLENWOOD, the Durban Book Club, Micromega Publishing, Fair Trade Events, and Glenwood Urban Improvement Precinct. The fair celebrates Durban’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature, encourages reading and writing, and promotes local publishing, particularly in indigenous languages. And the best part? Every literary session is free. READ: Durban Beyond the Beach: Come hungry to Mkhize Rooftop Four days, four venues The Glenwood Book Fair kicks off on Thursday, 24 September, with a programme aimed at children and young people at Umbilo Library at Bulwer Park. Look forward to hearing from children's authors, with some storytelling, music and dance thrown in. The opening day is presented in partnership with the Umbilo Library and Glenwood Urban Improvement Precinct. On Friday, 25 September, the fair moves to the Mazisi Kunene Museum, where the programme focuses on the life and work of South Africa's first poet laureate, as well as the importance of indigenous languages. The afternoon then moves to the KZNSA Gallery, where art and literature come together through discussions exploring the relationship between visual art and storytelling. The programme also includes The Durban Voice, bringing best-selling local au

For Durban-born culinary personality Yudhika Sujanani, food has always been about more than what’s on the plate! Now based in Johannesburg, she runs Yudhika & Company, a deli and cooking school in Fourways, and has just launched another book, Madame Curry: Feast, Pray, Love. The cookbook author, food entrepreneur, columnist, and television presenter recently returned to her hometown to host two sold-out cooking masterclasses on curries and baking. She took some time out to chat to Time Out Durban about the evolution of Indian food in South Africa and why some of our most important culinary traditions are found in the simplest dishes. Yudkhika SinghDurban-born Yudhika Sujanani has just launched her latest cookbook: Madame Curry: Feast, Pray, Love. READ: The KZN barista putting South African coffee on the global stage Durban food tastes like home Yudhika grew up in a South African Indian family where food was simply part of everyday life. She says it was only later that she realised those family meals were also a living record of history and migration. Her connection to Durban's food has only deepened through her travels. “Wherever I have travelled in the world, I have always searched for an Indian restaurant, simply because I miss home food,” she says. That search for familiar flavours has taken her to Indian restaurants in Sweden, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy and elsewhere. But while Indian food can be found across the globe, Durban's version remains uniquely its own. “For me,

Durban, it’s time to put your best hat forward for a cause that deserves so much attention. The third annual Durban #HatsOn4CPC Fun Walk takes place on Sunday, 11 October 2026 at the beachfront for a colourful 5km walk in support of children living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. Hosted by Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) in partnership with Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, the event forms part of the global #HatsOn4CPC campaign, which raises awareness of children’s palliative care. The global awareness day falls on Friday, 9 October, with the Durban walk two days later. READ: The best heritage and cultural experiences on the KZN South Coast It’s time to get those hats out   Ieva BrinkmaneIt's time to get colourful for a cause! You’re encouraged to arrive wearing your brightest, funniest or most creative headwear, from sunhats and sports caps to fascinators, bucket hats and elaborate handmade creations. There will be spot prizes after the walk for some of the most impressive hats. More importantly, the event shines a light on the need for better access to palliative care for seriously ill children in South Africa. PatchSA says at least one million children in South Africa live with serious life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses requiring specialised palliative care, while only around 5% are estimated to have access to the care they need. “Children's palliative care is about helping children live as well as possible for as long a

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Durban’? Our glorious beaches, of course. But we simply can’t take these coastal gems for granted. This Saturday (19 September) is International Coastal Cleanup Day and a good excuse to hit the beach with a rubbish bag and play your part. READ: Durban ICC wins big in Africa as KZN tourism businesses take home World Travel Awards What is the day about? Held annually on the third Saturday in September, International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) was launched more than 30 years ago. It’s now one of the world’s biggest coastal clean-up and litter data-gathering campaigns, with more than 17 million volunteers worldwide having removed approximately 160 million kilogrammes of rubbish from beaches and waterways since the initiative began. In South Africa, the focus has expanded into an entire week of awareness and clean-up activities through Clean-up and Recycle SA Week. READ: Durban’s Point Yacht Club launches its 135th sailing season Here are some ways you can get involved over the next few days. 1.    Durban North: Beachwood Mangroves Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, North Durban Honorary Officers, and KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers, in partnership with MUT, are inviting residents to a coastal clean-up at the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve themed ‘Sea the Change’. The clean-up is focused on removing litter while helping protect the mangrove habitat, which plays an important role for birdlife, marine nurseries and climate resilienc

For far too long, we’ve been forced to watch on Instagram as the rest of South Africa fell in love with Mondvol’s famous gourmet cookies. It’s Durban, we get it. We’ve come to accept that it’s just the way the cookie crumbles. But then Sean Paul went and added Durban to his tour lineup, and now renowned Cape Town cookie store Mondvol has added KZN to its pop-up map. Suddenly all the cookies are falling right into place.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Durban (@timeoutdurban) Mondvol is bringing its pop-up experience to KZN, with Kloof getting the first taste! This iconic brand is setting up shop at Spar, Kloof Village Mall, on Thursday, 17 September from 9.30am to 11.30am. So, Durban, it’s time we took a bite out of the action.   Facebook MondvolThis delicious cookie pop-up shop is coming to Kloof. READ: Heritage in flavour: Chef Thuladu Mngadi on the food that defines Durban From a crumb of an idea to a cookie empire It’s a story that proves sometimes the biggest things really can start with the smallest crumb of an idea. Mondvol was born in 2021, after founder Andriette Georgiou was retrenched during the pandemic. With little more than her Ouma’s Kenwood mixer, a love of baking, and a healthy dose of determination, Andriette began selling baked goods in her estate. Now that’s one clever cookie. This side hustle eventually grew into Mondvol, a female-led business selling its cookies across South Africa. From selling 38 Mondvol box

Looking for a Heritage Month experience that goes beyond the usual? The Botho Heritage International Festival returns to the Valley of 1000 Hills from 23 to 27 September, bringing African creativity, culture, storytelling and community to Wushwini Pan African Centre overlooking Inanda Dam. Now in its 12th edition, the festival is themed ‘Botho: I Am Because We Are’. “At a time when indigenous knowledge continues to face erasure, cultural practices are increasingly commodified, and communities are searching for meaningful ways to reconnect with their identities, Botho places culture at the centre of public life. The festival asserts that heritage is not static. It is dynamic, evolving and deeply connected to who we are and how we imagine our future,” says convenor Jerry Pooe. The programme brings together established and emerging artists, elders, young people, traditional and contemporary practitioners, and voices from Africa and beyond. READ: Durban’s Point Yacht Club launches its 135th sailing season Five days of heritage, art and celebration Each day of the festival has its own theme and focus, creating a programme that moves from ancestral remembrance and storytelling to fashion, movement, food and music. Shelley KjonstadThis Heritage Month, head to the Valley of 1000 Hills and experience a festival where heritage isn’t simply remembered…it’s lived. Wednesday, 23 September – The Invocation: Opening the Circle The festival opens by honouring those who came before, with a

South Africans travelling to the United States could face further visa restrictions under a new policy announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week. Announced on 15 September 2026, the policy targets those whom the US says are responsible for, or complicit in, laws or policies enabling uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, or the incitement of imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa. This comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Pretoria over South Africa’s domestic policies, including legislation addressing racial inequality and land reform. South Africa has repeatedly rejected the US administration's characterisation of these policies. READ: Africa is finally taking up its rightful space on the world map as UN resolution passes Who could be affected? It’s important to note that the new policy doesn’t impose a blanket visa restriction on all South Africans travelling to the US. Instead, the US says it will use Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict entry for foreign nationals considered responsible for, or complicit in, the specified policies or actions. The US State Department also says certain family members may be covered by the restrictions. However, they don’t provide a public list of individuals who are currently subject to the new policy. The Trump administration says it remains concerned about what it describes as “racially motivated crime and government-sponso

Durban is going places. This time, it’s Ethiopia and beyond! The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has announced that Ethiopian Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Durban and Addis Ababa from 11 December 2026. The new service, operated on a Boeing 737 MAX, is being welcomed by eThekwini Municipality and Durban Direct - the committee responsible for route development at King Shaka International Airport - as a significant boost for the city’s international connectivity. eThekwini Municipality spokesman, Senzelwe Mzila says, “We welcome the decision by Ethiopian Airlines to launch daily non-stop flights connecting Durban directly to Addis Ababa…by eliminating domestic layovers, this strategic route establishes an uninterrupted commercial corridor providing seamless global connectivity for more than 130 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.”   READ: The KZN holiday deals worth booking before they disappear A new international gateway for Durban The Durban-Addis Ababa service is expected to make international travel easier for both leisure and business travellers, while strengthening links between KwaZulu-Natal and global markets. From Addis Ababa, Durban passengers will have one-stop access to destinations including major cities across Africa, as well as international centres such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington. For inbound travellers, the route also creates a more conven

At Time Out South Africa, we make it our mission to help you find the best of your city - but this week it's hitting a bit differently. Right now, we can't do that without acknowledging that our country is living through a femicide crisis. Pretending it's not happening would be a failure of the job we've set ourselves, as local experts, to cover our cities in a real and trusted way. Our communities across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town are gathering and refusing to be silent. We're adding our voice by sharing this round-up of memorials and vigils taking place near you. We believe everybody deserves to move freely, and most importantly, safely! We encourage you to take action, remain aware, and support each other for a safer South Africa for all, especially women. READ: More than a moment of mourning: Where women can find support With that in mind, here are three events worth getting out and about for in Durban this weekend. The city is dressing up for the Durban Fashion Fair, getting cultured with European cinema and poetry, and bringing plenty of laughs with the Bafunny Bafunny comedy festival. And that’s really just to name a few. Whether your ideal weekend involves a runway, a racecourse, or Riaad Moosa, Durban has you covered. Here’s a look at what you can do in Durban this weekend. READ: Sean Paul is coming to Durban and, honestly, it’s nice to be included Weekend weather Friday Min: 17°C Max: 18°C Rain Showers Saturday Min: 16°C Max: 18°C Rain Showers Sunday

Feel like disconnecting from apps and reconnecting with people? Maybe with a little shopping and eats thrown in? Great! Because The Social returns with a weekend of shopping, food, entertainment, and community from 25 to 27 September 2026. And this time, the Durban lifestyle pop-up is moving indoors, taking over Hall 2 East & Central at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Themed Country Club, the pop-up is bringing together tennis, padel, golf carts and old-money-inspired glamour for what organisers are billing as the biggest edition yet. READ: Get out the popcorn, Durban, the European Film Festival is back! The rise of The Social The SocialThe Social is a chance to engage with people and products directly. At the heart of The Social is a simple idea: take the online shopping experience and make it something people can experience together. Event organiser Zohaib Osman says the event was created to give online businesses a physical platform while creating a space for Durban's community to connect. “In a world consumed by digital, The Social is where Durban logs off. We take the country's best online brands, the ones you've been double-tapping all year, and put them in one place, in person, for one weekend only. “We've grown from humble beginnings to an event that sees over 20,000 attendees in under a year, and Season 4 is our biggest event yet: 120 exclusive, premium brands at the Durban Exhibition Centre, with food, entertainment and an atmosphere you can't get through a screen.

We’re in for a wet couple of days, Durban.  eThekwini Municipality has announced that its Disaster Management, Fire and Emergency Services, Metro Police and other frontline teams are on high alert ahead of widespread heavy rain. A Level 6 Impact-Based Warning for disruptive rainfall has been issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The warning is in effect from midnight on Thursday, 17 September, until Friday, 18 September 2026. The forecast follows a week of unsettled weather in the city, including strong winds on Monday and localised flooding on the N3 on Tuesday. Facebook SAWSMotorists are warned to avoid travel where possible. Heavy rain could bring flooding According to SAWS, a strong ridging high-pressure system, a coastal low-pressure system and a cut-off low over the interior are expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall to KwaZulu-Natal.  Between 50mm and 150mm of rain is expected, with significant impacts along the KZN South Coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal over the next two days.  For Durban and surrounding areas, this could mean flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and residential areas, including informal settlements. Fast-flowing streams and deep water could also pose a serious risk, while localised damage to property, infrastructure and livestock is possible. Some communities could experience temporary disruption to essential services or access. The municipality says emergency response teams are positioned across the city and will

Do you know uMhlanga’s Peppermint Palace? For decades, it’s been a local landmark on Ridge Road, with that unmissable pastel exterior. Built in 1972, it has been one of the area’s most recognisable homes for generations – and those who drive past often wonder what’s behind those walls. Now, you can actually stay there! The iconic property has been lovingly renovated by its new owner, Jeannie Sarno, and transformed from a private residence into a luxury seven-bedroom boutique bed and breakfast, opening its doors to guests in August.  And while the interiors have been given a serious refresh, the ambition was never to erase the building’s past. READ: Sethembiso Zulu is turning KZN’s ancestral stories into a living archive From 1972 to today Peppermint Palace was designed by George Karpinski, and it was built in 1972 by Charles Gilbert.   Sue BarnesThe construction of Peppermint Palace in 1972.   “Since the time it was built, it has been a landmark not only to the area but also to the seamen out at sea,” says Jeannie. “The peppermint colour that is seen on the coastline is a definite beacon to any wanderer wanting to know where they’re currently at.” It began life as a residential home, rather than accommodation, and over the years has had a colourful history of owners and tenants. The house was built to entertain, fitted with a 16-seater cinema and, not too far, a bar fitted with wall-to-ceiling mirrors.   Peppermint PalaceThe original bathrooms when the Peppermint Palace wa