Durban, South Africa (Apr 9)

Durban, nicknamed “Durbs”, with almost 3.5 million people, is the third largest city in South Africa and a huge bustling port, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. But much like Johannesburg and parts of Cape Town - its larger sisters - it is not safe to walk in most areas. We went into town twice: in the morning we took the ship shuttle to uShaka Marine World, an ocean front shopping arcade and walked along the beachfront promenade. In the afternoon, we took a taxi tour around town to the the botanical gardens; the Victoria Street market famous for its Indian spice market; city hall and square; old post office with its soaring tower; and Juma mosque, the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a bit disconcerting to be told to stay by a guide at all times.

Morning

Afternoon

Queen Victoria statue 

View of city with soccer stadium

Monkeys in botanical garden

Victoria market, one spice stall

City hall

Juma mosque

Old post office