Mitchell Park in Durban, South Africa is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. This eight-acre park is located in the suburb of Morningside and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The park is named after Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, who was the Governor of Natal in the early 1900s. It was originally established as an ostrich farm in 1910 and despite an initially unsuccessful beginning, the zoo eventually expanded its collection to include a variety of large animals. One of the most notable additions was Nellie, an Indian Elephant gifted to the zoo by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928. Nellie was known for her impressive talents, such as playing a mouth organ and using her feet to crack open coconuts. The park has since become a popular spot for picnics, walks, and relaxation.
What to expect on your visit to the park
One of the park's main attractions is its stunning aviary, which is home to a variety of exotic birds from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the aviary and see birds such as parrots, macaws, and even toucans.
Mitchell Park also offers a mini zoo which is home to a diverse array of small animals and birds, offering visitors the opportunity to see crocodiles, antelope, raccoons, cranes, monkeys, and tortoises. Visitors can also see some of the park's resident peacocks roaming freely throughout the grounds.
One of the highlights of Mitchell Park is its tea garden, Blue Zoo Cafe & Tea Garden, which is housed in a historic building that dates back to the early 1900s. The tea garden offers a selection of light meals, cakes, and of course, tea, and is a popular spot for afternoon tea or a relaxing lunch.
Those of you not wanting to dine at the onsite tea garden will be happy to know there are also braai facilities available as well as picnic spots where the children will be able to play on jungle gyms, swings, slides, and other equipment for small children.
Tariffs and operating hours of the park
Mitchell Park is an affordable outing for families to explore as there is no entry fee to walk the grounds, picnic by the playground or enjoy a braai with friends. Those of you wanting to explore the zoo will only need to pay a small entrance fee of R10 per adult and R7 per child under 12 years old.
The park is open Monday through Sunday from 08:00 until 16:00 and is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you're interested in plants, animals, or just a relaxing afternoon tea, Mitchell Park has something for everyone. Its combination of natural beauty, history, and recreational activities make it a must-visit destination in Durban.
The area surrounding Mitchell Park
Durban is an ideal place to live as it offers a bit of everything. Lush greenery, a stunning coastline and a bustling city centre are just a few aspects of this wonderful town. Whether you are looking to relocate or invest, Seeff has a wide variety of homes available near Mitchell Park and other amenities you love. If you would like to know more or simply wish to browse, check out our properties for sale today.
Image credit: Nimmo Road, Durban by Chris Bloom | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0