Cape Town is often lauded as being South Africa’s premier city destination but, although it is undeniably beautiful and an exciting and cosmopolitan place to visit, it is not the only jewel in South Africa’s crown. Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a beautiful sub-tropical city with just as much personality as her south-western counterpart. Gateway to the magnificent Drakensberg region, Durban also has a lot to offer in its own right, and a few days spent discovering the delights of this gorgeous city will be time well spent. Walking South Africa’s urban regions is very different to a walking adventure in the more remote and rugged areas of the country; but the journey is no less rewarding.

Victoria Street Market

Located in what is commonly known as the ‘Indian’ part of the city, the Victoria Street Market is an eclectic fusion of modern and traditional. As you are walking, South Africa’s diverse cultural blend is ever more apparent as the tantalising smells of spices and aromatic food stuffs blend with the shouts and whistles of the stallholders; who are in themselves a wonderful attraction. The exotic mix of Indian and African craft, culture, art and food is a heady mix and, with over 170 stalls, entering the market place is almost like stepping into another world. The building in which the markets are held is a magnificent structure reminiscent of a Maharajah’s palace, however, sadly it has been earmarked for demolition in the next few years; so get in quick before a slice of history is lost.

uShaka Marine World

This is a great place to add into your Durban itinerary if you have children in your party, especially if they are a little young to keep up with the pace of city walking. South Africa, surrounded by oceans on two sides, has a wonderful marine life and an impressive selection of this is on display at the uShaka Marine World. The entertainment is non-stop; from live feeding shows and exhibitions, to the snorkel lagoon and diving with sharks. It is not hard to fill in the entire day and, once the sun goes down, there’s still more fun to be had. The ‘After Dark’ experience will see you wandering the aquarium as it basks in an eerie blue light. You can get a glimpse into the private lives of the sea-creatures as they go about their silent nightly business. Although only open to the public since 2004, uShaka Marine World has become a firm favourite with the local families of the city and the huge numbers of tourists who visit every year.

Durban Botanic Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, the Durban Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking. South Africa’s oldest surviving gardens contain an abundance of African, Asian and American trees and shrubs, some of which are extremely rare. Wander along the shady paths stopping at the herbarium and the orchid house, then stop for lunch in the quaint and calming tea gardens. The beautiful Sensory Gardens are designed to allow blind visitors to touch and feel the plants within, and are inhabited by hundreds of twittering birds – a wonderful experience for both the sighted and non-sighted visitor.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. Whilst walking South Africa with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Walking South Africa