The lively suburb of Berea bordering the centre of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province is a highly sought after area where old money is present and remnants of a colonial past still visible. However, academics and young execs are drawn to this partly residential, partly commercial suburb. Berea incorporates learning centres, chic uptown streets and green areas.  

Both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban University of Technology are located in Berea as are the Greyville Racecourse, the Durban Botanic Garden and the Royal Durban Golf Club.

Shopping malls abound, the Musgrave Shopping Centre and The Atrium have all conveniences and facilities available and Florida Street is lined with fashionable boutiques, coffee houses, peppy restaurants and sedate art galleries.

Berea is a short distance from the CBD and Durban’s beach playground.

Things to do

If you enjoy horesracing, Greyville Racecourse is a fun day out. This racecourse is synonymous with the Durban July, South Africa’s most popular horse race where fashion takes centre stage.

The orchid house at the Durban Botanic Garden has a substantial collection of orchids stretching back to 1931. Also in the Garden is an interesting herbarium and ancient cycad plants that once stood alongside dinosaurs. A tea garden is on the premises.

A day visit to uShaka Marine World is a must. The theme park includes a Blue Flag beach, Africa’s largest dolphinarium and aquarium (sharks galore), restaurants, water rides and various other entertainment options for the family.

Watch a local production at the Stable Theatre, South Africa’s first black-owned playhouse and theatre company.

The Suncoast Casino is not just about gambling; the resort has a private beach with ongoing activities, movie theatres, a spa and over 20 restaurants on the premises.

Attempt the Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium – the largest swing in the world –on a 220m arc swing over the stadium.

Where to Eat

The Tong Lok in Musgrave is one of a chain of Chinese restaurants popular for their fresh sushi (and traditional meals) and fast service.

The name will have you smiling before you enter Dropkick Murphy’s, an Irish style pub that’s always buzzing. Modern interior, tasty fare and a good selection of craft and mainstream beers.

Green with Envy offers light succulent meals in their bright and airy restaurant. Colourful additions of fresh flowers add to the white décor.

Freedom Café located in the Colombia Roastery has a limited menu but all dishes are perfectly prepared to compliment the fantastic coffee and tea blends brewed on site.

If you love your food spicy, visit the House of Curries for their fantastic range of curry dishes. Local favourites are the chicken biryani and mini bunny chow.

Night Life

The super chilled Cubaña Havana Lounge in Berea is good for a few shooters while the resident DJ puts out toe-tapping Latino sounds.

The most happening venue in Berea, Hashtag Social Restaurant and Bar is where the cocktails flow and the locals party.

Musgrave Centre Rooftop night market is a popular Friday night venue for locals to grab a meal at one of the many stalls while listening to some soulful music. The expertly created crafts on sale make for good presents or keepsakes.

Where to Stay

The owners and staff at the various well-appointed lodgings in Berea want you to enjoy your time here and will make every effort to ensure it is time well spent.

Transport

Air The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, 35km from Berea.

Car There many car rental agencies in Durban city centre and at King Shaka airport, or you could order a rental online.

Taxis If you have the Uber app, call them for a ride. Otherwise contact one of the many metered taxis operating in Durban.

Did you know?

The Wood’s Cycad is the world’s rarest plant and one specimen is thriving at the Durban Botanic Gardens. The only wild Wood’s Cycad was discovered in the Ngoye Forest in KwaZulu-Natal in 1895 and the plant in the Gardens was cultivated from this discovery.

A novel method of travelling along Durban’s Golden Mile is a ride on a Rickshaw, first introduced to the city in 1893. It’s a Japanese invention, however, the Durban rickshaw has been given a local flavour, brightly decorated and drawn by a chanting Zulu wearing traditional dress.