This November we have focused on health, primarily men’s health since it is MO-VEMBER after all. In line with this, we’ve sat down and trolled the internet, called friends in for some ideas and compiled a list of places to go and things to do to get those heart rates up and thighs jiggling.
(Editor’s note: If you know of a spot which we’ve left off, please leave a comment below. We would really appreciate the feedback!)
1) Bike and Bean, Country Club Beach – Durban Beach Front
At Bike and Bean you can hire a range of bikes as well as beach equipment including body boards, umbrellas and a host of other awesome gear. Once you’re all-adventured-out, you can return to Bike and Bean for a steamy cuppa joe and order yourself a lekker guilt-free chow!
Website: www.bikebeandurban.com
2) Canoe or Mountain Bike along the uMgeni River or eNnanda Dam
You can hire canoes or mountain bikes from the Green Hub at the uMgeni mouth or the eNanda Adventure Centre on Inanda Dam. A guided canoe trip will set you back R115 per person. This includes your helmet, paddles, canoe and life jacket. You’ll need to bring your own food and beverages – and don’t forget to pack your sunblock and hats! Check out their website for more info.
Website: www.durbangreencorridor.co.za/explore/activities/sport
3) Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
If running on the streets is not your kinda thing, give this one a go. I haven’t been there since I was a kid, but I’ve fond memories. Located just past the Breakers hotel at the end of Lagoon Drive.
Website: www.durban-tourism.com/Umhlanga-Lagoon
4) Durban Promenade
An early morning walk to beat the summer heat along the promenade is always enjoyable and FREE. I often take a brisk walk with my Dad and have attempted a few morning runs in my hay-day. Suggestion: Leave your valuables behind as there are always a few ‘dodge’ people walking around.
5) Umhlanga Promenade
The spectacular views of the iconic red and white lighthouse at sunrise are well worth getting your lazy butt up early. It also makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie! The path is a lot more narrow in comparison to the Durban promenade, so be prepared to be stuck behind some slow-pokes at some point.
6) Ice Rink, Durban and Galleria
This is a fun way to get the heart rate up and to cool down this summer. With ice-rinks in Durban as well as at Galleria, we’re spoilt for choice! Both offer sessions at various times daily. At Galleria the entrance fee is R50 and skate hire R20. Durban’s Ice Rink prices range from R60 – R100. A DJ busts out some tunes on Friday nights as well for a vibier atmosphere! For more info check out their websites:
Durban: www.durbanicearena.co.za
Galleria: www.theicerink.co.za
7) Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
Sugar Rush Park is a family-focused destination, their goal: to promote a healthy lifestyle for the whole family – Granny and Gramps included! They have some great mountain biking and running trails on Holla Trails. They have a kids track as well as a toddler zone. All of this activity is sure to build an appetite and the Sugar Rush Café is sure to hit the spot offering brekkie and lunches! New additions to the park include rugby fields and a trampoline gym – the kids will definitely sleep well after a day spent here.
Website: www.sugarrush.co.za
8) Giba Gorge, Pinetown
Giba Gorge offers some epic mountain biking trails as well as an awesome track for those brave enough to give it a go! They have a lovely restaurant and now boast wood-cooked pizza from the Pizza Club and an all-time favorite of ours, Afro’s Chicken (hmmmm peri-peri with slaw and chips!). Guilt-free eating after your cycle.
Website: www.gibagorge.co.za
9) Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Kloof
Managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, this conservation area spans 584 ha of the Molweni and Knutu River gorges, offering various trails and picnic sites for you to enjoy! The trails are well marked and therefore suitable for self-guided walks. Be sure to select a route to suit your fitness level and take a picnic-style lunch – you don’t want to suffer from thirst and hunger by being ill prepared.
Website: www.kknr.org.za
10) Jump for Joy, Waterfall and Durban North
Get your bounce on at this indoor trampoline park! A major workout but super fun. The facility caters for all ages, just make sure you get your special socks!
Website: www.j4j.co.za
11) Park Run
The Park Run takes place every Saturday morning. The great thing about this run is you can do a fair share of walking and still complete within the hour. In KZN there are runs all over the province. Toti, Ballito, North Beach, Richards Bay, Shongweni, Umdoni, Umhlanga, Uvongo, Cannibals Cave, Dusi, Grey Goose, Ladysmith, Piggly Wiggly, Pongola, Thousand Hills and Winterton. If you find yourself at any of these locations and you’re feeling energetic, join the movement and enjoy an awesome morning run!
Website: www.parkrun.co.za
