Markets of Warwick

After an introduction to Durban's history, we will take local transport to the markets and spend the morning walking through Durban's markets: The early morning market, the bridge market, the Indian markets, the African medicine (Muti) market, the African market, and Victoria Street market. Experience the real Durban and do your shopping on the way. After a detailed tour of the markets, we will proceed through the city on foot and by using local transport. We will end up at the beachfront for a lovely lunch, Durban's specialty Bunny Chow.

Start the day with a pickup from your accommodation then dive straight into your Durban adventure. Stroll through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens and tap into its history and unique collections with a passionate horticulturist. Then meet the ‘loneliest man on the planet’, which is a tree, and discover the secret to invisibility. Next, unlock the trendy suburb of Glenwood, which is considered by many as the Arts Quarter of Durban. Explore on foot with local artists, Mooki Lion or Dane Stops, and track down the public portfolios of talented street artists. On the tour, uncover the underbelly of the city as you get into a conversation about the social issues that underpin the art. Time to meet Mama Nkosi next, also known as the dancing curator of Phansi Museum, and the head honcho of one of the largest collections of indigenous art and crafts in KwaZulu Natal. Learn about indigenous beliefs, tribal culture, and how people used the therapeutic nature of song and dance to deal with their emotions and feelings. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, taste the flavors of African cuisine and sample the popular delicacies of Durban such as bunny chow. With your energy levels restored, enter into the beating heart of the city, the Markets of Warwick. In the company of a local NGO, meet merchants peddling their wares and learn about the history, significance, and future of this remarkable space.  After the market, drive through the city center as your guide brings it to life with historical anecdotes. Finish the day at the creative hub that is Station Drive Precinct and enjoy an artisan gelato tasting with local creatives. For those who'd like to test out some craft beer, stroll over the S43 and try the refreshing flavors at That Brewing Company (at own expense).

Following collection from your Durban accommodation, begin a day about context, immersion, and relevance. Your tour starts with you meeting the dancing curator of the Phansi Museum, who introduces you to a vast collection of indigenous art and crafts before you sample some pan-African cuisine. Following that, head to Isithumba - a living Zulu cultural village. There a local resident helps you to explore the village on foot, as you begin to understand a different way of life. If the ancestors are kind you may even meet the village chief or the local spiritual healer for an immersive exchange. The Markets of Warwick are your final stop. This curious quarter represents the beating heart of indigenous culture. Meet the Lime and Imphepho Gogos (female elders), and watch them create their goods before you witness Muthi Bridge, or as the locals like to call it - Sangoma Central. Unlock this mysterious place and get a feel for where the culture is heading, before your driver returns you to your accommodation.