Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Durban, South Africa http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Contemporary South African talent & classical and baroque sounds in Durban.

2011-10-28T16:34:00.000+02:00

■ South African band Freshlyground hits the road to celebrate 10 years of making some of the most popular music in the country. The Love No Hate tour includes two show-stopping performances in KwaZulu-Natal in November.

Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg, Thursday November 3 at 8pm.
Sibaya Casino, Durban, Sunday November 20 at 8pm. 
Tickets are R140 from Computicket.

■ The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra this week brings the spring season of its 2011 World Symphony Series to a close with a glittering gala finale. Internationally acclaimed South African mezzo-soprano Michelle Breedt joins the orchestra under the baton of Arjan Tien in an uplifiting evening of operatic highlights.

Patrons are encouraged to don black tie and evening dress for this glitzy event, which also serves to launch the orchestra's 2012 Summer Symphony Season. The audience is also invited to a celebratory party to be held in a marquee outside the City Hall after the concert.

Durban City Hall, Thursday November 3 at 7.30pm.
Tickets R40 to R180 at Computicket.

■ Before the classical music era there was baroque music, which is considered by some as the acme of musical history. The dominant form of the 17th century, baroque saw composers and performers using more elaborate musical ornamentation and developing seminal instrumental playing techniques.

Baroque music expanded the size, range and complexity of instrumental performance and it is that spirit that is celebrated by the Durban ensemble Baroque 2000, whose next concert takes place this weekend in the acoustically sublime Church of the Monastery in Mariannhill. It features as soloists three talented young musicians from KwaZulu-Natal.

Warren Vernon-Driscoll (tenor) sings arias from Handel's Acis and Galatea and Bach'sMagnificat. Samantha Goldblatt (soprano recorder) performs Vivaldi's Concerto for Sopranino RV 443. Summer, from Vivaldi's milestone work Four Seasons, is performed by William Chin (violin). The Concerto Grosso by Corelli is also on the programme.

Church of the Monastery, Mariannhill, Sunday October 30 at 3pm.
Tickets are R90 at the gate and booking is recommended. Tel: 031 312 5539 .

Durban to host the 2019 Rotary International Congress

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000+02:00

Durban has won the right to host the 2019 Rotary International Congress. “This convention is one of the most significant global conventions as it attracts delegates from more than 200 countries. Rotary International delegates aree committed to raising funds for worthy charities.

“This event is expected to generate well in excess of R150mn for the metropolitan area of Durban in terms of direct tourism spend. In addition it is a well known fact that business tourists often return as leisure tourists. They also very often as a result of a stimulating conference experience become ‘word of mouth ambassadors’ for a destination. Conferences increase delegate’s level of awareness of the host destination and ultimately contributes to them converting to the destination as a true leisure tourist.

Mr Nick Phillips, the head of the local Rotary Branch that chaired the committee responsible for putting forward this bid and who was informed of the fact that Durban had won the right to host this event stated that, “ Rotary has hosted an annual international congress for more than 100 years and this will be the first time it is hosted in Africa”.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge is situated an easy 7 min taxi ride from the Durban ICC.

Due to our location and quite relaxed atmosphere conference delegates give us thumbs up as alternative accommodation option. http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Sharks - Durban KZN

2011-10-24T21:04:00.001+02:00

Durban - Second-half tries from Springbok Rugby World Cup pair Tendai Mtawarira and Odwa Ndungane helped the Sharks, turn around a 10 point deficit to book their place in the Currie Cup final with 20-13 victory over the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.

INDABA 2011

2011-05-12T15:41:00.000+02:00

As Africa’s largest travel and tourism show, INDABA 2011 expected to attract some 13,000 delegates from across the continent and the globe.

This year’s event, which ran from 7-10 May at the International Convention Centre in Durban, comes on the back of a year which saw visitor numbers to South Africa increase the year before, with more than 8 million tourists arriving into the country, mainly for Soccer World Cup 2010.

Showcasing an array of southern African tourism products ranging from hotels and safari companies to transport and technology, INDABA 2011 introduced the INDABA TV platform and the South African Tourism digital touch table.

The theme for INDABA 2011 was “Playing Globally, Winning Locally”.

Once again Gibela Travellers Lodge welcomed a wide range of international and local Buyers and sellers. The Gibela INDABA family grows every year and its great to have the regulars returning year after year.

Be sure to connect with our little family by booking your bed way way ahead by emailing us on gibela@gibela.co.za.

Till 2012 - hope you all have plenty bums in beds and seats.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Guest Comments - August 2010

2010-09-07T12:41:00.000+02:00

Thank you so much for having me stay at Gibela. I love South Africa. Coming from Miami, this place is so different and interesting. I love it !! - Alexander USA

Thank-you for your hospitality in this wonderful place!! We loved to be at Gibela! Durban is a great city with a beautiful stadium and beaches. - Anne-Gerda, Paul, Paul jr and Lauriene NETHERLANDS

Had a great time! Just Lovely! ***** Norwegian Girls, Cecilie, Grethe & Hanne NORWAY.

We had a wonderful stay at Gibela's - thank you so much!! It was the nicest hostelwe saw ever since we arrived to South Africa - neat, tidy, pretty and welcoming. We will definately recommend it !!! Lena & Felix GERMANY.

Bellissimo Poste! Beautiful Place ! Chiorci & Rocco ITALY

Thanx for the hospitallity, compliments for the decoration. Very clean and nice situated ! It's in your blood. Good luck and I really recommend Gibela to everyone. Michel NETHERLANDS

I neede a place to soak up peace and quiet. Gibela is exceptional. Love the privacy provided. It feels like an oasis. Anita GEORGIA

Durban - Moyo

2010-09-02T07:54:00.000+02:00

The new Moyo is a glass restaurant at the end of the pier that stretches out from its parent at uShaka Marine World. This innovative bar and restaurant was stuck in the planning stages for more than a year, and when it was finally given the green light, there was a huge rush to get it ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In fact, it is almost impossible to find a venue that offers a better “Durban experience” than this one. At night, standing with your back to the pier, you have one of the best views along the city’s golden mile, stretching all the way to the Moses Mabhida stadium to your left. To the right, there’s the harbour mouth and along the beach, fishermen’s fires add a somewhat romantic touch - there’s a completely different night and day experience. From sunset until late, you can enjoy exotic cocktails served at both the bottom and upstairs bars. By day, you can have breakfast or stretch lunch well into the afternoon with a beautiful view along the beachfront and a chance to watch ships entering the harbour.

The vibe at night is hip and young - a spot where the upwardly mobile young set hangs out before heading for the clubs. It’s about chatting and laughing together over a drink before having a bite to eat.

The menu is tappas African-style – a set menu that is designed to suit a very small kitchen. There is no written menu, the selection is carried to the table on a platter and explained to you by your waiter.

The starters are served cold and include a range of snacky bowls containing biltong, dry wors, peppadews, olives, feta and spiced nuts. You can also choose from a sweet-and-sour beetroot salad, an egg briyani, a bean chakalaka and Moyo’s beef carpaccio.

Mains include deboned chicken wings, Moyo’s famous cheese samoosas (as well as the shrimp and meat variety), a selection of cigar-like appetisers with fillings (wrapped in a similar way to samoosas, but shaped like their tobacco counterparts). Each is crisp, freshly prepared and complemented with dips.

Flavourful lamb and chicken tajines provide ideal single meals for the not-so-hungry – or why not do something entirely different and order a selection of dishes to share around your table. As is traditional with Moyo, presentation is strikingly different and in this case each dish is creatively presented with flowers on plates.

And you don’t have to worry about your budget as dishes are priced between R19 and R30 each! Booking isn’t necessary as the staff complement are only too happy to accommodate walk-ins!

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

2010-05-13T12:05:00.000+02:00

WOW look at these amazing photos of the Durban stadium - a short 20 min walk from Gibela Backpackers Hostel in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
http://blog.grantpitcher.com/

Capacity: 70,000.
Altitude: Zero meters.
High winter temperature: 25 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) and 16 degrees C (62 degrees F) at night.
Population of city: 3,5 million.

Matches:
Germany vs Australia on June 13
Spain vs Switzerland on June 16
Netherlands vs Japan on June 19
Nigeria vs South Korea on June 22
Portugal vs Brazil on June 25
one second round match on June 28
one semifinal match on July 07

Inspired by the South African flag, this new 70,000-seat stadium features a 106-metre-high (348-foot) central arch whose two legs merge in a tribute to the unity of a once-divided country.

KWAZULU-NATAL WELCOMES INDABA 2010 DELEGATES

2010-05-06T09:47:00.000+02:00

INDABA is South Africa’s flagship travel trade show and in 2009 it was attended by more than 12 000 visitors from all over the world.

Indaba 2010 is the 31st Indaba to be hosted and Durban is celebrating the 21st time it has hosted this event. This years it takes place from the 8th to the 11th of May 2010, 33 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kick-off. Local and international journalists will see this exhibition as a stepping stone to the biggest event to ever hit our shores.

The importance of this years Indaba is that it is the last big event before the official start of the FIFA World Cup, its is the last opportunity to leverage from the global awareness that have been created by this football spectacular.

With regard to 2010 and with the spotlight fully on the country and the province of KwaZulu-Natal, all the tourism players will reassure visitors that KZN offers tourism experiences that are competitive with that of any of the world leading destinations.

Members of the international tourism trade will be hosted to educational trips around the province where they will get to taste the best of KZN. Delegates will sample some of the finest KZN cuisine and the culture of the people of KwaZulu-Natal .

With the introduction of the Emirates flights in October 2009, many of the Indaba delegates will experience a direct flight into Durban. This will further serve as a market platform for the Dubai-Durban Route.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge is proud to say that we will be hosting INDABA delegates and exhibitors this year from afar afiels as Germany.

30 may

2010-04-19T20:46:00.000+02:00

PMB to DBN = Comrades - - - Comrades + Sponsors = $ R - - - $ R = technology & turtles """ WATCH THIS SPACE """

Ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary II has docked in the Durban Harbour

2010-03-23T11:30:00.000+02:00

AA Awards

2010-03-19T12:52:00.000+02:00

GIBELA BACKPACKERS LODGE is a FINALIST In the 2010 AA Travel Guides and American Express Accommodation Awards In the category: Backpackers Accommodation. http://www.aatravel.co.za/accommodation/gi3247_gibela_backpackers_lodge.html

YouTube - SouthAfricanTourism's Channel

2010-03-12T09:07:00.000+02:00

YouTube - SouthAfricanTourism's Channel

Gibela Backpackers Lodge

2010-03-11T12:15:00.000+02:00

Està a punto de descubrir un estilo contemporáneo de backpackers, diseñado para ofrecerle una estancia agradable en la ciudad más “cruci-cultural” de Sudáfrica.
Este lodge, tranquilo y con mucho estilo, es propiedad de un antiguo guía y experimentado viajero que tambien lo dirige.
Sus semejantes recibirán acertados consejos y recomendaciones de gran utilidad a la hora de viajar al igual que podrán disfrutar de un gran confort en una maravillosa y relajante atmósfera.

Nuestra situación:
Gibela Backpackers Lodge. Está perfectamente situado en la zona residencial y segura de Morningside. Desde aquí se puede acceder perfectamente andando a la zona de ocio de Durban: Florida Road, donde encontrarán variedad de restaurantes, pubs, cafeterías y bares (consulten nuestra lista de “what’s hot”). Además a sólo unos pasos de la entrada principal de Gibela, se situa una tienda de alimentación, una oficina de correos y un “auto-teller”.
También se puede ir caminando hasta los Jardines Botánicos, las playas Golden Mile, las oficinas de cambio y tiendas de las famosas marcas de ropa especializadas en surf-gear.
Estamos dentro del recorrido de la red de transportes urbanos que os pueden dejar cerca de museos, cines, mercado indio y Mezquita Jam en menos de 10 minutos en autobús desde el hostal.

Comodidades y limpieza: Lo que dicen nuestros invitados:
• si hay hostales en el cielo – serán como el GBl
• habitaciones, camas y duchas son lo máximo
• Definitivamente un peldaño por encima de todos los demás
• Una decoración llena de encanto y muy acogedora : limpieza absluta de todas las facilidades
• El mejor y el mejor dirigido de todos los hoteles en los que nos hemos alojado en Sudáfrica
• Gracias por el hospedaje tan relajante y tan cómodo en el mejor hostal de los que he estado
• No supone ningùn problema estar lejos de casa cuando estás hospedado en un lugar tan bonito

Apreciamos la importancia de tener comodidades limpias, nos aseguramos de que todo lo esté. En este hostal está prohibido fumar.

Las comodidades ofrecidas por Gibela incluyen:
• Sábanas, almohadas y nórdicos (toallas en habitaciones privadas) gratis
• Café y té gratis todo el día
• Desayuno gratis (cereales, yogur, pan y cosas para untar, té, café, zumo de frutas y frutas)
• Intercambio de libros – montones de libros y revistas gratis
• Mapas de Durban & KwaZulu Natal + consejos
• Depósito de equipaje gratis
• Uso de la cocina moderna, limpia y completamente equipada para cocinar usted mismo.
• Parking gratis para coche y bici
• Consulta libre de todas las guías de todo el mundo
• Habitaciones decoradas al estilo Zulú Zen luminosas y limpias
• Cuartos de baño modernos y limpios con agua caliente las 24 h
• Patio acogedor y cómodo al estilo Indio Bohemio
• Internet, P.C. con lectores de tarjetas de memoria y teléfonos públicos
• Secador y plancha – si lo solicitan

Gibela cuenta con 4 habitaciones de dos camas, 2 dormitorios de 4 camas y 2 dormitorios de 6 camas.
Hay 4 cuartos de baños en el hostal con 6 duchas y 5 W.C.
Nuestras habitaciones están aseadas y bien equipadas con camas cómodas, ventiladores en el techo y amplios espacios para las mochilas.

INFORMACIÓN
Sumérjase en la cultura, la historia y la naturaleza del país! Nosotros le proporcionamos INFORMACIÓN de todos los puntos de interés en Sudáfrica:
Qué ver y qué hacer
Dónde alojarse – reservas de alojamientos en Parques Nacionales
Cómo llegar a ellos
Reservas de billetes de autobuses, trenes y aviones
Excursiones de 1 o más días
Nuestro personal le dará los consejos necesarios para circular de la mejor manera por la ciudad – incluyendo visitas guiadas, museos, restaurantes y eventos puntuales.

Durban es un lugar especial. Nosotros en Gibela deseamos compartir la experiencia de nuestra herencia de mezcla de culturas y asegurarnos que su estancia en nuestro “Reino” sea una experiencia agradable y memorable.

Gibela in Europe

2010-03-05T16:18:00.000+02:00

Been through Europe for a while and would highly recommend when staying in Florence to stay at Academy Hostel. Clean Friendly and very central.
Carcasson in south-west France has an excellent IYHF hostel as well as in downtown Nice.
All top class and well recommended by Gibela as they on a same level as the Gibela Experience.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Durban

2009-10-15T10:31:00.000+02:00

Willkommen in Durban! Entdecken Sie die Stadt, berühmt in ganz Südafrika für ihren einzigartigen Mix verschiedener Kulturen, von einer modern ausgestatteten Backpacker-Unterkunft aus. Das Hostel mit seiner entspannten Atmosphäre ist ein komfortabler Platz zum Wohlfühlen, stylish dank authentisch-afrikanischer Dekoration und eine Fundgrube für Informationen. Sie wird von einem passionierten Reisenden und ehemaligem Tour-Guide geführt. Er gibt Travellern gerne Insider-Tipps und kann bei allen Fragen bezüglich der Reise weiter helfen. BOOK ON LINE AT - http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Die Lage
Gibela Backpackers Lodge liegt mitten im sicheren Wohngebiet Morningside. Von Gibela aus sind es nur ein paar Minuten zu Fuß zu Durbans Ausgehmeile Florida Road – dort findet man Restaurants, Bars, Clubs und Cafés (Tipps für jeden Geschmack gibt es im Hostel). Nur ein paar Meter entfernt von der Lodge gibt es ein Lebensmittelgeschäft, ein Postamt und einen Geldautomaten. Gäste können von hier aus zu Fuß zum Botanischen Garten gehen und die Strände der „Golden Mile“ erkunden. Man kann hier einfach Geld wechseln und bei den Fabrikverkäufen berühmter Surfwear-Hersteller das ein oder andere Schnäppchen machen. Gibela ist außerdem optimal ans Busnetz der Stadt angebunden – von der Lodge aus sind es weniger als zehn Minuten mit dem Bus zu Museen und Kinos, zum Indischen Markt und der Juma-Moschee.

Ausstattung und Sauberkeit – was sagen die Gäste?
„Wenn es im Himmel Hostel gäbe, dann müssten sie so sein wie Gibela.“
„Die Zimmer, Betten und Duschen sind das Allerbeste.“
„Auf jeden Fall ein Stück besser als der Rest.“
„Charmantes Dekor und nirgendwo der kleinste Schmutzfleck.“
„Das schönste und am besten geführte Hostel in Südafrika.“
„Danke für den entspannten und komfortablen Aufenthalt im besten Schlafsaal, den ich kenne.“
„Wenn man hier wohnen kann ist es kein Problem, weit weg von Zuhause zu sein.“

Unser Ziel ist eindeutig: Wir stellen sicher, dass das ganze Hostel immer blitzsauber ist. Rauchen ist nirgendwo auf dem Hostelgelände gestattet.

Das bietet Gibela:
- Kostenlose Bettwäsche (Handtücher in Doppel- und Einzelzimmern)
- Kostenlos Kaffee und Tee – den ganzen Tag lang
- Kostenloses Frühstück (Cornflakes/Müsli, Joghurt, Brot und Marmeladen, Tee, Kaffee, Säfte und Früchte)
- Kostenloser Büchertausch – viele Bücher und Magazine
- Kostenloser Stadtplan für Durban und Landkarten für die Provinz KwaZulu-Natal – und
die passenden Tipps für ein gutes Programm
- Kostenlose Gepäckaufbewahrung
- Kostenloser Safe
- Kostenlose Benutzung der modern eingerichteten, sauberen Küche
- Kostenlose Parkplätze für Autos und Fahrräder
- Kostenlose Lektüre von Reiseführern aus der ganzen Welt
- Helle, saubere Zimmer, dekoriert im „Zulu Zen“-Stil
- Blitzsaubere Badezimmer mit Warmwasserversorgung rund um die Uhr
- Gemütlicher Innenhof mit indischer Dekoration
- Internet-Zugang, Computer mit Speicherkarten-Lesegeräten, öffentliches Telefon
- Fön und Bügeleisen auf Anfrage
- Keine Sperrstunde: Zugang zum Hostel wann immer man möchte

Gibela bietet vier Doppelzimmer, zwei Schlafsaal-Zimmer mit jeweils vier Betten und zwei Schlafsaal-Zimmer mit jeweils sechs Betten. Es gibt vier Badezimmer mit sechs Duschen und fünf Toiletten. Die Zimmer haben Charme und sind mit komfortablen Betten und Ventilatoren gut ausgestattet. Sie sind groß genug, um Gepäck bequem verstauen zu können.

Information
Erleben Sie die Kultur, Geschichte und Natur Südafrikas! Wir bieten Informationen und Tipps für jeden Ort des Landes:

- Was anschauen und was unternehmen?
- Wo übernachten? Wir buchen auch Unterkünfte in den Nationalparks
- Wie hinkommen?
- Reservierungen für Bus-, Zug- und Flugtickets
- Tagesausflüge und mehrtägige Exkursionen

Unsere Mitarbeiter kennen Durban genau. Sie geben ihr Wissen gerne weiter und haben viele Tipps parat, wie man sich in der Stadt am besten zurechtfindet, was man hier unternehmen kann, und wo es gutes Essen gibt.
http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Soccer Stadium near completion

2009-09-29T10:42:00.000+02:00

A 5 min drive or 20 min walk from Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Durban.

Standing on the newly laid pitch with its signature arch soaring overhead and the 56 000 permanent seats all in place, one can almost see the crowds taking their seats and the excitement mounting in Durban's dramatic new multi-purpose stadium.

It's just weeks to go now until the city's Moses Mabhida Stadium - which will seat 69 000 during the tournament and host seven FIFA World Cup™ matches, including a semi-final - is complete.

At the height of construction of the stadium, there were over 2 500 workers on site, but on a quiet Sunday morning only a handful of workers are left, erecting balustrades, putting the last touches to the venue offices and cleaning up walkways and access areas.

"We are just weeks away from a complete stadium now. Then it's over to FIFA and the Organising Committee to get it operationally ready for a World Cup, but the plan is to open it up to Durban citizens long before," says head of the eThekwini Municipality's Strategic Projects Unit and 2010 Programme, Julie May Ellingson.

Finalists in a local schools World Cup competition will be the lucky teams to be the first to step out onto the new turf to mark the stadium's opening in front of the city's residents on 28 November 2009.

This will be followed the day after with a match between two yet-to-be-announced Premier Soccer League (PSL) sides. A number of concerts and further PSL matches are planned from January to May next year to give the stadium the stress tests it needs to ensure it is operationally ready next June for football's greatest showpiece, the FIFA World Cup.

The focus now shifts to the precinct projects and ensuring fans, players and the media can easily access the stadium on match day.

Durbanites are renowned for really making the most of a sporting match day. When residents of the city attend a football, cricket or rugby match they get to the venue hours before, parking in adjacent fields and setting up braais (barbeques) alongside their cars for pre-and post-match festivities which often go into the morning's early hours.

To ensure this spirit is maintained, numerous park and ride and park and walk facilities are planned and some R250 million is being spent upgrading the beach promenade and extending the walkway from the beach all the way to the stadium.

A ‘People's Park' is also being developed adjacent to the stadium, which will be one of the hubs of spectator festivities during the tournament.

Fans will also be conveniently transported to the stadium by rail, with a new train station adjacent to the stadium currently under construction.

"For us as a city it was always very important that the stadium is financially viable after 2010. For this reason we have built a multi-functional stadium that can serve the needs of football, rugby and athletics. We have worked hard to ensure that the entire precinct becomes an area used by the residents of the city," explains Ellingson.

"The People's Park is an important legacy project for us. This park is a green space next to the stadium which includes two training fields, a running and cycling track, a children's playground and a tea garden. Residents and visitors can also ride a cable car to the top of the arch, or climb the 550 steps, for spectacular 365 degree views of the adjacent Indian Ocean and the city. For the adventure junkies, there will also be a bungee swing from the stadium's arch," Ellingson outlines.

The stadium will also feature 72,00 m² of retail space and a gym, which will also help ensure it is used for far more than only sporting events and becomes a constantly bustling, well-utilised asset of the city.

Direct Flights to Durban by Emirates

2009-09-17T10:42:00.000+02:00

In celebration of their new frequency, Emirates will launch the Durban route with an introductory fare of just R4595.00 for passengers travelling to Dubai. This fare is valid from the route’s first flight on 1 October until 31 October 2009.

With the launch of the new route, travellers from KwaZulu-Natal will be able to experience Emirates’ renowned service and product offering, while the airline opens up the province to the world. Durban residents will now have convenient access to any part of the globe, directly from their home city through Emirates’ Dubai hub.

Members of Skywards — the airline's loyalty club — flying on Emirates from Durban in October will also earn double Skywards miles in Economy class and triple the amount of miles in Business and First class. The bonus miles are only earned on the Durban-Dubai-Durban legs of travel, but members can still obviously travel onwards to Emirates' dozens of destinations across the globe.

For more information on Emirates and the new route to Durban, visit http://www.emirates.com/za

The airport is linked to Gibela Backpackers by the Airport Bus Shuttle Service. Cost is R 100-00 p.p. and is a door to door service. Alternatively the 20 min taxi ride will cost you R220-00 from the airport to Gibela. Gibela is situated in Morningside a 6 min walk to trendy Florida Road.

Month of July guest feedback for Gibela Backpackers Lodge

2009-08-15T08:28:00.000+02:00

Thank-you Gibela. Beautiful, tranquil place to relax for a few days.
- Christina USA

Gibela has been great, we have enjoyed our stay !!
- Claire & Nat UK

Thanks for the wonderful breakfast, great showers :-)
clean rooms & hostel and all the information on Durban !
All the best !
- Nicole HOLLAND

Thanks for all your info and the lovely GIBELA, beautiful gardens and clean rooms.
- Sarah ENGLAND

I had a great stay @ Gibela and would definately recommend this backpackers to all my friends !! Thanx for all the information you gave us about Durban & the doctors.
- Sara HOLLAND

Thanks for the warm welcome, all the help. Gibela Backpackers is nice, clean and also very calm. Everything to make the most enjoyable time in Durban !
Cheers, Judith FRANCE

Lovely environment - great beds and fab showers !
Very helpful & friendly staff !
- Erin KAMPALA

Durban Air Show

2009-06-30T11:54:00.000+02:00

Show spokesperson Ray de Vries said the show would take place on July 11 and 12 and had attracted more than 100 aircraft of various shapes and sizes.
“Breaking the sound barrier is a major coup for the show since it is the first time in over 45 years that spectators and Durban residents will be treated to this supersonic act.
The sound barrier has not been broken at the Durban Airshow since 1964, when the Mirages were first delivered to South Africa.”

About 15km out to sea – at an altitude of about 20000ft – Warden will accelerate from Mach .97 to Mach 1.1 to break the sound barrier.
The sonic boom will sound like a double bang and will be heard as far away as Van Reenen’s Pass – 250km inland.
Breaking the sound barrier is a major crowd puller at airshows around the world and is bound to be one of the highlights come July 11 and 12.

The Durban Wings Club, hosts of the show, expect more than 100 aircraft to arrive in Durban over the next two weeks. Durban is the new title sponsor of the event.

More than 95 participants at the show are set to wow the more than 15000 spectators and 250000 more who will be watching from beaches, hotels, restaurants and homes – from Umhlanga to downtown Durban.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge, situated in Morningside, Durban, South Africa is a mere 12 min drive from the venue of the show.
Visit http://www.durbanairshow.co.za for more information.

Gibela Durban

2009-02-17T10:50:00.000+02:00

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM WELCOME AWARDS 2008 WINNER - BACKPACKING lat=-29.50'07 SOUTH lon=31.00'52 EAST

GIBELA - translated from Zulu means "hop on"

GIBELA Website - http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za/GIBELA Photos - http://flickr.com/photos/gibelabackpackers/GIBELA Blog - http://durbanbackpackerhostel.blogspot.com/ZUNGEZA - http://www.visitkwazulunatal.co.za

Tel (+27) (0)31 303 6291 " . . . this place takes a lot of beating. It has tasteful ethnic décor throughout, shower heads the size of dinner plates, bathroom floors you could eat off, . . "LONELY PLANET 2006

SHARKS RUGBY 2009 Super 14 Fixtures

2009-02-05T10:31:00.003+02:00

Planning to head over to the east coast of South Africa??Make sure you are in DURBAN on the following highlighte weekends to experience the BIGGEST Braai (BBQ) in the world held after SHARKS home games.Gibela Backpackers lodge offers accommodation a 7 min drive away from the ABSA Rugby Stadium. Book on-line http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Durbn Tops

2009-01-29T19:19:00.000+02:00

'Durban SA's most positive city'

January 28, 2009 Edition 1 The Mercury
Suren Naidoo
DURBAN has come out as the most optimistic city in South Africa in the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence.
The influential survey - released last week - showed that the city had beat the other major South African urban centres of Johannesburg and Cape Town to top spot in consumer optimism stakes, with a score of 89.6. This was ahead of Johannesburg's score of 83.3 and the Mother City's "grim" score of 57.3.
Now in its fifth year, the biannual MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence surveyed 3 200 South African consumers. The survey is based on answers to questions relating to five key economic indicators, including employment, the economy, regular income, stock market and quality of life. It measures consumer confidence on prevailing expectations in the market for the next six months.
In terms of Durban, the report said the city's residents "remain extraordinarily upbeat in reporting an overall consumer confidence of 89.6".
Scores on all five individual indicators were up from both six months and a year ago - the only South African city where this has been the case. Noted chief economist at T-Sec, Mike Schüssler, said this was "incredible given the present economic climate (in the country)".
In comparison, the report said Cape Town residents had particularly grim expectations for the South African stock market for the next six months. According to Schussler, this was a primary factor in Cape Town's lowest consumer confidence score.
"The decline in Cape Town perhaps has a lot to do with the fall in the financial markets, as many big asset managers are based in the city. The area has also been hit by a decline in tourism - both domestic and international - which is obviously one of its core industries," Schüssler said.
"The Jo'burg consumer outlook, though still very high and up from six months ago, remains short of where it was a year ago . . . My impression is that people simply haven't taken notice yet of South Africa's weakening economic position," he added.
"With the continued fallout from the financial crisis in the world's major markets generating a vicious cycle of negative sentiment, it is good to see there may be some silver lining for us in Durban and South Africa," said acting chief executive of the Durban Investment Promotion Agency (DIPA), Russell Curtis, in response to the MasterCard surveys.
"As consumer confidence has a direct link to business confidence and - by logical extension, to the investments companies make in a city - it is very encouraging that Durbanites recognise our uniquely positive potential, even in these tough times. It is especially significant coming off the back of the recent recognition that Durban has built a good business platform and more sustainable way of life contained in MasterCard's global emerging cities study," he said.
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South Africans have shown encouraging signs in terms of optimism going forward in the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence. This comes in the wake of another survey released just two months ago - the MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce: Emerging Markets Index, which rated all three of South Africa's major hubs among the 65 most influential emerging market cities in the world. While Durban came in at 37, Cape Town and Johannesburg were ranked in 33rd and 11th spot respectively.
The consumer confidence survey revealed that South Africa was the second most optimistic country in the Middle East and Africa region; and came in third spot when the Asia Pacific region is included. South Africa scored 78.7, while Kuwait (at 96.6) came in as the most optimistic country.
"Following a year of slowing economic growth at home and in the face of an imminent global recession, South Africans remain optimistic about the immediate future of their national economy," the survey reported.
However, it noted that although the latest survey score represented an increase in consumer confidence from six months ago, it is five points below South Africa's score for the first half of 2008.
Jeni Webber, South Africa country manager at MasterCard Worldwide, said: "One gets the sense that South African consumers feel relatively optimistic about the next six months.
"Government leaders, bankers, and analysts have been saying that the SA economy will not see a major downturn, as will likely be the case in other markets. South Africans appear to share this optimism."
Curtis said: "South African cities must work harder now to improve and promote our business and investment positions further, to ensure new growth while other global cities are trapped by their national financial doldrums.
"Now appears to be a good time for global companies that thrive on consumer confidence, and looking for greater market access to be targeted by DIPA for introduction to cities like Durban."

WINNER OF THE 2008 SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM WELCOME AWARDS BACKPACKING
GIBELA - translated from Zulu means "hop on"

DURBAN - Beaches

2009-01-25T09:46:00.002+02:00

Durban is situated on the east coast of South Africa, besides the warm Indian Ocean. The city of Durban and it's surrounds offer many beaches which allows swimming all year round. . Because of the long beaches and the semi-tropical climate Durban draws many beach enthusiasts. Excellent conditions await surfers, kitesurfers and booggie-boarders. The Durban and surroundings beaches are lined with shark nets offering the necessry protection from the gentle giants of the oceans.
To the north of Durban is the Dolphin Coast with the following towns - Sheffield Beach, Salt Rock, Ballito, Port Zimbali, Umdloti Beach and Umhlanga Rocks
To the south lies the South Coast with Scottburgh, Umtentweni, Shelley Beach, Margate, Ramsgate and Southbroom.
Particularly well known are the so-called “Golden Mile” beaches in Durban - Country Club Beach (Kite-Surfing), Battery Beach (Sun Coast Casino), Bay of Plenty (Beach Cafe), North Beach (Joe Kool's and surfing) and Ushaka Beach (Ushaka Marine World).
Gibela Backpackers Lodge, Durban is a 25 min walk - 5 min drive from the beachfront.

KwaZulu-Natal and Gibela

2009-01-21T10:06:00.002+02:00

It's amazing to see how many variations of the spelling of KwaZulu-Natal one find on the web.
My last count was 12 yes TWELVE.

Seeing that it's back to "school season" in South Africa - I think it might just be a good idea to kick start the year with a spelling lesson.

The correct spelling is

KwaZulu-Natal

Capital K small wa Capital Z small ulu (all one word) hyphen - Capital N small atal

KwaZulu-Natal

Hopefully you can set your records straight ifspelt incorrectly in your daily going abouts.Meaning of KwaZulu-NatalKwa - place ofZulu - people from heavenNatal - Christmas (the day the Portyguese set foo on land in the Bay of Durban)So a direct trnlation would be - The place of the People from Heaven on Christmas .Gibela is the Zulu word to - "Hop-On" - to ride, to convey, to move.

DURBAN - Save the Organ Campaign

2009-01-20T17:37:00.000+02:00

The Durban City Hall organ’s revival would certainly enhance the performance spectrum of symphonic music played in our city’s prime concert venue. Its mute status stands as a massively visible blot on the cultural environment of our city. Talk of replacing it with an electronic substitute is way off the mark, and simply uninformed. One may as well ditch the superb Steinway concert grand piano heard each season, and replace it with an electronic keyboard. Originally-crafted acoustic instruments require constant respect and maintenance to yield their full potential. The results on an artistic level need no special pleading. In the light of the Durban City Hall currently undergoing restoration it seems perverse that its crown jewel remains an abandoned relic.The grand Durban organ was original installed in what is now the Post Office and moved to the much larger civic venue which still houses it today. bringing ‘Our Organ’ back to life. You can e-mail Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Durban on gibela@gibela.co.za expressing your concern, which we will lobby with the releant authorities.

2010 Soccer World Cup - Durban Dates

2009-01-17T10:07:00.001+02:00

Provisional dates for the seven 2010 World Cup games set for Durban will impact on other traditional crowd-drawing events held in the city.
At this stage, these include the Comrades Marathon - which will be held on May 30 -
and the annual East Coast House & Garden Show, which has moved to the end of July.
"At the moment, the first game will be held on June 13, which is a Sunday. Thereafter there will be matches on June 17, 20, 22, 25 and 28. "The semifinal will take place on Wednesday July 7. Most of the games will be held at 4pm and the semifinal at 8.30 in the evening."
The official Fifa fan park being hosted at New Beach, the annual beach festival would also be hosted as normal. Mr Price Pro surfing competition spokesman Clynton Lund said competition dates were set by international surfing authorities. "We haven't got as far as 2010, we are still securing the 2009 event, but we don't believe the competition will be in conflict with the World Cup. There will be lots of football fans who, I am sure, will enjoy the surfing," he said. Gold Circle's David Furness said the Durban July horse race would also go ahead as usual. "It is always hosted in the first weekend of July and because the semi-final is on the following Wednesday, I can't see any problems." Furness cautioned local racing fans to plan well ahead. "As far as we are concerned, the Durban July offers alternative entertainment for football fans visiting Durban, which is something we are very excited about. However, it's important that people who want to travel to the July plan properly. Accommodation venues and flights will be full. "Even though we understand we are not part of the official 2010 entertainment we are going to encourage 2010 tourists to attend.
Gibela Backpackers, Budget Accommodation, http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za

Dusi Canoe Marathon - 2009

2009-01-15T07:15:00.000+02:00

This years Hansa Powerade Dusi field will be over 1 400 paddlers and preparations went off well. Paddlers took to the water this morning, January 15 at 6am for the start of the annual pilgrimage from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Recent rains are filling the dams and the river system and the water level is expected to be good. The water quality is better than at the same time last year throughout the rivers and Umgeni Water are monitoring the water on a daily basis. Working for Water from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry together with the Invasive Alien Species Programme (DAEA), accompanied members of the organising committee worked furiously through the weekend to remove as much of the weed in the river as possible.
The winners so far in this year’s Dusi are the three charities that the race supports. With a day still to go before the Charity Batch auction closes, over R250 000 has already been raised for SPCA, Starfish and the Duzi-Umgeni Conservancy Trust (DUCT). The Charity Auction Batch is a batch of 60 paddlers that bid to be part of an early batch start each day of the three days. The men’s race is the most wide open field for many years.
Paddlers will be backed up by nearly 1 000 volunteers, 40 SAPS bikers, 300 peace monitors drawn from the local communities, navy divers, almost a dozen race helicopters, 100 plus medical staff, a field hospital, and 50 000 spectators along the route. The three day classic starts at 6am on Thursday from the Natal Canoe Club, at Camps Drift in PMB, to Blue Lagoon in Durban (a quick 7 min drive from Gibela Backpackers Lodge) Not only canoes will be seen at the event this week.
The world famous Gabriel aerobatic team will be performing at each of the overnight stops as well as at the finish at Blue Lagoon on Saturday. "We are continually looking at ways to build the crowd appeal at the Dusi", said Ray de Vries, spokesman for the event. "Scully and his team are an exhilarating act and we are thankful to new Dusi sponsors Gabriel, for adding this to our line-up."

2010 Soccer Stadium

2009-01-14T03:27:00.001+02:00

Final piece of the arch over Moses Mabhida Stadium fitted 13 Jan 2009 Sharlene Packree The final piece of the Durban Moses Mabhida Stadium’s spectacular arch was lifted into place amid great fanfare yesterday. A large crowd watched as steel chains hoisted the last piece of the 350-metre long arch into place late yesterday afternoon.
Work on the insertion of the final piece began just after 6 am with the final piece scheduled to be hoisted at 10 am. However, engineers only started work on the arch in the afternoon as curious onlookers waited patiently at the visitors’ centre. Engineers had to monitor wind speeds before proceeding with the fitting of the last piece. It took 30 minutes for the arch piece to be hoisted to the top of the arch. When the piece was finally inserted, the crowd, including Mayor Obed Mlaba, city manager Mike Sutcliffe and head of strategic projects Julie-May Ellingson, cheered as the completion of the arch marked a major milestone for the stadium’s construction team. “This is an event which we’ve eagerly looked forward to for many months.
The completion of the arch is a major milestone in the city’s preparations for 2010 and exciting proof that we’re well on track,” said Ellingson. The Moses Mabhida Stadium is at the heart of the King’s Park Sports precinct, bordered by the Umngeni River, a major rail line, the beachfront and K.E. Masinga Road (formerly Old Fort Road). Construction of the stadium is but one aspect of a major eThekwini upgrade for 2010. Huge road and rail projects are currently underway to ensure the smooth movement of people around Durban when thousands of soccer fans descend on the city.
Gibela Backpackers Lodge is a 5 min drive from the new soccer stadium, which is situated opposite the ABSA stadium - Home of the Natal Sharks Rugby Team.

Durban Alojamiento, Gibela Backpackers Lodge, Sudáfrica

2009-01-12T13:08:00.001+02:00

Està a punto de descubrir un estilo contemporáneo de backpackers, diseñado para ofrecerle una estancia agradable en la ciudad más "cruci-cultural" de Sudáfrica.Este lodge, tranquilo y con mucho estilo, es propiedad de un antiguo guía y experimentado viajero que tambien lo dirige.Sus semejantes recibirán acertados consejos y recomendaciones de gran utilidad a la hora de viajar al igual que podrán disfrutar de un gran confort en una maravillosa y relajante atmósfera.

Nuestra situación:
G. B. L. Está perfectamente situado en la zona residencial y segura de Morningside. Desde aquí se puede acceder perfectamente andando a la zona de ocio de Durban: Florida Road, donde encontrarán variedad de restaurantes, pubs, cafeterías y bares (consulten nuestra lista de "what's hot"). Además a sólo unos pasos de la entrada principal de Gibela, se situa una tienda de alimentación, una oficina de correos y un "auto-teller".También se puede ir caminando hasta los Jardines Botánicos, las playas Golden Mile, las oficinas de cambio y tiendas de las famosas marcas de ropa especializadas en surf-gear.Estamos dentro del recorrido de la red de transportes urbanos que os pueden dejar cerca de museos, cines, mercado indio y Mezquita Jam en menos de 10 minutos en autobús desde el hostal.
Comodidades y limpieza: Lo que dicen nuestros invitados:·
si hay hostales en el cielo - serán como el GBl
· habitaciones, camas y duchas son lo máximo
· Definitivamente un peldaño por encima de todos los demás
· Una decoración llena de encanto y muy acogedora : limpieza absluta de todas las facilidades
· El mejor y el mejor dirigido de todos los hoteles en los que nos hemos alojado en Sudáfrica
· Gracias por el hospedaje tan relajante y tan cómodo en el mejor hostal de los que he estado
· No supone ningùn problema estar lejos de casa cuando estás hospedado en un lugar tan bonito

Apreciamos la importancia de tener comodidades limpias, nos aseguramos de que todo lo esté. En este hostal está prohibido fumar.
Las comodidades ofrecidas por Gibela incluyen:· Sábanas, almohadas y nórdicos (toallas en habitaciones privadas) gratis· Café y té gratis todo el día· Desayuno gratis (cereales, yogur, pan y cosas para untar, té, café, zumo de frutas y frutas)· Intercambio de libros - montones de libros y revistas gratis· Mapas de Durban & KwaZulu Natal + consejos· Depósito de equipaje gratis· Uso de la cocina moderna, limpia y completamente equipada para cocinar usted mismo.· Parking gratis para coche y bici · Consulta libre de todas las guías de todo el mundo· Habitaciones decoradas al estilo Zulú Zen luminosas y limpias· Cuartos de baño modernos y limpios con agua caliente las 24 h· Patio acogedor y cómodo al estilo Indio Bohemio· Internet, P.C. con lectores de tarjetas de memoria y teléfonos públicos·
Secador y plancha - si lo solicitanGibela cuenta con 4 habitaciones de dos camas, 2 dormitorios de 4 camas y 2 dormitorios de 6 camas.Hay 4 cuartos de baños en el hostal con 6 duchas y 5 W.C.Nuestras habitaciones están aseadas y bien equipadas con camas cómodas, ventiladores en el techo y amplios espacios para las mochilas.

INFORMACIÓNSumérjase en la cultura, la historia y la naturaleza del país! Nosotros le proporcionamos INFORMACIÓN de todos los puntos de interés en Sudáfrica:Qué ver y qué hacerDónde alojarse - reservas de alojamientos en Parques NacionalesCómo llegar a ellosReservas de billetes de autobuses, trenes y avionesExcursiones de 1 o más díasNuestro personal le dará los consejos necesarios para circular de la mejor manera por la ciudad - incluyendo visitas guiadas, museos, restaurantes y eventos puntuales.

Durban es un lugar especial. Nosotros en Gibela deseamos compartir la experiencia de nuestra herencia de mezcla de culturas y asegurarnos que su estancia en nuestro "Reino" sea una experiencia agradable y memorable.

2009-01-10T09:17:00.001+02:00

Willkommen in Durban!

Entdecken Sie die Stadt, berühmt in ganz Südafrika für ihren einzigartigen Mix verschiedener Kulturen, von einer modern ausgestatteten Backpacker-Unterkunft aus. Das Hostel mit seiner entspannten Atmosphäre ist ein komfortabler Platz zum Wohlfühlen, stylish dank authentisch-afrikanischer Dekoration und eine Fundgrube für Informationen. Sie wird von einem passionierten Reisenden und ehemaligem Tour-Guide geführt. Er gibt Travellern gerne Insider-Tipps und kann bei allen Fragen bezüglich der Reise weiter helfen.

Die Lage

Gibela Backpackers Lodge liegt mitten im sicheren Wohngebiet Morningside.

Von Gibela aus sind es nur ein paar Minuten zu Fuß zu Durbans Ausgehmeile Florida Road - dort findet man Restaurants, Bars, Clubs und Cafés (Tipps für jeden Geschmack gibt es im Hostel). Nur ein paar Meter entfernt von der Lodge gibt es ein Lebensmittelgeschäft, ein Postamt und einen Geldautomaten. Gäste können von hier aus zu Fuß zum Botanischen Garten gehen und die Strände der "Golden Mile" erkunden. Man kann hier einfach Geld wechseln und bei den Fabrikverkäufen berühmter Surfwear-Hersteller das ein oder andere Schnäppchen machen. Gibela ist außerdem optimal ans Busnetz der Stadt angebunden - von der Lodge aus sind es weniger als zehn Minuten mit dem Bus zu Museen und Kinos, zum Indischen Markt und der Juma-Moschee.

Ausstattung und Sauberkeit - was sagen die Gäste?

"Wenn es im Himmel Hostel gäbe, dann müssten sie so sein wie Gibela."

"Die Zimmer, Betten und Duschen sind das Allerbeste."

"Auf jeden Fall ein Stück besser als der Rest."

"Charmantes Dekor und nirgendwo der kleinste Schmutzfleck."

"Das schönste und am besten geführte Hostel in Südafrika."

"Danke für den entspannten und komfortablen Aufenthalt im besten Schlafsaal, den ich kenne."

"Wenn man hier wohnen kann ist es kein Problem, weit weg von Zuhause zu sein."

Unser Ziel ist eindeutig: Wir stellen sicher, dass das ganze Hostel immer blitzsauber ist.

Rauchen ist nirgendwo auf dem Hostelgelände gestattet.

Das bietet Gibela:-

Kostenlose Bettwäsche (Handtücher in Doppel- und Einzelzimmern)- Kostenlos Kaffee und Tee - den ganzen Tag lang- Kostenloses Frühstück (Cornflakes/Müsli, Joghurt, Brot und Marmeladen, Tee, Kaffee, Säfte und Früchte)- Kostenloser Büchertausch - viele Bücher und Magazine- Kostenloser Stadtplan für Durban und Landkarten für die Provinz KwaZulu-Natal - und die passenden Tipps für ein gutes Programm- Kostenlose Gepäckaufbewahrung- Kostenloser Safe- Kostenlose Benutzung der modern eingerichteten, sauberen Küche- Kostenlose Parkplätze für Autos und Fahrräder- Kostenlose Lektüre von Reiseführern aus der ganzen Welt- Helle, saubere Zimmer, dekoriert im "Zulu Zen"-Stil- Blitzsaubere Badezimmer mit Warmwasserversorgung rund um die Uhr- Gemütlicher Innenhof mit indischer Dekoration- Internet-Zugang, Computer mit Speicherkarten-Lesegeräten, öffentliches Telefon- Fön und Bügeleisen auf Anfrage- Keine Sperrstunde: Zugang zum Hostel wann immer man möchte.

Gibela bietet vier Doppelzimmer, zwei Schlafsaal-Zimmer mit jeweils vier Betten und zwei Schlafsaal-Zimmer mit jeweils sechs Betten. Es gibt vier Badezimmer mit sechs Duschen und fünf Toiletten. Die Zimmer haben Charme und sind mit komfortablen Betten und Ventilatoren gut ausgestattet. Sie sind groß genug, um Gepäck bequem verstauen zu können.

Information

Erleben Sie die Kultur, Geschichte und Natur Südafrikas! Wir bieten Informationen und Tipps für jeden Ort des Landes:- Was anschauen und was unternehmen?- Wo übernachten? Wir buchen auch Unterkünfte in den Nationalparks- Wie hinkommen?- Reservierungen für Bus-, Zug- und Flugtickets- Tagesausflüge und mehrtägige Exkursionen

Unsere Mitarbeiter kennen Durban genau. Sie geben ihr Wissen gerne weiter und haben viele Tipps parat, wie man sich in der Stadt am besten zurechtfindet, was man hier unternehmen kann, und wo es gutes Essen gibt.

Gibela Backpackers Lodge, Durban

2009-01-05T13:19:00.001+02:00

You're about to discover a contemporary-style backpackers, designed to provide you with a comfortable stay in the most cross–cultural city in South Africa. This stylish and tranquil lodge is owned and managed by a former guide and keen traveler. Fellow travelers will receive good insider tips and travel recommendations, as well as superior comfort, in a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere.
Our location
Gibela Backpackers Lodge is conveniently located in the safe, residential area of Morningside. Gibela is within walking distance to the center of Durban’s entertainment life, Florida Road, where there are restaurants, cocktail bars, clubs and coffee shops galore (check-out our what’s hot list). Only a few steps from Gibela's front gate there is a grocery store, auto-teller and post office. Guests can walk to the Botanical Gardens, Golden Mile Beaches, currency exchange and famous brand surf-gear factory shops. We are on both inner city transport networks, which link you to the museums, cinemas, Indian Market and Juma Mosque, in less than a 10-minute bus ride from the hostel.
What our guests say:-
'If there are hostels in heaven – they are Gibela Lodge'-
'Rooms, beds and showers are absolutely tops'-
'Definitely a step up from the rest'-
'Lovely warm décor & spotless facilities'-
'The nicest and most well run hostel we stayed in during our time in South Africa'-
'Thanks for a very relaxing and comfortable stay in the nicest dorm I've been so far.' -
'[It's] no problem to be far from home when you come to stay at this lovely place.

'We appreciate the importance of clean facilities; we ensure that everything is spotless.
The hostel is a non-smoking establishment. Durban is a special place. We at Gibela want to help to share the experience of our city’s mixed cultural heritage and make sure your stay in our “Kingdom” is an enjoyable and memorable experience.
GRADED AS A 4 STAR BACKPACKER LODGE by the South African Grading Council.
Reception hours - 07H00 till 21H00
We have no curfew.
inimum length of stay: 2 nights.
NO children under 12 years.
100% NON SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT
BREAKFAST INCLUDED - 07H30 to 09H30
PETIT DEJEUNER COMPRIS
DESAYUNO INCLUIDO
FRUCHSTUCH INBEGRIFFEN

Gibela Backpackers Durban South Africa - Guest Comments

2008-11-19T10:02:00.000+02:00

It was the first backpacker in our life and now, after beeing in some others I can say, it was really the best! The rooms are very nice and useful decorated with ethnic décor throughout an there were really good beds! The "dining room" outside was very beautyful and there was all, what you need for a good breakfast. The bathroom was wonderful and just beside our room, so it was good even for (a little bit) old Ladies. The whole house was very clean! There were nice people, we met and I was glad over the internet possibility, where you can baz-bus things arrange and look for your e-mails. Elmar was very kind and told us all, we need, to go to different nice places, without any danger. We felt ourselves very safe in this backpacker. So we spend wonderful 3 days in Durban. - Bonn, Germany
I had the pleasure to stop at the Gibela Backpackers Lodge during my solo backpacking trip to South Africa, and I have to admit it was one of the best places I stayed at. Clean, quiet, friendly and perfectly located to grab a bite or catch a bus. I have already recommended it! Vancouver, Canada
GIBELA Backpackers - A great place to stayI've been traveling the world off and on for a great many years. I can honestly say this is one of the best places i've ever stayed, in any country. It was like staying in a comfortable, clean home, with all the facilities you'd expect being in top condition. Has a good kitchen and the included breakfast has lots of variety to choose from. Good restaurants and bars are very close. The owner was exceptionally helpful too. New Zealand
What a clean, spacious, and neat place! We were so happy to get all the helpful information where to go shopping, where to have dinner, where to have a drink, and where to stop over next down the coast. Dankeschoen, Elmar! Switzerland
Best Hostel in South Africa, hands down. This place is clean, hip, and tastefully decorated. There are enough bathrooms (and they are clean!) so that you never have to wait! I spent three nights here. The hostel was so comfortable/beautiful that I preferred to be inside the hostel than outside in Durban. Weird, I know! USA

Durban Golf Driving Range

2008-11-18T08:44:00.000+02:00

The University Club Durban Golf Driving Range is definitely worth a visit. The Durban Golf Driving Range has floodlights ensuring that players can still practice their swings at night. It is open to the public every day of the week from 7:00 am until 8:30 pm and during the weekends as well as public holidays from 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening.
The immaculate University Durban Golf Driving Range is a whopping 330 meters in length and offers numerous target greens to aim at. It is the ideal range to practice distance and direction.
It is not only the swing that can get attention, but also putting as a nine hole putting green is available. The bunker greens and chipping areas allow for practice of every aspect of your golf. Even long bunker shots can be practiced on the far hole at the University Durban Golf Driving Range.
Contact details:331 Francois RoadGlenwoodDurban
Tel: +27 31 261 8062Web: www.universitygolf.co.za

Anne Frank exhibition opened in Durban

2008-11-11T16:42:00.002+02:00

The Durban Holocaust Centre has opened the first ever permanent exhibition of Anne Frank’s room.
With exactly the same wallpaper, table and pictures, the room is a replica of the room that Anne slept in while in hiding in Amsterdam during World War Two.
It opened last night and it’s housed at the Durban Holocaust Centre in Old Fort Road.
The Director of the International Department at the Anne Frank House Jan-Eric Dubbelman says the room will not just be a tourist attraction, but will serve an educational purpose too.
“You can learn about the Holocaust; you can learn the facts; you can reconstruct a history on how it went about and you need to know those facts to understand the story of Anne Frank.
“But then when you learn about the story of one individual family and you go into the room, you also learn with the heart. You feel what it must have been like. So for us it’s a way to communicate the experience of being in hiding by creating that room.”Mary Kluk, President of The Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry, explains, “Eighteen months ago we began to correspond with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to discuss the possibility of creating our own small Anne Frank area. After much communication and with a great deal of help from Jan-Eric Dubbelman… we have achieved something very special.”
“Anne Frank represents one of the one and a half million children who died during the Holocaust. Many learners across the world know of Anne and her amazing story and we at the Durban Holocaust Centre chose to feature this story in the hope that her amazing outlook on life, told through her diary, will be an inspiration to learners throughout our province,” said Kluk.
The Durban Holocaust Centre, which opened in March this year, focuses on educating learners and the general public about the Holocaust, other human rights abuses and contemporary genocide.
With the inclusion of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust in the National Schools Curriculum of South Africa for the first time in 2007, it meant that there was a great need for information and resources.
The Centre therefore provides curriculum support material and daily school group tours for learners in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dinuzulu Sees Light Of Day

2008-11-09T12:13:00.000+02:00

Long under wraps, the statue of King Dinuzulu in Durban’s Botha Gardens was finally unveiled as part of Heritage Month celebrations. Berea Road, which runs alongside the park was also officially renamed King Dinuzulu Road at the September event. And just as Mayor Obed Mlaba completed the renaming ceremony, the heavens opened – a sign of good luck – putting a sheen on the likeness of Dinizulu, standing proud in military uniform.
Dignitaries who attended included King Goodwill Zwelithini, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele, IFP Leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and Sport and Recreation MEC Amichand Rajbansi. Ndebele gave a brief history of King Dinuzulu and explained why his statue has been erected near Gen Louis Botha’s in the park. “The statue is next to Gen Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910. “Botha had befriended Dinuzulu during the 1880s and released him from prison in 1910.
The two giants of our history are symbols of the beginning of the journey towards reconciliation in this country.” Ndebele said it was important for all South Africans to acknowledge and celebrate our heritage. “Heritage is at the core of our identity, and plays a pivotal role in reconciliation. To reconcile is to come to peace with the past. You cannot reconcile unless you know what happened. “This statue is a part of continuous recognition of traditional leadership by the democratic government, and in particular, recognition of a king who saw and experienced it all, but kept on fighting for the dignity of his people, their land and the royal house of Shaka.”

2008-11-08T09:52:00.000+02:00

Lets get a top 10 list going for Durban see topics below and add your "top-ones"
Adventure Activities
Attractions - Museums, gardens, etc.
Breakfast Venues
Coffee Shops
Designer shops - Clothing
Designer shops - Decor
Music Venues
Night Clubs Restaurants

Durban, South Africa - Another side of South Africa

2008-11-08T05:06:00.002+02:00

Situated on South Africa’s East Coast, Durban is a precious cornerstone of the KwaZulu-Natal region. In Zulu, Durban is aptly known as ‘Thekweni,’ meaning “where the earth and ocean meet”. But don’t be fooled by the simple designation, neither Durban’s landscape nor its beaches are commonplace.
For any traveler seeking the indulgence of gorgeous topography paired with the elegance of the Indian Ocean’s sub-tropic aquamarine swells, Durban is for you. In the west of the city, art deco and modern architecture combine, spreading in the form of apartment buildings and hotels along the fine sands of an unspoiled shoreline, and comprising what is referred to by locals and vacationers alike as the “Golden Mile”. Interspersed among the hotels and apartment buildings are a handful of popular restaurants and nightclubs.
On the Golden Mile, a promenade runs from the surfing haven, South Beach, where uShaka Marine World is also located, to the newly constructed Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north. Most of the beaches along this band are protected year-round by lifeguards and shark nets. Even so, with all the fuss over keeping sharks away and swimmers looked-after, don’t be surprised to find neither the sand nor the water overrun with bathers.
A Rich History
Durban is the third largest city in South Africa, and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. Well known as a surfer’s paradise, it is also among the busiest ports in Africa. After British annexation of the territory from the Dutch in the 1840’s, a vast sugar cane industry was established and thousands of indentured laborers were brought over from India. As a result of the importation of Indians, Durban became the largest Asian community in South Africa.
Although English is generally spoken on the street, many South Africans speak at least one language other than English (oftentimes several), and Durbanites are no exception. The end of apartheid in 1994 named eleven official languages in South Africa. Among them are the clicking consonants characteristic of Zulu and Xhosa words.
Although he no longer holds any direct political power, KwaZulu-Natal is the home to the Zulu Monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, who is paid a stipend by the South African government and holds sway over the more traditionalist Zulu people in the province.
An Ideal Setting
Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region offer something for everyone.
Durban’s metropolitan area has benefited in recent years by urban renewal programs. As a result of community efforts—or perhaps in addition to them—a fascinating street art scene is sprouting up citywide.
To glimpse part of this art scene, head over to the BAT Centre, an arts and crafts community center located in the small craft harbor off of Durban’s Victoria Embankment. Eat lunch in the café or enjoy an iced tea on the deck, from where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Durban’s working harbor. Afterward, browse the center’s many art studios, galleries, and music rooms, and purchase art and mementos from the artists themselves. On any given night of the week, live music, dancing, poetry readings and other events go on at the BAT Center, always attracting a lively crowd. Be sure to pick up a schedule of evening events from one of the galleries.
Another must is a trip to the muthi, or the ‘witches’ market for a glimpse of African traditional healing. This extensive, tumbledown marketplace is the spot to see ‘muthi,’ or traditional medicine, being made and prepared for sale. Stalls are covered with ingredients that range from such things as snake skins, crocodile teeth and birds claws to mysterious, brightly colored powders. The potions are concocted right there as you browse vendors for decorative walking sticks, African incense and car-tire sandals. Stop in at the sangoma for a quick “throw the bones,” a collection of bones and shells that are thrown on a mat to communicate with the ancestors and spirit guides. Be sure not to miss Davenport District in the suburb of Glenwood. Independent shops have sprung up around the Davenport Mall and can make for a cheerful afternoon of browsing and picking up yet more African art. Check out KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts. All along the same road are antique shops, home décor shops, second-hand stores, and Breathing Space Yoga Center, which offers beauty treatments as well as a wide range of organic cosmetics.
The western suburbs of Hillcrest and Kloof, formerly sleepy villages, have now become booming suburbs incorporated in the greater Durban area known as the eThekwini Municipal Area. Kloof, which means ‘gorge’ in Afrikaans, is known as a mist-belt with winding roads and mansions surrounded by trees. Kloof is predominantly English-speaking and features many high-end shopping centers as well as the Kloof Country Club.
Just outside of Durban, the breathtaking peaks of Drakensberg Mountains stretch more than 600 miles along the whole of KwaZulu-Natal’s western boundary. As a respite from city life, take a trip to Drakensberg. There you can enjoy hiking, white water rafting, game and bird watching, golfing, or fishing for trout.
The remarkable cave paintings of Drakensberg’s original inhabitants, the San Bushmen, can still be seen in caves throughout the Drakensberg region, and Kamberg National Park claims to have one of the best selections of Bushmen art in South Africa. Walking tours are operated daily, and the newly opened Kamberg Rock Art Center is a tool for helping visitors who wish to understand and interpret the more than 20,000 Sans Bushmen images to be found in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Where to Stay:
Note: It is best to take cabs, rather than walking at night, and be sure to leave any irreplaceable items you are traveling with in your hotel safety deposit box. Country and City Code for Durban is (+27 - 31)
Gibela Backpackers Lodge-A jewel of a hostel; clean, chic and inexpensive. The rooms are named after the Zulu Kings dating back to 1667. Choose dorm-style rooms, singles or doubles. Praised as having the friendliest staff in South Africa and amazing breakfasts. 119 Ninth Ave, Morningside; 031/303-6291 , www.gibelabackpackers.co.za/
The Riverside Hotel & Spa-High on the banks of the Umgeni River mouth. Enjoy stunning river views and abundant relaxation. 267 Smith Street, Durban; 021/794-9050 ; 082/78... Restaurants and Night Life:Florida Road-A happening street with more than 30 restaurants, Florida Road is an ideal neighborhood to spend an evening out.
Joe Cools-For an experience that is both “vibrant and elegant,” try this restaurant oasis. Joe Cools is not only the place where Durban’s most beautiful and stylish hang out, it also serves up exquisitely delicious cocktails and very good food. North Beach, on the beach, Durban; 031/332-9697 , www.joecools.co.za/
Café Vacca Matta-This rustically chic restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu, gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, an extensive cocktail list and live music. Shop U4, Suncoast Casino, Entertainment World, 20 Battery Beach Road, 031/368/6535; www.vaccamatta.com
Billy the BUMS (Basic Up Market Socialite)-More than 50 exotic cocktails to choose from and good American-style food, including mouth watering homemade burgers. Enjoy a cocktail while enjoying a stunning sunset from the large patio. 504 Windermere Road, Morningside, Durban; 031/303 1988 ; www.billythebums.co.za
Panamaroom Night Club-A stylish, all white décor cools things down just as the music starts to burn it up. 178 Stamford Hill, Durban; 083/799-1899 The BAT Centre-From poetry readings, to dance parties, to live music, something is going down every night of the week. 45 Maritime Place; 031/ 332-0451; http://www.batcentre.co.za
Where to Shop:Muthi Market-African traditional healing. Extends around the Victoria Street Indian market, over the footbridges to the taxi ranks at Warwick Triangle.
KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts-Contemporary artists exhibited in three exhibition spaces. 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood; 031/202-3686 ; www.kznagallery.co.za; shop@kznsagallery.co.za
Breathing Space Yoga Center-Beauty treatments and organic cosmetics. Corner of Bulwer and Ferguson Road, Glenwood; 031/201-7282 What to Do:Drakensberg Mountains-Hiking, fishing, white water rafting, exploring. http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com
Kamberg Nature Reserve-Situated within the Natal Drakensberg Park and located centrally in the foothills of the mountains. Access to the reserve is along a partly tarred road, off the main N3 highway; www.drakensberg-tourism.com/ kamberg
uShaka Marine World-This extensive theme park centers around the recreation and site of the wreck of a 1920s cargo ship, making a strong connection with the symbolism of the interaction between land, sea and sky; it is a complete marine land, and a place to enjoy an entire day of fun. 1 Bell Street, Durban; 031/328-8000 ; www.ushakamarineworld.co.za; mkt@ushakamarineworld.co.za
Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World-Along the beachfront of the “Golden Mile,” Suncoast boasts of its Miami South Beach Art Deco style architecture, and offers gaming, shopping and entertainment. Suncoast Blvd. Marine Parade, Durban; 031/328-3000 ; www.suncoastcasino.tsogosun.co.za; webmaster@tsogosun.com
Phezulu Safari Park-Located between Botha’s Hill and Drummond, the safari park overlooks the Valley of 1,000 hills. Don’t miss the Zulu village and dancing show. Old Main Road, Durban; 031/777-1000 ; crocodile@dbn.lia.net
Umgeni River Bird Park- Boasts a collection of over 3,000 exotic and indigenous birds. 490 Riverside Road, Durban; 031/579-4600 ; info@umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za; www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
Durban Botanic Gardens-Specialties include The Ernest Thorp Orchid House, an herb garden, a sunken garden, and a garden for the blind. 70 St. Thomas Road, Durban; 031/201-1303 ; dalzellc@prcsu.gov.za; www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
Shongweni Resource Reserve-A large nature reserve just 23 miles north of Durban. Shongweni Dam, Durban; 031/769-1283 ; shongweni@msinsi.co.za; www.msinsi.co.za
Must See: The red African sun slipping pink into the Indian Ocean.
Text and Photos 5 & 6 by Sabrina Canfield
www.travelsquire.com

25 years of music excellence

2008-11-05T09:27:00.000+02:00

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates 25 years of music excellence
A right royal ending for the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s 25th anniversary season.
The expansive music epic cantata, uShaka KaSenzangakhona, which is based on the dramatic story of the Zulu King uShaka KaSenzangakhona has been chosen as the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s World Symphony Spring Season finale to take place with a host of soloists and choirs, in the Durban City Hall at 7:30pm on Thursday 13 November 2008.
“Ending the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s 25th birthday season with uShaka KaSenzangakhona - a rousing and watershed South African work feels entirely appropriate, particularly as we are utilising this concert to also recognise many distinguished South Africans who have also celebrated their birthday milestones recently: These include former President Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu who turned 90, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who turned 80 and His Majesty King Goodwill Zweletini who turned 60.” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the KZNPO.
Composed by respected South African composer, arranger and choral director Professor Emeritus of African Languages, Prof J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo, the concert is conducted by US born and SA-based conductor, Robert Maxym, who did the orchestration of this majestic piece. The narrator is Prof. Themba Msimang, a Professor of African Languages at the University of South Africa. Fellow academics, Msimang and Khumalo, found they shared an interest in the history of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire. Their separate research into the life and times of King Shaka resulted in an unlikely product - a musical collaboration between the two. Ultimately librettist Themba Msimang wrote an epic narrative on King Shaka from the Zulu perspective, which composer Mzilikazi Khumalo set to music.
Soloists featured are the distinguished South African and Juilliard trained soprano Linda Bukhosini who has performed at prestigious concert halls around the world; Tina Mene - the accomplished mezzo-soprano who appeared recently at the International Society for the Performing Arts Congress at the Playhouse in Durban; Themba Mkhwani - the charismatic tenor who is a T V personality and Musa Ngquwana - the highly gifted bass baritone who is currently finishing his studies at the University of Cape Town Opera School. Three powerful choirs comprising of 150 voices will also be on stage: the national choral competition champions - the African Chorus and SA Singers who will be joined by the Durban Symphonic Choir - the mainstay of Durban choirs.
Ushaka KaSenzangakhona: An epic in music and poetry on Shaka, son of Senzangakhona is a delicate blend of Zulu and European elements and it is sung in isiZulu. This work looks at the life of King Shaka in four distinct parts: his birth; his youth; his reign and victories and finally, his death.
Tickets for the concert range from R60 to R173 and are available through Computicket. Patrons are invited to book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Computicket on 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.co.za. Patrons are reminded that parking is available at the Royal Hotel Parking Garage and security guards are stationed between the garage and the City Hall.

Move to the right for BOK emblem

2008-11-04T08:43:00.002+02:00

The Springbok emblem is set to be culled in its current form, but the leaping antelope will stay on future national rugby team jerseys.
That was the decision taken at an SA Rugby Union Presidents’ Council meeting in Johannesburg last week.
The union will duly place the flower on the left breast of the bottle-green jersey, following calls to scrap the Springbok emblem during a national sports indaba in Durban last month.
The Springbok will move to the right breast, and the team will still be known as the Springboks.
The union will discuss its decision with sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile on November 18 .
Stofile claimed that the government “owned” the Springbok emblem. But yesterday the union confirmed that it owned the emblem.
“The council noted legal advice that Saru is the sole proprietor and legal owner of the Springbok badge, emblem and trademark and would continue to wear the emblem alongside the King Protea on the national playing jersey,” the union said in a statement.

MR BONES 2 Premiere in Durban

2008-11-03T07:46:00.002+02:00

Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past - the follow-up to the phenomenally successful Leon Schuster comedy, Mr Bones - will have its world premiere screening at a glittering invitation-only gala event at the International Convention Centre in Durban on November 13.
The city of Durban is proud to host the world premiere event, in association with film producers Videovison Entertainment. The majority of the film was shot in and around Durban earlier this year in what the city hopes will be the first of many such major collaborations with South African and international film-makers.
Mr Bones 2: Back From The Past was initially planned to have been shot in Mumbai, but after visiting locations in and around Durban, Schuster and director Gray Hofmeyr (who also directed the original 2001 film) re-considered the location and ultimately transferred the shoot of the movie to Durban.
Durban features strongly in the movie. It was chosen as the film has a strong Indian flavour. The film was shot in and around the city with major locations being the Dakota informal settlement in Isipingo Beach; Umhlanga; La Mercy and Blue Lagoon.
It is the first time Schuster has done any major filming in Durban and, judging from the praise from director, producer and crew, he may well be back. “Everybody had a great time in Durban,” confirms producer Anant Singh of Durban-based Videovision Entertainment. "Leon was keen to do a movie in Durban and this one will help put our city as a major film location in South Africa." Singh said that the majority of the budget of the film was spent in Durban and this would have a positive economic impact on the city.
The benefits are substantial from a tourist standpoint, because you can assume that almost every South African will at some point see the movie,” said Singh.

KwaZulu-Natal Spa's

2008-09-03T05:06:00.003+02:00

KwaZulu-Natal has developed a number of top-notch ‘spafari’ venues, offering packages that combine accommodation with game drives and spa treatments, or day spas near wildlife resorts.

Spa holidays are firmly established in Europe and the US, but South Africa has come up with a new spin – the ‘spafari’ – a bush spa where game viewing is interspersed with pampering and pummelling.

To add an even more exotic flavour, the spas use indigenous African treatments. Open-air massages take place with sweeping views of bushveld or coastal forest, and the only sounds are the call of the wild. An ever-increasing number of luxury safari lodges offer spa facilities and treatments to fill the quiet time between morning and evening game drives.

The safari-style spa experience appeals to couples and honeymooners. The trend at the moment is very much towards wellness in general and a spa and safari combination delivers this.”

KZN’s superlative ‘spafari’ experiences
Falaza Game Park - a private game reserve on the borders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It offers game drives, bush walks, boat cruises and horse trails. The reserve, in the heart of the Zululand bushveld, promises a rejuvenating experience of up-close-and-personal animal encounters and a wide range of specialised spa treatments.

AmaKhozi - means ‘the Place of Kings’ and the spa regimes that intersperse the wildlife excursions promise to treat you like royalty. The lodge is situated on a river, so treatments can take place on guests’ private deck overlooking the water. The lodge offers night-time frog safaris here guests can marvel at the spectrum of colours and the loud calling of mating frogs.

Wetlands Earth Spa - in the town of St Lucia on the doorstep of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Activities on offer vary from estuary cruises to game drives and turtle tours. The spa bases its treatments on traditional South African products.

Thanda Private Game Reserve - there are few experiences more rewarding than Thanda Private Game Reserve. The Wellness Centre combines the romance of the African bush with unbelievable pampering. The reserve was rehabilitated from degraded farmland in Zululand to make it the top lodge in the country, and to this end it has won several international awards.

City of Durban Exhibit at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

2008-08-25T17:23:00.003+02:00

eThekwini Municipality has for the second year in a row won a Silver Gilt Medal for it's exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show in London of which it can be very proud. The theme of the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show was Gardening for Climate Change. Members of the eThekwini Municipality Parks, Leisure & Cemeteries Department went over to London to build the stand. Francois Lenferna, horticulturist with the Department, who was responsible for the design of the exhibit came up with a very innovative design.A modern gazebo, consisting of three tiers on a veranda area. Structures captured water that ran down living pillars, watering flower pots on the way down. This water then seeped into other flower beds, thus making full use of the trapped rain water, which finally drained down the pillars The deck of the gazebo was made out of recycled plastic and two chairs were created out of old car tyres. Both dry and tropical plants were used in the display, demonstrating the movement of plants from desert and dry areas to areas with lots of rain. All plants in the display were indigenous, which included five species of cycads, many aloe varieties from around KwaZulu-Natal with the main feature plant being Euphorbia Ingens. Raised beds created height within the design and allowed for isolated watering of specialised plants. The use of ferns, intertwined with Gloriosa Rothchildiana dripping down the pillars, softened the feature. Said Christo Swart, Deputy Head, Parks, Leisure & Cemeteries, "Once again our stand created tremendous interest amongst the exhibitors, with particular attention given to our selection of plants and the innovative design of the gazebo. We were honoured to have Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit our stand for the second year running. Durban can be very proud of it's achievements at this year's show."
The Durban Botanic Garden is a 15 minute walk from Gibela Backpackers Lodge. Leaving Gibela Backpackers Lodge, you will walk along Cowey Road, where you will pass L'Espresso Coffee shop, Woolworths Food Store, Fruit and Vegetable Market and Bread Ahead Bakery - all you need to stock up on some nice goodies to sit back relax and enjoy a picnic at the bird pond in the gardens. SEE YOU SOON !!!

Cape coast shark warnings.

2008-08-22T06:10:00.002+02:00

VISITORS intending to use the ocean for recreational purposes are urged to exercise caution as the first Great White sharks of the season have been spotted off the False Bay coast(Cape Peninsuala). Although Great Whites are present in the coastal waters throughout the year and always pose a small threat, the period between mid-August and the end of November has seen the highest number of recorded shark-human interactions over the past five years, according the City of Cape Town.

The city urges recreational sea users to be extra vigilant over the next few months and take note of shark sightings. Kayakers and surf-skiers should keep a watchful eye in the area between Sunnycove and Glencairn Beach, while surfers and swimmers should take extra care in the area between Sunrise Beach and Strandfontein and in the Macassar Beach area. Shark spotters are on duty along the coast and people are urged to make use of them when visiting beaches where they are on duty. Shark-spotting programmes are currently in operation on the following beaches: St James, Muizenberg Corner, Fish Hoek and Noordhoek. Spotters are on duty seven days a week from 08h00 to 18h00, and until 19h00 from October.

DURBAN - Tourism Career Expo

2008-08-19T06:49:00.001+02:00

THE Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) will be hosting the first National Tourism Careers Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre from October 14-16.

The expo will serve as a platform to encourage school learners, students and unemployed youths to pursue a career in tourism. Deputy Minister of DEAT, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, says: “Even though the tourism sector is one of the largest and most diverse industries in the world, it remains a largely untapped sector when it comes to attracting young individuals to choose it as a career. A key focus of the expo is to showcase to young people the vast potential, great opportunities and rewarding jobs within the tourism sector.”

The DEAT will undertake a range of activities to address skills development within the industry, which will be unveiled during the expo. These include the launch of a survey on the intake of tourism in schools, the launch of the Social Tourism Policy pilot project for South Africa, the introduction of opportunities for international placement, and awards and rewards for excellence in tourism education and training.

The expo will present employers with the opportunity to meet their future employees. Mabudafhasi stated: “An opportunity will be presented to industry players wishing to allocate bursaries and learnership opportunities to students.”

Cape Town water warning

2008-08-19T06:46:00.001+02:00

The Cape Town City Council has warned residents to avoid contact with water that has flowed through residential areas, particularly informal settlements. An increase in E. coli and faecal coliform counts has been detected in 14 rivers and 10 wetlands in the Cape Town area. Warning notices had been erected in areas where stream water was deemed unsafe, city spokesperson Clive Justus said on Sunday. He said a clean-up plan and budget had been approved to address the problem, but for now residents and visitors have been urged to heed the warnings.

South African Airways

2008-08-19T06:44:00.001+02:00

SAA’s new online facility has been well received by travellers as it further eases the travel experience, allowing customers to check in by using the airline’s website.

The facility, introduced earlier this year, allows customers to change the seat assigned to them or to select a seat.

Some destinations serviced by SAA, such as London and Germany, will further allow customers to print a boarding pass on a standard A4 page that will include a two-dimensional bar code that can be recognised through computer scanning facilities.

For destinations such as Johannesburg, where two-dimensional scanning is currently not allowed, customers can check themselves in online and then use the self-service kiosks at the airport to print a boarding pass.

Customers who travel with bags can now also use the self-service kiosks, and they can drop their bags at specially provided baggage drop-off facilities or counters at the airport.

OOPS - funny or not?

2008-08-14T11:43:00.002+02:00

Intresting Questions by soon to be visitors to South Africa (No 1)

2008-07-31T09:54:00.002+02:00

THE following questions have been posed to tourism offices across South Africa.

Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa? I have never seen it raining on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA) A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden) A: Sure, it's only two thousand kilometres, take lots of water...

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden) A: So it's true what they say about Swedes...?

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa? Can you send me a list of them in JHB, Cape Town, Knysna and Jeffrey's Bay? (UK) A: ....and what did your last slave die of?

Welcome Awards 2008

2008-07-31T09:39:00.003+02:00

THE third annual Welcome Awards, held in May at Indaba in Durban, recognised and honoured service excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The awards, an South African Tourism initiative sponsored by, among others, First National Bank, Satsa, Deat, and the TGCSA, have become catalysts for promoting service excellence and product innovation, said SA Tourism ceo, Moeketsi Mosola, at the awards ceremony.

"The various category winners represent the cream of what our destination offers visitors in terms of outstanding service, luxurious experiences, efficiency and professionalism," said Moeketsi.

This year's 156% increase in entries, he added, bears testimony to the "growing significance of these awards to the South African tourism industry.

The award winners for 2008 Backpackers Category was Gibela Backpackers Lodge - Durban.

iSimangaliso (St.Lucia) Wetlands Park

2008-07-27T16:01:00.001+02:00

Since the 1999 listing of iSimangaliso as South Africa's First World Heritage Site, alongside Robben Island and the Cradle of Humankind, significant progress has been made relating to Park conservation and community benefits. The enlarged Park, consolidated under the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority now stretches along one third of KwaZulu-Natal's coastline. There has been a 59% increase in the number of tourism establishments in and around the Park, with a 18% increase in the number of beds since 2000. During this period, average bed occupancies have gone from below the national average to above. Community equity of between 20 - 61% has been achieved in new tourism developments. The iSimangaliso Authority has created approximately 4500 jobs year on year since its establishment. Over 15 000ha of pine plantations have been removed. Working with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso has reintroduced thousands of head of game into the Park including oribi, wild dog, buffalo, elephant, black and white rhino and cheetah. iSimangaliso has also played a significant role in the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative (LSDI) which implemented a malaria programme. Lake St Lucia is now malaria free.
The word iSimangaliso has rich historical context. Ujeqe was King Shaka's insila (aide who keeps all the King's secrets and gets buried with the King when the King dies). He fled after uShaka's death to avoid the customary burial with his master. He wandered into Thongaland, present-day Maputaland, and came back, saying: I saw wonders and miracles in the flat land and lakes of Thonga. From that follows an isiZulu saying that if you have seen miracles, you have seen what uJeqe saw: Ubone isimanga esabonwa uJeqe kwelama Thonga." Ujeqe might just have been one of the first tourists to visit what is now the iSimangaliso Wetland Park."

STERN Magazine

2007-03-05T06:57:00.000+02:00

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with a freelance journalist on consignment for STERN magazine (German weekly). This once more gave me the oportunity to travel the paths of this wonderful province - KwaZulu-Natal.
The "harvest" of this media trip was 3 stories that are in the online version of STERN magazine.

THE NATAL SHARKS BOARD and their work - Based in Durban
http://www.stern.de/lifestyle/reise/fernreisen/:Kwazulu-Natal-Tonnenschwere-Teenager/582518.html?eid=582399&s=0

FLORIDA ROAD - Restauarants and entertainment galore - 5 min walk
http://www.stern.de/lifestyle/reise/fernreisen/:Extra-Unbekanntes-Südafrika/582518.html?eid=582399&s=0

KOSI BAY - Unspoilt beaches and culture at it's best.
http://www.stern.de/lifestyle/reise/fernreisen/:Extra-Unbekanntes-Südafrika/582615.html?eid=582399&s=0