Blog Posts — WILL DRINK FOR TRAVEL

I decided to visit Durban because I've spent plenty of time in Cape Town and Johannesburg and thought it was time for me to see another part of my favorite country. South Africa's third largest city, Durban is a seaside oasis that has a feeling all its own.

About an hour flight from Johannesburg, I flew into Durban on a Friday and left on Monday. In my opinion, you only need about 3 days in the city. I did a city tour, which went to Victoria Market, Moses Mahbida soccer stadium, Botanic Gardens, City Hall and a few other historical sites. So, here's what I know and now sharing with you:

1. Outside of India, Durban is home to the largest Indian population.

People throw this fact around and I'm not exactly sure if it's true, but I would believe it if it is. South Africa is one of the most diverse places you'll go, but there was noticeably more Indians in Durban than in other parts of South Africa. That means there's traditional Indian cuisine everywhere!

2. Its major mall, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere.

This mall was huge! There's a variety of stores that we as Americans are used to and then there are lot of South African stores. There's no doubt you'll find what you're looking for when you come here. There are also several restaurants and bars to choose from.

3. You want to go out? Give Florida Road a try.

Florida Road is to Durban as Long Street is to Cape Town as Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. All of these places remind me of each other. There are bars and restaurants to choose from to either chill or turn up. The choice is always yours.

4. It's close to the Kingdom of Lesotho.

While in Durban, I took a day trip to neighboring country, Lesotho. Lesotho is actually within South Africa (same as Swaziland) so it was easy to get to. If you have the time, take a tour to Lesotho and cross another African country off your list.

5. Sorry to say, it's not as flashy as Johannesburg or Cape Town.

While I enjoyed my weekend in Durban, if based on time and money, I had to choose it over Johannesburg or Cape Town, I wouldn't. You know we keep it real here at Will Drink For Travel, so I don't want any angry emails from Durbanites in my inbox. It's a great city but I think South Africa's other flagship cities have a leg up on Durban.

I recently visited Victoria Falls for the second time this year and fell even more in love. Last time I visited I only saw it from the Zambia side (don't forget to watch our Will Drink For Travel video here!). However, Zambia and Zimbabwe share this (one of seven) Natural Wonder of the World, so I thought it only right I give the Zimbabwe side a chance. And I'm so glad I did.

From Zambia to Zimbabwe

I was an old pro at visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Since I was staying in the National Park at The Royal Livingstone, entry into the park was free for me. After visiting the Zambian side of the Falls again, we drove a very short distance from The Royal Livingstone to the Zambia Immigration Border. We got our passports stamped and exited Zambia. Easy breezy. We walked about a mile from the border post, across the bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe to the Zimbabwe immigration post.

Since I am American, I required a visa to entry the country, which for a day pass was a fee of $30. They stamped my passport and there I was! In Zimbabwe. It was about another half mile to the entrance of Victoria Falls. On a long hot day, I'm sure it'll seem like much longer.

*Pro-Tip: Be sure to carry water with you or you can purchase it from several stands on the way in the park. But trust me, you'll need it after all that walking.

Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

We arrived to the park and the fee was another $30 to enter. Once you step inside, you can hear the thunder of the Falls immediately. And the first sight of the Falls did not disappoint. The view of Victoria Falls was immediately stunning. As you continue to each of the view points, the view continued to get better and better.

After viewing both sides of Victoria Falls, I must say I'm more partial to the Zimbabwean side. You're able to see more of Victoria Falls and from what I hear, the water is always more full from that side no matter the time of year. It's very clear why Victoria Falls is nicknamed 'Mosi-oa-Tunya,' meaning 'the smoke that thunders.'

*Pro-Tip: Take a taxi back to the Zimbabwe Immigration Border Post. You've already done enough walking for the day! It should cost no more than $3 or k30.

Check out more pictures from my visit below.