Attractions
NOW OPEN: Museum of Illusions Durban
Durban showed up — and reality was officially turned upside down.
The highly anticipated opening of the globally renowned Museum of Illusions Durban at Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Saturday, 25 April 2026 was met with overwhelming excitement, as Durbanites arrived in full force to experience one of the world’s most fascinating attractions.
From families and friends to content creators, curious minds and thrill-seekers, visitors packed the museum from day one, eager to step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. With queues of excited guests and social media flooded with reactions, it was clear that Durban was more than ready for the illusion experience.
Already a global phenomenon with locations in cities including Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, New York and Dubai, the Durban opening marks another major milestone in the brand’s expansion across Africa. With successful museums already operating in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the Durban location further cements South Africa as a key destination in the Museum of Illusions’ global network.
From defying gravity in the Tilted Room to multiplying themselves in the Cloning Table and stepping into the hypnotic Infinity Room, visitors fully embraced the hands-on nature of the experience. Forget quiet museum rules, this is a space built for play, curiosity and unforgettable moments.
“The response from Durban has exceeded all expectations,” says Mark Collie, owner of Museum of Illusions South Africa. “From the moment we opened our doors, the energy has been incredible. Seeing families, friends and visitors of all ages engage with the exhibits, laugh, learn and share the experience together is exactly what the Museum of Illusions is all about. Durban has truly embraced us, and we’re excited to become part of the city’s entertainment landscape.”
Built around its signature “edutainment” philosophy, the museum blends science, art and immersive entertainment in a way that appeals to both kids and the young-at-heart. Whether it’s a family outing, a memorable date, a team-building activity or simply content worth sharing, the Museum of Illusions offers an experience designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity.
Located inside the iconic Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the museum also caters for birthdays, school trips, corporate events and group bookings, making it a versatile new entertainment destination for KwaZulu-Natal.
With an incredible opening weekend setting the tone, the Museum of Illusions Durban is set to become one of the city’s must-visit attractions.
The museum also caters for birthdays, school trips, corporate events and group experiences, making it a versatile venue for a wide range of occasions.
The Museum of Illusions Durban will be open 7 days a week, Mondays to Thursday from 9am – 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 9am – 10pm and Sundays and Public Holidays from 9am – 7pm.
Tickets will be available online and at the door, although advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Author: Shelley
Animation Festival returns alongside Comic Con Cape Town 2026
The two shows have been sister festivals since the launch of Comic Con Cape Town in 2023, consistently bringing engaging workshops and practical educational content to the tens of thousands of fans walking through the Con’s doors annually, this year from 30 April to 3 May at CTICC 2.
CTIAF is reportedly the largest dedicated African Animation Festival on the continent, and it is all about celebrating the art of animation and helping the next generation of animators to learn, grow, and up their skill sets.
The festival has hosted Academy Award-winning artists and directors, sparked co-productions, and helped launch projects that became worldwide successes. It’s a natural fit with Comic Con, which aims to shine a spotlight on local talent, and to uplift local artists and creators.
Cape Town continues to make its mark on animation globally – think Sunrise Studios’ box office hit David – and Comic Con Cape Town attracts fans, teenagers, and adults who want to explore these creative industries and learn how to make a career in them.
CTIAF is the opportunity to start to learn more about what it means to work in animation, and the festival has its own workshop zone at Comic Con Cape Town in 2026.
“This initiative is about access and inspiration,” says Shani Campbell, academic head of The Animation School. “By partnering with top-tier animation schools and bringing this programme to Comic Con, we’re opening doors for young creatives to explore careers in animation and storytelling.”
Says Cameron Lawry of SAE Institute, “Whether aspiring artists are picking up a pencil for the first time or already experimenting with digital tools, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired in an exciting, immersive environment.”
These CTIAF workshops and screenings are included in a Comic Con Cape Town ticket. One screening and two workshops will take place daily at the Con in Hall 8 at the CTIAF stage.
In collaboration with educational institutions SAE Institute South Africa and The Animation School, the programme offers hands-on learning experiences designed specifically for ages 12 to 18.
Author: Shelley
Just one hour outside of Durban, the Midlands Meander feels like a completely different world. Rolling green hills, misty mornings, slow drives, and the kind of quiet that forces you to breathe deeper and be present. It’s a place where time slows down, where you notice the little things; the smell of coffee drifting through the air, dogs lazing in the sun, rain tapping softly on the windows, and landscapes that feel grounding and restorative.
This is exactly what inspired The Magic of the Midlands, a digital series celebrating everything that makes this region so special, across the seasons. From where to eat and play, to where to stay, this guide highlights some of the best experiences we enjoyed during our Midlands Meander escape.
You too can plan your perfect ‘Magic of the Midlands’ escape by downloading the Midlands Meander App, your on-the-go-guide to the Midlands Meander.
Click here to download for IOS – Apple App Store
Click here to download for Android – Google Play Store
EAT
Home Slice Café
Located inside one of the original mushroom tunnels at The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick, Home Slice Café is quirky, welcoming, and an absolute must-visit.
They serve Bluebird Coffee and offer outstanding all-day breakfast options made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are picked straight from the community garden on the farm.
Other highlights:
- Free WiFi — perfect if you need a work-from-home moment
- Pet friendly, with the owners’ dogs happily wandering in and out and settling at your feet
It’s the kind of place you arrive for a coffee… and end up staying for hours.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Homeslicecafekzn
IG: @home_slice_cafe
Bite Society
Located in a gorgeous corner building at The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick, Bite Society is a tapas and pizzeria spot that truly captures the heart of the Midlands.
They serve wood-fired pizzas and tapas that are simple, honest, and packed with flavour. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared and incredibly satisfying.
The space itself is full of country charm, with shabby-chic decor, vintage mismatched pieces, and a warmth that makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. It’s personal, community-driven, and incredibly special.
Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere, and a place that brings people together — a Midlands gem.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Bite-Society-61574810636533
IG: @bite_society_
Skyfall Restaurant
We were treated to a three-course lunch at Skyfall Restaurant located inside Brahman Hills, and it was perfection from start to finish.
Elegant in style and set against sweeping views of the Brahman Hills Legacy Garden, the atmosphere is calm, refined, and unhurried, the kind of place where you’re encouraged to linger and truly enjoy the experience. The service was warm, attentive, and seamless throughout.
To start, we ordered the confit pork croquettes, which were plated with incredible precision and attention to detail. They looked beautiful and tasted just as good, crisp on the outside, rich and flavourful inside. Another standout starter (and our favourite) was the beef trinchado, deeply flavourful, comforting, and made with beautifully tender meat.
For mains, we shared the tallow-aged fillet of beef, served with a roasted bone marrow that added incredible depth and richness to the dish. The fillet was cooked perfectly medium, exactly as requested, and finished with a creamy pepper sauce that tied everything together beautifully.
We also enjoyed the herb-crusted rack of lamb, which paired perfectly with a bottle of red wine and was cooked to perfection.
Dessert was just as memorable. We tried the chocolate lava as well as the trio of gelato, featuring berry, Belgian chocolate, and hazelnut flavours, all absolutely incredible and the perfect way to end the meal.
This experience alone is worth the drive to the Midlands. A stroll through the gardens, followed by a leisurely lunch at Skyfall makes for the ultimate day trip.
Give them a follow:
FB: @brahmanhills
IG: @brahmanhills
Terbodore Coffee Bar
Primarily a coffee bar, Terbodore Coffee Roasters are all about exceptional coffee done properly. Alongside their smooth, consistently excellent brews, they also offer a selection of fresh pastries and on-the-go snacks, making it the perfect pit stop whether you’re travelling through or settling in for a slower morning.
After 18 years in Curry’s Post, Terbodore Coffee Roasters has relocated its coffee bar and roastery to the picturesque town of Howick, marking an exciting new chapter for this much-loved Midlands brand. Their new home at 70 Main Road, Howick, feels fresh and contemporary while still retaining the warmth and quality they’re known for.
With a roastery onsite and WiFi available, it’s also a great option for working remotely while enjoying really good coffee.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Terbodore
IG: @terbodorecoffee
Wedgewood Midlands Emporium
If you’re in the Midlands, a visit to the Wedgewood Midlands Emporium is non-negotiable.
We visited their emporium located in Piggly Wiggly, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Known for serving the best ice cream in the Midlands, this stop delivers on every level.
Luxurious, indulgent, and completely unforgettable, the ice cream is unmatched. Add incredible service and the rich history of the brand, and you’ve got a stop you’ll return to again and again.
Give them a follow:
FB: @wedgewoodnougat
IG: @wedgewoodnougat
PLAY
Stockowners Outdoor Park
Stockowners Outdoor Park is a fantastic space for couples, families, and anyone looking to play, relax, or do a bit of everything.
Facilities include:
- Café
- Driving range
- Cricket nets
- Pump track
- Motocross & enduro tracks
- Jungle gym & mini zip line
We tried the driving range, grabbing a bucket of 50 balls — and as a couple who doesn’t play golf, we had the best time.
Targets and appliances are set up in front of you, turning it into a fun challenge rather than a serious game.
Rain or shine, this is a great stop, with plenty of fresh air to enjoy.
Give them a follow:
FB: @therangeatstockowners
IG: @stockowners_outdoor_park
Karkloof Canopy Tour
The Karkloof Canopy Tour is a bucket-list experience we cannot recommend enough.
You zipline through the second-largest indigenous forest in Southern Africa, which already makes this adventure incredibly special. The day we went was misty, grey, and drizzly, and honestly, it made the experience even more magical. Think ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ vibes as you glide above treetops wrapped in fog.
The tour is a 2-hour adventure made up of 10 zip lines, guided by highly experienced and professional guides who make you feel completely safe from start to finish.
Good to know:
- Suitable for ages 6 years and older
- Maximum weight limit: 130kg
- Don’t let “bad weather” scare you off, cooler temperatures and moody scenery only add to the magic
With breathtaking views, an immersive forest setting, and an unforgettable sense of adventure, this is a 10/10 experience and a must-do when visiting the Midlands.
Give them a follow:
FB: @karkloofcanopy
IG: @karkloofcanopytour
Brahman Hills Garden Tour
The Brahman Hills Legacy Garden is truly spectacular.
Built and established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, the gardens are the result of teamwork, creativity, and resilience. When tourism came to a halt, staff worked together to create something extraordinary.
We did a guided tour with Abongile, who shared his personal journey in helping build the gardens, along with fascinating insights into the flora and fauna.
Highlights include:
- The breathtaking Grotto, where you go underground to view a statue of Medusa — eerie, mystical, and unforgettable
- Sculptures and art scattered throughout the gardens
While you can explore the gardens on your own, we highly recommend opting for the guided tour. Hearing the stories and context behind the gardens adds so much depth and appreciation to the experience and truly brings the space to life.
Entrance to the gardens is only R90 per person (if you’re not making use of any of the other facilities), and we would 100% recommend even doing this as a simple day trip, enjoying a leisurely garden tour followed by lunch, just as we did.
Give them a follow:
FB: @brahmanhills
IG: @brahmanhills
STAY
The Old Mushroom Farm
We stayed in one of The Old Mushroom Farm’s boutique apartments, and it was nothing short of exceptional.
The apartment comfortably sleeps four guests, with one king bed and two single beds, making it ideal for couples, friends, or a small family. One of our favourite features was the cosy nook, perfect for slow mornings with coffee, reading, or simply switching off.
A clever and thoughtful setup allows for the best of both worlds:
- Bed & Breakfast at the onsite Home Slice Café, or
- Self-catering, thanks to a fully equipped kitchen in the apartment.
The decor is vintage-industrial, with high ceilings, beautiful natural light, and so much character. The apartments are refurbished storage units from the original mushroom farm, which adds to the charm and history of the space.
The best part? You don’t even need to leave the property. With a coffee shop (Home Slice Café) and restaurant (Bite Society) onsite, all your meals are covered from breakfast through to dinner.
Super comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and full of soul, this is a must-stay in the Midlands.
Give them a follow:
FB: @theoldmushroomfarmkarkloof
IG: @theoldmushroomfarm
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
