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.
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)
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
This tour includes:
Bus ride from and back to Botanical gardens
Warwick Market
Victoria Street Market
Old Arcades
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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Maris Stella Convent
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Surrey Mansion
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Musgrave Methodist Church
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Durban Girls College
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Kingsfold Mansions
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St Thomas Road Mosque
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Royal Palms
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Invicta Cottage
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Caister House
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Musgrave Mansions
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Overdale House
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Strathmore Lodge
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Lowry’s Corner
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Surrey Mansions
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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
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
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.
Please subscribe to our newsletter or check on our Facebook page about any special / charity walk we are doing.
Basic Tour Info