20 Apr April/ May 2022
Newsletter – April/ May 2022
The devastation wrought by the Durban floods of 11-18 April 2022 has brought about untold suffering on those who lost loved ones, their homes and their belongings in the deluge.
Durban Walking Tours’ hearts go out to our fellow Durbanites as we all make attempts to stitch back together the fabric of our lives in the wake of this terrible tragedy.
It is clear that Mother Nature’s force knows no bounds, but what has also emerged in the wake of this disaster is the resilience, fortitude and community spirit of Durban’s people. It has been monumentally moving to see people, even those who were themselves afflicted by the storm’s fury, reaching out to help one another in the aftermath. Durban’s citizens are made of tough stuff and their grit sets them apart from ordinary people. We salute everyone who is dealing with the after-effects of this tragedy and extend our sincerest condolences to those who have lost the most.
There are few places left in Durban where you can traipse down memory lane into a bygone era rich in regional, religious, cultural, historical and architectural value.
Durban Walking Tours has found one such hidden gem and is keen to share it with the city’s explorers.
In their latest addition to an increasing array of tour offerings, Durban Walking Tours presents their first-ever soiree into the Marianhill Monastery complex. Founded by Austrian Francis Pfanner and built by Austrians, Marianhill Monastery houses much more than the beautiful and austere St Joseph’s Cathedral – it is home to a beautiful old clock tower and a museum rich in church as well as local history, among them a King Shaka-era dated Zulu spear.
Walkers will relish the exceptionally rich historical and current context of the Monastery complex, which still serves a multitude of purposes with trades from both the bygone and modern era. Your discovery of what was once the biggest Trappist Monastery in the world will lay bare the special significance of this historical site, as the tour takes in not only the façade but also the working part of the monastery where even today still a blacksmith, carpenter and tailor still produce their goods, along with a printing works and candle making facility. Until as recently as 20 years ago, the on-site farm still made yoghurt and butter.
This walk down memory lane at Marianhill Monastery will leave you feeling like you’ve been on a voyage of discovery! Book your spot on this 3 to 4 hour guided walk for the provisional dates of 3 and 25 May 2022 (at a cost of R250 per person) by emailing info@durbanwalkingtours.co.za or via the website at www.durbanwalkingtours.co.za
Due to the popularity of our recently introduced children activity school holiday tours, we are reviving these for the upcoming mid-year July break, with the first tour dates set for 28 and 30 June 2022; 5 and 7 July and 12 and 14 July.
More dates will be added as interest demands.
This guided walking tour of the inner city takes in many interesting, educational aspects, including the natural splendour of the unparalleled flora of the Botanic Gardens; a short hop on the People Mover city bus service to marvel at the sights of the Durban Natural Science Museum, and a boat trip around the Point canals.
Due to increased pricing on the boat trip (due to escalating fuel prices), the walking tour price has been revised to R200 per person. Go to info@durbanwalkingtours.co.za to book now and secure your spot as these tours fill up very quickly.