Mitchell Park Zoo, also known as Mitchell Park or Mitchell's Park, is situated in the Morningside suburb of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Holding claim to being the only zoo in Durban, Mitchell Park was initially established as an ostrich farm in 1910. After an unprofitable start, other animals were introduced and it became home to many large animals; most notably an Indian Elephant called Nellie, who was given to the zoo by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928. She could blow a mouth organ and crack coconuts with her feet.

If you are looking for somewhere different to spend an afternoon or even an hour or two look no further than the splendid Makaranga Botanical Gardens. Located in the suburb of Kloof it is difficult to believe that this 30 acre piece of stunning landscape is situated where it is; just a stone's throw from a major highway and just as close to the city of Durban! The gardens are just beautiful; there are stretches of perfectly manicured lawns, 18 different ponds (some home to fat, lazy Koi! ), a waterfall that feeds a small stream, magnificent Japanese gardens complete with bridges, lanterns, walkways and hand carved figures. Benches can be found throughout the gardens; some along the wheelchair friendly paths, some overlooking ponds and other tucked into quiet, secluded corners ... perfect for afternoon snoozes in the sunshine! Makaranga boasts an impressive collection of both indigenous and exotic trees as well as many species of Orchid, Camellia and Rhododendron - an absolute...

The beautiful and tranquil KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden specialises in the conservation of plants from the eastern.