Durban, South Africa — Events
The Sardine Run
Every year along the shores stretching from the Cape to Kwazulu Natal, millions of sardines migrate from the cold waters heading to the subtropical temperatures in an awesome underwater spectacle. Comparable only to its land equivalent, the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, this amazing occurrence is one of the most unforgettable experiences for those brave enough to get in the water with the predators, including dolphins, seals, sharks and whales, that come out to feed on them.
Dusi Canoe Marathon
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is a yearly canoe/kayak race that runs from Pietermaritzburg to Durban every February. The race has been going for over 60 years, and now attracts more than 2000 participants from all over the world. It starts in the Valley of 1000 Hills at the intersection of the Umngeni and Msunduzi Rivers, and runs for three days, ending at the mouth of the river in Durban, with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Those interested in registering for the race can do so on the event website.
Splashy Fen
The largest music festival in KwaZulu-Natal, and one of South Africa’s most popular, Splashy Fen takes place on a scenic farm in the Drakensberg Mountains every year over Easter weekend in April. The festival has grown over 20 years to welcome more than 10,000 people to see over 70 acts ranging from jazz, folk and blues to rock, electronic, and traditional African music. Splashy Fen Farm is roughly a three-hour drive from Durban, and while there’s little accommodation, music enthusiasts create massive tented cities that are an attraction in themselves.
Comrades Marathon
The world’s greatest ultra-marathon, the Comrades is a grueling test over 56 miles (90km) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every year. The race alternates between the uphill run from Durban and the downhill from Pietermaritzburg, and is a real test of physical endurance. The winners usually take about five and a half hours to complete the course. In 2008 the race will start in Durban and finish in Pietermaritzburg.
Vodacom Durban July
Usually held on the first Saturday of every July, the annual Durban July is South Africa’s equivalent of the Royal Ascot in the UK, with superb thoroughbreds, but also high fashion, fine cuisine and elegance. It is the premier horseracing event in the country where the rich and famous go to be seen and is the most talked about social gathering among racing enthusiasts.
Durban International Film Festival
The Durban International Film Festival encompasses nearly a dozen venues across the city, including cinemas, theaters, community centers and even outdoor screenings on the beach. Held every July, the festival has been running for over 30 years, and has grown to become a major showcase for South African and international independent films. It also encompasses several smaller festivals, including Animation Africa, Durban FilmMart, Talent Campus Durban, and the Wavescapes Surf Film Festival. Ticket prices are around R30, and booking ahead isn’t necessary.
Wavescapes
The first festival of its kind in South Africa, Wavescapes Surf Film Festival launched in December 2004, and is an annual, national event that showcases the best international and local surf films following the popular revival of big screen surf movies around the world. It is part of the Durban International Film Festival. In celebration of ‘Surf-Afrikan’ beach culture, top surf films will be shown to beachgoers and vacationers with a special outdoor screening on the first day.
Poetry Africa
Poets from all over the world come to Durban every October for the Poetry Africa festival, but its mission is to primarily promote the work of poets from the African subcontinent. The week-long program includes performances, readings, musical performances and book launches in the evenings at several venues, including the Elizabeth Sneddon Theater and the BAT Center; and seminars, workshops, and school visits during the day. The festival culminates in the finale, which features poets, musicians, and the Durban SlamJam competition.
