uShaka Marine World is a

theme park An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central ...

that opened on 30 April 2004 in

Durban Durban ( ) ( zu, eThekwini, from meaning 'the port' also called zu, eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed ''Durbs'',Ishani ChettyCity nicknames in SA and across the worldArticle on ''news24.com'' from ...

KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal (, also referred to as KZN and known as "the garden province") is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is locate ...

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

. It has a total capacity of 4.6 million gallons containing 10,000 animal species.

History

Designed by American firm Creative Kingdom Inc. Shaka Marine World opened on 30 April 2004 after 3 years of development. In 2005, the park was awarded for "Outstanding Achievement in thematic creative design" by the Themed Entertainment Association.

uShaka Wet 'n Wild

uShaka Wet 'n Wild is a water park inside uShaka Marine World.

uShaka Beach

uShaka Beach is a beach which has direct access from the amusement park. It has sand beaches and a large pier leading out into the ocean.

uShaka Village Walk

uShaka Village Walk is designed similar to an African village, and includes restaurants, cafes and numerous shops.

uShaka Dangerous Creatures

Dangerous Creatures is an adventure for reptile enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.

Chimp and Zee

Chimp & Zee has the longest continuous belay system in Africa, and is a rope adventure park.

Financial troubles

The park was built at a cost of ZAR 700-million and has been subsidized for a total of ZAR 450-million by the eThekwini Municipality. In the 2009–2010 financial year, the park suffered a net loss of ZAR 44.5-million, and a total deficit of ZAR 377.5-million. There were also irregular expenditures (expenditures which did not undergo normal procurement procedures) of ZAR 3.15-million on the park.

References

{{Zoos of South Africa Amusement parks in South Africa Aquaria in South Africa Buildings and structures in Durban Tourist attractions in Durban 2004 establishments in South Africa