City walking tours are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. They are a simple and immersive way to meet the city’s people and experience the culture. What better way is there to explore Durban than walking its streets and tracing the paths of the heroes the city has produced and hanging out with its residents? Our bet is that you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better. And who better to guide us than a beloved local boy who residents refer to as “The Mayor”.

After a brief, but brilliant Zulu lesson, we follow our guide Sthembiso to the Durban Botanic Garden, which is Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden and the city’s oldest public institution. The botanic garden was developed in 1849 as a botanic station to test out agricultural crops. Today the space has come a long way and progressed to become part of a network of botanic gardens across the globe that focuses on issues such as biodiversity, education, heritage, research and green innovation. This is a definite must-see for anyone interested in plant life and conservation as the Botanic Gardens have a programme responsible for the conservation of a good number of threatened plant species such as cycads and palms. Beyond all the history and conservation rooted in the place, the gardens themselves are an idyllic location for an easy-going day outside. Whether you want to attend one of the public concerts on the park’s yearly programme, have a picnic with friends, enjoy a relaxed family outing or you’re simply looking for the ideal place for a quiet stroll with beautiful scenery, there is no place, more perfect.

From here we make our way through to the markets of Warwick Markets, which boast a staggering 5000 to 8000 traders working in the nine distinct markets. And if that isn’t impressive enough, consider that this is currently the only informally structured market in a public space of this magnitude, making the markets of Warwick the single most authentic African market anywhere in the country. This is a shopping mecca with a wide array of things to choose from. From beadwork, traditional arts and crafts, traditional cuisine, fresh produce, music and entertainment merchandise, clothing, accessories and traditional medicine, the market has it all. The walk through the space is an interactive experience where we stop and shop and chat to traders. But perhaps the most distinct feature of the market is the aroma of spices and incense that infuse the air and the sounds that fill the atmosphere.

This of course would not be a city walking tour if we did not stop to admire the incredible architecure that characterises the city. Durban is also a great destination for anyone who has an appreciation for Art Deco buildings. Our route to the third stop is lined with beautiful Art Deco that would make Jo’burg jealous. We soon arrive at the second Town Hall in Durban and after a brief look around the inside of the city hall, we make our way to another historical landmark. After a short walk we arrive at the Court House where the young Mohatma Gandhi started on his path to becoming an acclaimed human rights activist and an icon of peace and passive resistance.

When you visit Durban next, be sure to explore it off the beaten track, be sure to discover the city along its sidewalks.