Tours

Point Walk

Durban Point is one of Durban’s most historic and significant urban areas and is a key tourist attraction.  It has been transformed from a rundown relic into a beautiful showcase.  It is also now one of the safest areas in KZN and a photographer’s paradise, taking in the mix of old Edwardian buildings and modern architecture.

 

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: ± 7 kms with many stops
  • Cost: R275 per person
  • Meet: Maha Café, 5 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point, Durban
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

It is home to many new and exciting places you would never know existed until you take our tour.  This is our BEST seller and it’s sure to surprise you!!

 

YOU will get to visit and learn the history of the following and more:

The old Point Prison (now known as the Point Bastille)

The Timeball

The Rope Shed

Office for Natal Harbour Dept

Lion Match Factory

The Old Escombe Sea Wall

The Lady in White (Pearla Siedle Gibson)

The Bond Shed

Visit the Point Canals

Bamboo Square (The oldest informal settlement in Durban)

The Old Police Station and Prison

Point Railway Station

The Old Fire Station

The first public toilet built in Durban

The Old Tram Station

Old Warehouses

Cruise Terminal

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)  (only when they avail)

Grey Street

“THE HUSTLE AND THE BUSTLE”

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: ± 7 kms
  • Cost: R310 per person (includes a light vegetarian meal)
  • Meet: at the 1860 Heritage Centre, Derby Street (safe parking inside)
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

 

We start off at the 1860 Heritage Centre to learn more about the indentured Indians who arrived on our shores in 1860 and the huge impact they played in the growth of modern-day Durban.  We visit the old Madressa arcade where traditional beadwork, cultural clothing and traditional Zulu wear can be found and the Ajmeri Arcade, one of the iconic arcades in the Indian Quarters.  Then it’s onto the beautiful Grey St Mosque for an interesting, informative talk before we end the morning off with a light vegetarian Indian meal.

 

“You also cannot go to Grey St without doing a little bit of bargain shopping.”

 

Your tour includes:

1860 Heritage Centre

Old Arcades

Shweshwe Fabric shop

Indian Spice Shop

Grey Street Mosque

Gandhi Memorial

Vegetarian Delights Café

 

 

 

Market of Warwick Tour

Join us for a walk through Warwick & Victoria Street Market, the single most authentic African market that South Africa has to offer. A place where over 400’000 people walk through daily and atleast 3000 informal traders sell their goods. The products vary from beadwork, traditional arts and crafts, traditional cuisine, fresh produce, music and entertainment, clothing, accessories, traditional medicine and much more. 

 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: ± 5 kms with many stops
  • Cost: R250 per person
  • Meet: Parking at Botanical Gardens
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

This tour includes: 

Bus ride from and back to Botanical gardens

Warwick Market

Victoria Street Market

Old Arcades

Bangladesh Market & Temples

Join us for a cultural tour where we visit the Bangladesh Market & Temples

The tour starts at the Bangladesh Market which has a long and rich history. It was established in the 1980’s and has been a major trading hub ever since. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods, ranging from fresh produce, spices etc.

 

We then move on to a local Shrine in the area and from there on to “The Temple of Understanding” with its incredible architecture makes this a fascinating visit.  It was designed in the shape of a Lotus flower and built in 1969, with its marble tiles, gold tinted windows, it is more than impressive and lavish.   It is also regarded as the largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa.

 

We end the tour off with a delicious light vegetarian Indian meal.

 

  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 2 kms
  • Cost: R310 per person
  • Meet at 8am

 

Note: This tour is Chatworth and transport is not provided but we will arrange a central meeting point where people can  follow in their vehicle or we car pool.

Florida Road Walk

Join us as we follow the path that the elephants took 170 years ago when they walked to the marshlands in Greyville to drink water. Mitchell Park was a popular outing for the folk living in town, a trip into the country on a horse drawn tram was nothing unusual.

 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: ± 6 kms with many stops
  • Cost: R250 per person
  • Meet: Mitchell Park at entrance to Blu Zoo Restaurant
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

 

Today there is a magic vibe in Florida Road with beautifully restored houses and trendy coffee shops.

 

This tour includes:

Mitchell Park
The Elephant House (subject to access being allowed)
Jamieson Park
Tramway House
Edwardian Houses
Florida Fields
Llanberis
Cecile and Boyd
Incite Church
Street Art
Hollis House
Florida Park Hotel
The Benjamin
Quarters
Ikes Bookshop

Victoria Embankment Walk 

Durban is the maritime trade centre for Africa and the city’s economic epicentre.   British traders and hunters established a permanent Outpost here in 1824 overlooking the Indian Ocean’s waters.

 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: ± 6 kms with many stops
  • Cost: R250 per person
  • Meet: Royal Natal Yacht Club
  • Parking: Royal Natal Yacht Club
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

The Victoria Embankment was built between 1896 and 1901 at the cost of GBP83,000. In the early days, the bay was devoted to recreation especially swimming, picnics, rowing, yachting and fishing. This area was a big mangrove swamp home to pelicans and flamingos.

 

A few highlights of this tour :

 

We visit the Maritime Museum, walk aboard the oldest surviving pilot tug in SA, the “Ulundi” with its 1927 coal-fired engine, discover the living quarters of sailors and wander through the engine room and galleys.  We also walk to the Natal Settlers Museum (now known at Old House Museum) which serves to represent Durban’s lifestyle introduced by the Victorian Settlers.  An authentic ox wagon and post cart represent the transport means of the time.

 

This tour includes:

Royal Natal Yacht Club
Point Yacht Club
9th Avenue Waterside Bistro
Maritime Museum
Club Chambers
Durban Club
High Court
Art Deco buildings
Old House Museum

Berea Walk

the good, the bad and the ugly! 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: ± 6 kms
  • Cost: R250 per person
  • Meet: outside St Clements Café in Musgrave Road
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

The Berea once called a country suburb and home to many of our early settlers. We walk past some former stately homes dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. See where retail giants Sir Benjamin Greenacre and George Payne lived. Enjoy the beautiful Art Deco buildings plus the “Holy Acre”. This walk covers sections of Musgrave, Currie and St Thomas Roads.

 

This tour includes:

Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Maris Stella Convent
Surrey Mansion
Musgrave Methodist Church
Durban Girls  College
Kingsfold Mansions
St Thomas Road Mosque
Royal Palms
Invicta Cottage
Caister House
Musgrave Mansions
Overdale House
Strathmore Lodge
Lowry’s Corner
Surrey Mansions
 
 
 
     

City Tour

Enjoy a 3 hour Durban City Historical Tour.  The city is vibrant with rich architecture, museums, places of worship and even a visit to the Roof Top Garden.

 

Please email us on info@durbanwalkingtours.co.za to book a city tour as this tour is not on our tour calendar

This tour includes:

Former Central Prison now the Durban ICC
Durban Art Gallery
Congregational Church now a Mosque
Art Deco buildings

Court House Museum
Public Works Building
Roof Top Garden
Old Railway Station
The Post Office
The City Hall
Farewell Square

Morningside Mansions 

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Distance: ± 6 kms
  • Cost: R250 per person (includes tea/coffee/snack)
  • Meet: top parking Mitchell Park (entrance to Blue Zoo Café)
  • Note: Not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old

We start at Mitchell Park which dates back to 1894 and is named after Charles Mitchell who was the Governor of Natal. We walk past and admire some stately old homes built in the early 1900’s which include our President’s home called Dr John L Dube House (former King’s House). As you wander around the beautiful gardens of Manor House former home of Sir James Liege Hulett cast your mind back to the days of grand balls and croquet on the lawn! This walks covers sections of Innes, Eastbourne and Venice Roads.

 

This tour includes:

Manor House

Lillieshell Manor

Dr John L Dube House

Upton Hall

St James on Venice

Audacia Manor

St James Anglican Church

Clifton School

Holland House

Kearsney Manor Historical Tour

 

  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • Venue: situated in Stanger 70kms from Durban
  • Cost: R250 per person (includes tea/coffee/snack)

Join me on a historical tour of Kearsney Manor, Kearsney Chapel and the adjoining graveyard.  Kearsney Manor a gracious 22 bedroom home built in the late 1800’s home to Sir James Liege Hulett, his wife Lady Mary (Balcomb) and their eight children. In 1921 Kearsney College was started on this site. Steeped in history learn how Sir James Liege Hulett made his fortune after arriving in Durban at the age of 19 with 5 Pounds in his pocket. Relax and enjoy sipping your tea on the veranda of this stately home which has been beautifully restored and is now a popular Bed and Breakfast and wedding/function venue.

Durban Walking Tours - Kearsney Manor

Destination Walks 

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Basic Tour Info

  • Tours available in English only.
  • German/ Swiss German on special request for groups only
  • The tours do not involve strenuous walking but chat to us if you have any concerns about fitness.  Unfortunately, the tours are not wheelchair friendly.
  • Private tours for birthdays, book clubs, team building, camera clubs, painting groups, corporates, school groups and many more – all welcome.
  • Pick up and drop off at hotels and guest houses on request, for four people only.
  • Always bring a bottle of water, sun hat, sunscreen and an appetite to learn!
  • Plenty of comfort stops on all walking tours.
  • Gift vouchers available electronically or hard copy; valid for 12 months from date of issue.
  • Please read our Terms & Conditions for all Tours.
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