Welcome Indaba guests

Eddie Rust (left) from Mhondoro Lodge seen with Llewellyn (right, Durban View Guesthouse) )is the first of our guests to arrive for the international Indaba tourism exhibition which opens in Durban this weekend. Welcome Eddy and all visitors to Durban. We hope the Indaba is again greatly successful for your marketing efforts to the international tour operator community and that we Durbanites live up to your expectations for friendliness and excellent service during your stay here.

Welcome also to Kobus and Gerhard of Hopefield Country House and Guest Farm near Port Elizabeth who have also just joined us and Indaba delegate Andrew from Austin, Texas of travel marketing company AW and Associates.

Saturday is party night for all gay visitors to the Indaba and we invite you all to join us at the

Guesthouse Sat evening at 7pm for drinks and later we can go out for a night on the town. For directions, just sms me (Dave 083-7033329).

Munich link for South Africa

German tourists have been given a new link to South Africa and Durban since South African Airways joined the global Star Alliance last year. New direct flights from Munich to Johannesburg have commenced and both South African tourists to Munich and Munich tourists here should expect to see more of each other in our respective cities. This link is in addition to the direct flights to Frankfurt our favourite airline has operated for many years. Welcome to our sunny port city on the east coast of South Africa. Come Stay Gay at our Guesthouse here and enjoy our city-wide and Indian Ocean roof-top views and Spa.

First Gay Wedding

The first gay marriage at our Guesthouse took place this weekend. Suzette (left above) and Belinda tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony presided over by Senior Pastor Deborah Bell of the Deo Gloria Family Church, one of the few mariage officers appointed in the country to marry gay couples. She may be contacted on 031-562 8869, 083 258 7492, email dgdbn@iafrica.com, or internet. Our Guesthouse now offers facilities for a small wedding ceremony, snacks and a bridal suite. Bookings and enquiries may be made by emailing us on dave@durbanview.co.za.

Easter guests

Easter has been a great weekend at home just relaxing for a change. Friday the Guesthouse was full and Sunday evening we had a quiet braai with guests Nelson (right) and Les (centre) from Australia and Mocambique respectively seen in the photo with Shane, our Guesthouse manager. Nelson played us some cool music that he composed and recorded himself.. he also gave us some blogging tips and we have linked his personal web and blog to our site. Safe travels home guys!

2010 countdown

The coundown to the 2010 World Soccer Cup in South Africa has begun in ernest. Durban's own new R1,6 billion stadium will be visible from our Guesthouse and the construction is now out of the ground. Piling was completed a few weeks ago. Bookings are now open for gay tourists only to Stay Gay!! with us in 2010. BOOK NOW!! or email us on dave@durbanview.co.za for bookings in advance of our system.

Budget Car Hire deals

Hey guys, gay tourism to South Africa is getting even better and we are working hard to get better deals for gay tourists. At present we are negotiating with Budget South Africa for a preferential rate for our guesthouse guests. Watch this space and we will let you know what we have been able to achieve shortly. Thank you Budget for talking to us.

Come Fly to us...

South African Airways is our airline of choice, so whatever you do or whichever way you go, be sure to click on our link and check out our favourite national airline. For travel within South Africa, a new no frills Airline wholely owned by SAA, Mango, is now operating with great discounted rates for those who want budget domestic air travel.

Bent Girls new venue

The ladies are deserting us with a permanent change of venue for their monthly gay parties. Some of us guys quite enjoyed their parties moving from venue to venue each month, but they will shortly be opening an exclusively girls venue upstairs of The Lounge, Durban's only exclusivelygay pub/club in Stamfordhill Road. Bent enjoys their 2nd birthday shortly and we wish the girls every success with their new venture.

Durban Harbour Booze Cruise

We all got pretty trashed on a Durban Harbour "Booze Cruise" to celebrate Dave's Law Firm Mc Naught and Company's 23rd birthday on Friday. Joining us on the cruise were guesthouse guests and friends seen here with Llewellyn (right) before setting off on the harbour and high seas Party.

Roof-top Tan

It's been sizzling summer sun in Durban and the Pool and Roof-top Spa with Sundeck at the Guesthouse has come into it's own since we installed it and tiled the roof in December. Llewellyn is seen posing for us as I took some new photos for our business card and flyer today.

Loyalty programme

Thanks to our guests loyalty, we have taken a step to reward "frequent visitors" with our new Loyalty Programme - STAY GAY AGAIN.

This gives every guest 100 points per night visited with a FREE night once 1000 points have been accumulated.

We are also negotiating with other participating guesthouses and lodges around South Africa on our "Pink route" to offer prizes at other destinations to our respective loyal guests. You can join the programme now by booking a night with us at Durban View Gay Guesthouse simply by clicking on the Book Now link here.

Sa Tourism Indaba

May in Durban is South Africa's Tourism showcase to the world's travel agents and tourism gurus. Hundreds of exhibitors from resorts, hotels, safari operators and tour organisations all over South Africa converge in Durban for Indaba 2007 to show the world what South Africa has to offer. This year our Guesthouse is fully booked with gay exhibitors from Game Lodges to Drakensberg resorts and we hope to have a fun-filled week in which our own establishment gets wider publicity.

21 Today

A 21st Birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime event and we were thrilled to be able to share this special event with Emil (right), and cousin Andre at Durban View Gay Guesthouse as the hot weather and drinks got us all into the pool for a braai and party weekend. Congratulations Emil!!

A1 Grand Prix hits Durban

Wow, it's the A1 motor racing Grand Prix this weekend in Durban and as we speak drivers from 25 nations across the globe are careering around the beachfront street track including the SA National Team in their car named "Vulindlela" meaning "Clear the way". The track is just down the road from our guesthouse and the buzz of the cars is clearly audible. Last night drivers and spectators mingled in the restaurants and Durban came alive. This year we're booked, but come stay with us in 2008, the 3rd year of the premier event hosted by our city Durban on the east coast of South Africa.

Breakfast at the house

It's breakfast at the Guesthouse the morning after the night before at The Lounge, Durban's only gay pub, and martinis are the order of the day. Seen in the photo are Emil from Johannesburg, Dave (Durban View Gay Guesthouse) and Andre' from Richards Bay.

Click here for Durban View Gay

Guesthouse Online Bookings

Guesthouse Hot Bodz

Our guesthouse has been meeting point lately for some real Hot Bodz - Rob (right) from Toronto joins Rob (left, also from Toronto), Llewellyn and Dave (Durban View Gay Guesthouse) for drinks in the guesthouse Pub.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day all. Hope your wishes and dreams come true today and always. The Party tonight is at The Lounge in Durban. Come dressed in red, pay R20 at the door and all shots are two-for-the-price-of-one. Come Party Gay on the main dance floor with your Valentine tonight.

Valentine's Month Specials

Hey Guys, it's valentine's Month and for the whole month of February we are offering lovers and partners a free stay at our gay-only guesthouse in Durban.... if you stay 2 nights or more, your boyfriend/lover/partner stays FREE... that's only R340 per room per night total!!! ... just because we want you to share this Valentine's month with someone special. Just phone us on 083-7033329 or click on our guesthouse website to download a booking form.

Zurich travellers

Escaping the cold of Europe and Zurich are Stefan (left) with Durban View Gay Guesthouse Manager Shane (centre) and Martin - the guys enjoyed the warm sunny Durban weather today at SunCoast Casino complex on Durban's beachfront.

Hot guests arrive

Durban View Gay Guesthouse host Dave (centre) welcomes hot guests from around the world who arrived in a group travelling South Africa - German visitor Christian (left) and Johannesburg gigilo Marc (right) were joined by Stefan, Stewart and Corrie with us in Durban before driving to Cape Town for a few more days. With the Zurich guests who also arrived the same day (see pic above) the guesthouse was sizzling with HOT visitors. Enjoy our country guys!! :-)

Durban dawn..

The morning sun rising up over the sea and over Durban and our guesthouse today was awesome and warranted a photo from the bedroom window.

Todays Soppy Quote

"Hugs don't need new equipment, Special batteries or parts - Just open up your arms And open up your hearts."

Gay Speak

GAYSPEAK is sent to over 2000 gay people in Gauteng and elsewhere per email, and is posted on the gay website QE-forums and on Mercury media. It is a great spot for discussing gay issues and catching up on the latest in gay society in South Africa.

Do you know which car has been voted the "Gayest" car by Wheels24.....?

Yip, it is the Peugeot 207

Have you heard of SKIDOS?

So there is another "Gay Friendly" night club in Durban! We have been asked to give them some publicity. So will keep you informed as we get some feedback and further information.
If you have a comment then please send it to us.

"After a 10 year drought, save for a few watering hole stops inbetween djing one-offs at places like HOME (with son LEO), BBB, FLUX, and BLUEBOTTLES, Helge Janssen has been enticed back into the club circuit to DJ every Saturday night at SKIDO'S, corner of Clark and Umbilo Roads, Glenwood. Launch night is 27th January 2007! Helge is the original alternative DJ thats tarted it all in the '80's when he DJ'd at a club called FACES in CollegeLane. People went wild! He then created a 'moving club' called PLAY which was hosted at the Community Arts Workshop, 330 (for two years on a Fridaynight) and then at the Berea Inn. Helge has designed for and participated in numerous alternative fashion shows, and recently had a novel published by Pine Slopes Publications called TELL TALE (available at all good bookstores). Doors open at 9 pm and entrance fee before 11pm is R20, thereafter R30.

Is Harry Potter Gay?

"Of course Harry is gay. He grew up in a closet under the stairs; only allowed out to be useful around the house, and certainly never when visitors came. Poor orphaned Harry was destined to go to Stonewall High3 until an invitation from Hogwarts School of Wizardry allowed him to realise his true self — to practice pooffery (or magic then, if you like) — every suburban gay boy’s dream; dispense with your parents I mean, and then run away with the fairies. At school Harry learns to fly, and meets the lovely red-headed Ron Weasley; fairy-boy and tight companion.4 Harry seems doomed to court the clever if manipulative Hermione, but don’t be fooled, his true love is for Ron." extracted from an article by emu Nugent

Welcome to 2007

Welcoming in the New Year at our guesthouse Party are barman Shaun, co-owner Dave, new guesthouse manager Shane and co-owner Llewellyn. Shane has just joined us on a permanent basis and is putting together our February accommodations specials and promotions. Come Stay Gay and Party Gay with us at Durban View Gay Guesthouse.

Party Guests Frank and Schalk

New Year Party guests Frank and Schalk had a blast at the guesthouse.

Kevin enjoys the jol

The New Year's eve rain did not put a dampener on things as the Party moved downstairs at the guesthouse - Kevin and friends showed us some good party spirit..

New Manager appointed

Shane has just been appointed as the new Manager at Durban View Gay Guesthouse and has taken up his appointment. Shane is responsible for bookings, guest relations and the smooth running of the guesthouse which caters exclusively for the gay community and has been up and running for 8 months now. Welcome Shane - we look forward to the guesthouse growing and catering to both national and international guests.

Party animals for New Year

Miami and London friends who have known each other for over 10 years all flew into Durban to stay at our guesthouse this week in the lead up to the New Year festivities. From left to right are Jose, Armand, Joe, Chris and Dave. They were party animals deluxe and set the tone for our big party on our roof-top on New Year's Eve.

Our new guesthouse Manager Shane is seen with Llewellyn (my partner), myself (Dave) and New Year Party barman Shaun (all with clothes on..). Durban View Gay Guesthouse will be the place to be this New Year and the following are the Party procedures:

New Year........

1. Party starts 9pm with DJ Ian aka Fluffles blasting from the roof-top at 16 Holstead Gardens - scroll down for a map to our place;

2. Bring your own booze so you can't complain when our limited stock of cash-bar beers and stuff run out. You will also be assured of your own favourite drink;

3. Bring plastic glasses so that we do not all get cut feet if you drop yours.... ;

4. Bring a towel - the roof-top Spa will be operating as well as the downstairs pool;

5. Bring R20 entrance and as many extra R20/R50 notes for tips and pole-dances with our barmen and guesthouse manager;

6. Sign in at the gate with your cell number and email address so we can find you again and invite you to future parties. You will also sign an indemnity so that if you or other guests get reckless or injured, we are not responsible;

7. Bring your own snacks if you think you may get hungry during the evening;

8. Bring your own cushion if you want greater comfort on our roof-top or want to lie down...;

9. Park somewhere down the nearby roads as parking will be difficult around the house;

10. There are no other rules, except don't break the place down, steal or cause anyone a problem............ it's going to be a jol;

11. If it rains, no prob, the party will re-locate to the downstairs Pub in the guesthouse;

12. Dress code - cum as you like.. as much, as casual, as stylish or as little as you prefer... :-)

New Year's Eve Gay Party

The Gay Party this New Year's Eve is at 16 Holstead Gardens, Morningside, Durban - with spectacular city skyline and beachfront views on our roof-top with Spa and Pub!!

DJ Ian Macfarlane (aka "Fluffelina Finkelbottom")will be mixing on the roof. It's a private house party for invited guests with entrance of R20 on a bring-your-own liquor basis, although a limited cash bar will also operate. No pre-booked tickets are needed, and you can arrive on the night, but you need to secure your entrance by dropping us an email or message with cell number letting you know you want to come and we will keep your space for the countdown roof-party.

Our guesthouse is now fully booked for staying over - if you intend to sleep at all - but you can still come jol with us!!!

Gay friends and neighbour

Gearing up for our New Year's roof-top party at our guesthouse are friends and guests from left to right Rob (Durban), Brandon (Jhb), Nelus (Luanda, Angola), Llewellyn (Durban View Gay Guesthouse) and neighbour Derek.

Morning Sun rises over Durban

The morning sun rises from the sea bathing the city of Durban and Durban View Gay Guesthouse in it's glorious rays - one of the last few sunrises of 2006 as we prepare for our New Year's party to herald in 2007 with revelry, top music and a gay Durban crowd at its best.

New Year Happenings...

Have you booked your New Year Bash?

The Lounge, 226 Stamford Hill Road, Durban
New Year's Eve, Sun 31st December 2006 sees a Mardi Gras New Year's bash at Durban's only gay club, The Lounge. Entry is R100 per person if pre-booked and R150 on the night (subject to ticket availability)

Bent Party @ The Lounge, New Year's Eve
The girls will be having their own bash upstairs at their new club forming part of The Lounge premises. Check out their website here for the latest info.

Roof-Top Party, 16 Holstead Gardens
This is a private gay party - you can request your own invite from dave@durbanview.co.za - and a nominal entry fee of R20 will secure your entry. It's largely bring your own booze, but a limited cash bar will also operate. DJ Fluffles will be mixing on the roof where the upstairs pub and Spa has city-wide views of the city and fireworks.

330 Point-Blank Clubbing at Club 54- 50 Old Main Rd, PInetown

Durban's famed 330 Club is hosting a New Year's eve bash in Pinetown - suburb of Durban 30kms on the N3 west - in conjunction with Club 54. Should be a jol, although not exclusively gay.

New Year Party Map

Here is the map to the Gay Party of 2006 - our New Year's Eve roof-top jol at our guesthouse in Durban. It's Durban View Gay Guesthouse where DJ Fluffles will be mixing on the roof with Paul Oakenfold beat and other hot sets.

New Roof-top Spa and Furniture

Here is a first photo of Dave showing off our new roof-top furniture at our gay guesthouse in Durban. The Spa on the roof is already operating and the new facilities should get their real test at our New Year's Eve roof-top Party.

Durban must see..

Being a gay traveller to Durban does not mean that you do not want to do the usual tourist things, and there are a few not-to-be-missed attractions we recommend.

This photo of turtles was taken by one of our guests who visited the uShaka Marine World - Durban's must-see acquarium and shopping complex situated right on the beach in our developing waterfront area near the harbour mouth. uShaka features a full size replica of a wrecked ship, a magnificent acquarium with dolphn show, a "Wet 'n Wild" experience (that has nothing to do with gay travel..lol) - slides and water rides that are great for adults and kids alike and access to the beach and the pier into the sea. Helicoper flips around the city and coast can also be booked here.

uShaka is a few minutes drive towards the beachfront and city from our guesthouse and can be easily reached by car or taxi.

FlatFoot Dance Company

"Moo cow" Richard has kindly shared with us a review and news - don't miss the FlatFoot Dance Company's "Three Men in a Square Space" 50-min dance routine taking place at the Square Space Theatre at the KZN Univerisity Durban Campus this weekend 8th and 9th December and again from the 13th - 16th December 2006.

It's a contemporary piece well worth watching and explores the boundaries of masculinity and friendship and is being staged by Lliane who can be contacted on 031-2601142 or 0828756065 for more details. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are R20 at the door.

Best News Blog nomination

Yes Durban, BestGayBlogs - popular American website - has accepted our nomination for Best Gay Blogs 2006 Awards. We are hoping to be featured in the ratings and to see many more people visit this blog and find out more about our awesome fair city Durban on the sunny east coast of South Africa.