Touring through Durban on the Ricksha Tour Bus

Description

…want to tour the City of Durban and know about it all at the same time? Hop on Durban’s Ricksha Bus (sometimes also misspelt the Rickshaw Bus), a wonderfully relaxing way to see the city! The Rickshaw Bus offers two tours daily at 9 am and 1 pm, with each tour lasting 3 hours. It is a double decker bus with the top part open and has toilet facilities available on the bottom part.

Route

The start off point is at Tourist Information Centre (Mobile Office), along O R Tambo Parade, North Beach. The journey starts along the beachfront of North Beach through to South Beach before getting to uShaka. During this part of the journey, you are able to see the site of the biggest fan park during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the tallest Building in Durban, uShaka Marine World and some of the oldest buildings in Durban which were used as hostels for people who were working at the habour when it was known as Port Natal.

The journey continues by travelling along Margaret Mncadi Road (formerly Victoria Embankment). Along this road you are able to get a good view of the habour and its activities as well as the Durban Car Terminal. Still along this route you see some historical sites like the Vasco Da Gama Clock and the statue of Dick King, popularly known as the saver of Natal. You can also catch a glimpse of the Durban High Court.

Tour Guide Nobuhle Biyela explaining to the tourists.

Leaving the habour side, the Ricksha Bus then goes through the heart of Durban Central, travelling along some of the busiest roads in town. In the City, you are able to see the Juma Musjid Mosque, which is the largest Mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, the Nicole Parkade, which is the largest parking parkade in Durban and the Francis Farewell Square where there are a lot of old buildings including the Durban City Hall. Before leaving town you are also able to see the Durban Cemetery, Emmanuel Cathedral and The Victoria Market which are all one of the oldest cemetery, Catholic Church and Market, respectively, in Durban.

Thereafter the Ricksha leaves the beautiful city of Durban, passing through the suburbs of Berea, Musgrave and Morningside. This part of the journey mostly just highlights apartments, flats and other different forms of accommodation.

The first Stop is at the Engen Garage in Morningside along Ridge Road, roughly an hour and a half into the tour. Available here is a convenience store for refreshments and toilet facilities. Tourists are given 10 to 15 minutes to take a break, stretch their legs and relax.

The uShaka Marine World Entrance

The journey continues in the suburb of Morningside where there are two famous residents, The King Goodwill Zweletini house and Jacob Zuma’s Presidential house. The second stop at a view point called the Cube, which overlooks Durban.  Here, tourists can hop off the bus and view the beautiful city of Durban from above.

The Cube in itself is also a tourist attraction as it has, on it, various paintings of the local artists depicting the different lifestyles and culture of the people of Durban and KZN.

The Ricksha then leaves the Morningside area and heads towards the North where you see the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Blue Lagoon, which is where the Umgeni River joins the Indian Ocean, before heading back to the beachfront. Travelling along the North beach, you are able to see the Durban Country Club, Suncoast Casino and the beautiful North Beach Gardens.

The journey completes its loop as it turns into Old Fort Road before turning towards North Beach.

Route Highlights

• Beachfront
• uShaka
• Emmanuel Cathedral
• Victoria Street Market
• Juma Musjid Mosque
• City Hall
• Francis Farewell Square
• ICC
• Kwa Muhle Museum
• Tollgate Bridge
• Burman Bush
• The Cube on Innes Road
• Mitchell Park
• Florida Road
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Blue Lagoon
• Suncoast Casino
• Beachfront

Permit

Adults R100

Children under 18 & South African Pensioners R50

Children under 5 Free

Strictly cash

For groups of 40 and above, booking in advance is required.

No booking is required for individuals and smaller groups but it is advisable to call in advance to check for availability.

Duration

3 Hours

Times

Tour 1: 09:00 to 12:00

Tour 2: 13:00 to 16:00

Enquiries:  Durban Tourism

Contact Number 031 322 4164

A real fun experience

A must for the whole family!