Road Trip Day 6 - Ushaka Sea World
Day 6 – I had returned to Durban specifically to visit the aquarium at Ushaka Sea World and I was not disappointed. The 'Ushaka' complex houses 'Wet 'n Wild', Kids World, Village Walk as well as 'Sea World. You can shop, eat and play here so ticket prices are on a sliding scale, I paid R105.00 for the aquarium (about £6.00). I spent most of the day looking around the aquarium and the dolphin and seal pools. There are also reptiles and other nasty things should you wish.
The aquarium itself is housed in a wrecked cargo vessel where the holds have been converted to giant tanks. In this fashion you can see many species interact with each other just as they would in the ocean. There are also individual tanks and displays which are both informative and entertaining. I watched the feeding of the sharks as it was explained that, normally, they will only eat once a fortnight. There is a restaurant in the stern where you can observe the fish whilst you eat but I preferred to wander around then partake of the buffet lunch on the main deck, about R90.00 as I recall. The seals tell the story of the disaster plastic waste is to marine life and the benefits of recycling, entertaining with a point!
I had woken to see a game of bowls being played outside the hotel, as
there are two clubs in Port Alfred I must assume that this is still popular amongst the ex-pats, strolling along the beach I come across the sports and activities which attract the younger generations and I wonder how long such traditional activities will survive in the changing face of South Africa.  |
| The oldest pub in Durban |
I wandered along North Beach, had breakfast, and continued along South Beach taking some photographs of monuments which I had passed on the Ricksha City Bus Tour and some which I missed. On the map and bus tour the Ushaka centre seemed much closer so I was quite exhausted by the time I reached it. Refreshment from the café as you descend into the depths of the aquarium soon cured that. Guess what, you can by photographs of yourself super-imposed on the sea life here should you wish.
I toured the site and had a look around 'Village Walk' where you can buy almost anything and eat almost anything. Instead of walking back I chickened out and caught a taxi to the hotel from the rank outside (R60.00 inc. tip). I was really pleased that I had returned to Durban to spend an afternoon at the aquarium and I think that it is a 'must see' for any visitor.
Dinner that night, a curry of course!
Comments
Post a Comment