All things bright and beautiful to see in the city
A SALTY ocean breeze, the aroma of spices wafting in the air, and the sun on your skin – is there a better way to tour the city?
Residents, visitors, tourists and even those just curious can immerse themselves in our city’s heritage today with a free Ricksha Bus ride, courtesy of the eThekwini Municipality. The tour begins along the Golden Mile. “The expanse is 6km of beach that runs from Blue Lagoon to uShaka,” said Khetha Mkhize, the tour guide, on a trip taken earlier this week.
Mkhize regularly coloured the journey with fascinating information, while a mix of tourists and locals sat in the open-topped seats lapping up the views. Towering palm trees and craft stalls that lined the promenade made for a picturesque start to the excursion.
But Durban is a contrast between old and new, and dilapidated buildings tell stories of the city’s rich past. Seamen’s Backpackers, on Mahatma Gandhi Road, may look run down, but it was the National Union of Seamen and the Seamen’s Institute building.
“Today the building is used by backpackers and is part of the Point Reclamation Project. It is a listed building that is being retained,” said Mkhize.
In the bustling CBD, the golden domes of the Juma Masjid Mosque stand regally.
“Built in 1881, it is the largest mosque in South Africa and symbolises a spiritual centre for Durban’s Muslims.
“One of the busier areas in the city is the Victoria Street Market. Ninety-five percent of the shops are owned by Indians,” said Mkhize.
From the height of the double-decker bus, throngs of people can be seen weaving through the stalls. Bags of spices, garlands of flowers and baskets of fruit tempt passers-by to look inside.
A giant cube rests in a park on Innes Road in Morningside. The structure overlooks the city and serves as an ideal point to view Moses Mabhida Stadium. At the resting point, some of the tour participants shared their experience of Durban.
Lorina Locher, 20, from Switzerland, said she had made an impulsive decision to visit: “I was in a volunteering project and had a few weeks off. A friend of mine said Durban is quite beautiful.”
Having only been in Durban one day, Locher said: “So far, I really like it, especially the people and the beaches. As for the tour, stopping off at the Cube was definitely my favourite because of the stunning view of the stadium.”
Manuel Valdes, 33, is on holiday from Mexico, “I’m here to see the city and enjoy the beach. My favourite part has been the warmth of the locals,” he said.
“I can never get enough of Durban. I’m here for the fourth time,” said Aubrey Kunene, 37, from North West Province. “uShaka Marine used to be my favourite. This was my first time on the bus and now I think this is my favourite thing to do,” he said.
To book, call 031 322 4209. Only 120 people can be accommodated.