Excursion Scenes of durban tour at Durban

Diverse cultural influences from Asia, Africa, and Europe have each contributed to Durban's development and unique character. Take in the scenes of this sub-tropical city from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach during this half-day orientation.

Depart the pier and begin with a drive along the palm tree-lined Victoria Embankment, passing the Vasco Da Gama Clock, the Dick King Statue, the imposing Durban Club, and the Yacht Club. Continue to the viewpoint on Currie Road for a brief photo stop and opportunity to take in the panoramic views of the city. From here, it is a short drive to the Durban Botanical Gardens.

Durban Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens, which besides housing a wide variety of local flora, are also very well-known for their orchid house and rare collection of cycads, a plant that dates back to prehistoric times.

After this visit, continue past the Old Market Square, which represents the City Hall in Belfast and houses Durban's municipal offices. Catch a glimpse the Natural History Museum and Post Office before continuing passed the Old Inland Revenue Building and Reserve Bank.

Victoria Market Street

Disembark your coach at the Victoria Street Market, commonly known as the Indian Market, to browse among glorious arrays of delicately fashioned ebony and ivory ornaments and other exotic finds. Eastern and African aromas envelop you, as you wander past herb and spice stalls or sort through baskets of delightful wooden carvings. The offerings are endless and you will have a brief time to shop and explore on your own.

Following your visit, drive along the 'Golden Mile' (beachfront), where Zulus, resplendent in their colourful regalia, transport visitors in their colourful rickshaws.

Before returning to the pier, pass by the Juma Mosque, which is reputedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and is famous for its massive golden dome and turrets.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for about .75 miles (1 kilometre) to explore all the sites; some of which is at each guest's discretion. The pathways at the botanical gardens are paved and there are steps to climb at the Victoria Street market. There are no lift/elevators at the venues. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair; however guests must be able to embark/disembark the coach via steps. We recommend guests wear protection from the sun, bring a bottle of water from the ship and your camera. Order of sites may vary. Most of the shops at the Victoria Street Market are closed on Saturday afternoons; and all day on Sundays. As an alternative, the tour will do a photo stop at the Moses Mabida Stadium and spend more time at the botanical gardens if operated over a weekend. For the call on December 31st, 2017 on voyage 5734 please note the Golden Mile & Victoria Street will be closed.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria Embankment, Vasco Da Gama Clock, Durban and Yacht Clubs, Old Market Square, Golden Mile, Juma Mosque, Botanical Gardens, Victoria Market Street