Hi, I’m Deon from the Bluff in Durban.
Bluff IS BEST KNOWN FOR its climate, the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, watch dolphins playing in the surf or whales in the winter months close to shore. The Bluff is known for its great fishing spots, and excellent surfing conditions. The beaches are protected by shark nets and lifeguards on duty.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Cooper’s Lighthouse, with its beautiful red and white tower, or on top of cave rock which is also rated one of the best surf spots in the world, if you take a 20min drive to Stainbank you can have your picture taken at the castle where a guided tour is also available.
THE BEST early morning PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN OF the magnificent sunrise over the ocean at Netcoral Guest House.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS can be taken in and around the surrounding areas of the Bluff, as mentioned before, take a 20min drive to Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, where you will see Zebra, Impala and a wide variety of bird species, great for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and the reserve also has walking trails and an adventurous mountain bike track.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO explore the rock pools or bodysurf the waves, or when the tide is right, a walk through the mangroves in the Bayhead area. Or why not make a day of it and head to the Bluff Nature Reserve for some bird watching, or take in a game of golf which is set in a wetland conservation area with many different bird species on view.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO explore the many factory shops in the area, or do a bit of shopping at the local mall, and have something to eat at one of the local restaurants in the area. The Bluff also has some interesting landmarks and view sites for example Cooper’s lighthouse, the Millennium Tower, the Cutting and the old whaling station.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, BECAUSE of the wonderful Durban weather, the climate and ocean water temperatures make it a summer and winter holiday destination.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Netcoral Guest House; enjoy a delicious breakfast served hot or cold using fresh local ingredients.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST relaxing at Buccaneers which overlooks Brighton Beach.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS The Chicken Shack, TRY their Pizza or their tasty chicken dishes they are fabulous.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK would have to be a chip chow (same as a bunny chow except it has chips and curry gravy) mostly consumed after a good night out on the town.
MY FAVOURITE sundowner SPOT IS Moyo on the pier where you can watch the ships entering / leaving the harbour, the city lights along the golden mile at night while the sound of the waves crashing beneath you makes for an unforgettable experience.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY visiting the trendy eating and social experiences in the Florida Road area where cafes, restaurants and bars line the sidewalks. Or if you are feeling lucky, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is also an option for a good night out. You can also catch up with top South African Jazz bands at the Zulu Jazz Lounge at the historic Playhouse Complex.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, YOU CAN do a township tour or get to know the locals on the beach and enjoy some beach volleyball and touch rugby.
Bluff’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the unspoilt beaches and epic surfing conditions.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS go surfing and then enjoy a good South African Braai (BBQ) afterwards.
FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO Billy the Bums which is a 20mins drive away or if you don’t feel like driving, the local pubs in the area also have live music on certain nights.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO enjoy a long run on the beach during low tide whilst absorbing the fresh ocean breeze. Or for the ladies, why not enjoy a rejuvenating facial and massage at Glam Hair and Beauty.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY a bit of diving or snorkeling, at Garvies and Brighton beach the rock pools are in abundance just waiting to be explored. You can enjoy water sports that include kite boarding, surfing, body boarding and sea kayaking.
MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS to Brighton Beach with its awesome views of the warm Indian Ocean.
MY FAVOURITE veggie SHOP IS The Housewives Market with its wide variety of fresh produce.
MY FAVOURITE whale and dolphin WATCHING SPOT IS Netcoral Guest House, we have been lucky enough to have seen some spectacular whale activity over the years right on our doorstep.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN May and June, JOIN IN THE FUN when the sardine shoals arrive on our shores where there is much excitement with the fisherman and their nets, and the public getting involved with the hauling in of the big catch, truly a memorable experience.
MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS the old whaling Station, guided tours can be arranged.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Millennium Tower perched high on the end of the Bluff.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to take them to the beach to explore the rock pools, or bodysurf the waves, enjoy horseback riding on the beach a short distance away. Or a family picnic at the Stainbank Nature Reserve.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS to spend the day at the beach with family and friends and then enjoy a nice Bunny Chow (hollowed – out quarter loaf of bread filled with a curry of your choice), the Bunny Chow is Durban’s most famous dish, and can be found at almost any corner cafe.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, why not take a deep sea fishing charter from Durban Harbour and then after a long day fishing relax and enjoy a nice dinner and glass of wine at Buds on the Bay or African Peninsula which has spectacular ocean views from the deck.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE are Vervet monkeys taking a dip in the swimming pool.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS a trip to the Drakensburg which is a 3 hour drive away for some great scenery and fresh mountain air.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I recycle linen from the guest house and donate it to the underprivileged.
I Love Bluff BECAUSE it truly is the best kept secret.
Useful Bluff Links
- Bluff Attractions
- Bluff Accommodation
- Durban Accommodation
- Accommodation KwaZulu Natal
- Hotels in the KwaZulu Natal Province
Desirable Digits
Bluff Nature Reserve: +27 (0)31 469-2807
Buccaneers: +27 (0)72 593-8982
The Chicken Shack: +27 (0)31 467-9461
Moyo: +27 (0)31 332-0606
Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World: +27 (0)31 328-3000
Zulu Jazz Lounge: +27 (0)31 304-2373
Playhouse Complex: +27 (0)31 369-9596
Billy the Bums: +27 (0)31 303-1988
Glam Hair and Beauty: +27 (0)83 449-4591
