Sydenham, Durban

One of the more colourful neighbourhoods of Durban, Sydenham lies behind the ridge of the Berea, neighbouring on Sherwood, Sparks and Clare Hills. Obviously less fashionable than its counterparts on the ‘right’ side of the ridge, and without the requisite view across Durban, Sydenham, nevertheless, does not suffer its Cinderella complex lightly. What it has distinctly in its favour is quick access onto the N2, N3 and M13 highways and a proximity to the commercial centres of Umgeni Business Park and Springfield Park.

The new central business district close to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, an alternative to the business hub in Umhlanga, is also within easy reach, as is getting to some of the major attractions in Durban like uShaka Marine World, the International Convention Centre and Durban’s famous Golden Mile of beaches.

The neighbourhood in Sydenham is colourful. It is home to a variety of communities that are a more realistic reflection of life in the ‘new South Africa’ than other parts of Durban that are more often advertised in the average tourist brochure. And it is an ideal way to remain close to the heart of Durban, without paying an arm and a leg for accommodation.

Umgeni River Bird Park, just on the other side of Morningside from Sydenham, is built on the banks of the Umgeni River with access to walk-through aviaries, enviable green vegetation, waterfalls, rock faces, and the splendour of birds.