Tokyo, Japan
January 13
Category: John & Sandy
Friday, March 14, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in Southwestern Africa.
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Bird lovers paradise
Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colorful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, the town takes its name from Whale Bay – which gives a clue as to the incredible wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep water blossoms with rich plankton levels, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbor, Walvis Bay is an important fishing center for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.
Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds, or you can admire the flamingos, herons, and carefully treading-wading bird species from afar. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point—a sandy spit that calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore. There’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here.
On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises to form the highest dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 meters. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport, like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights, or take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour, where the golden dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.
SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbour
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine blends fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures that have evolved over the years. The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront.
Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with various stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. It is located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.
The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor. Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. It is a great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.
Today’s Excursion – Flamingos, Salt Pans & Dunes
On this half-day exploration tour, we discovered the Walvis Bay area and its natural wonders. Over the years, the area around Walvis Bay has become something of a tourist destination and economic hub, and this whistle-stop excursion gave us a chance to find out why.
Walvis Bay Lagoon & Salt Pan.
The sheltered Walvis Bay Lagoon is a RAMSAR site famed for its abundance of birdlife, including flamingos and rare white pelicans. At certain months of the year, the lagoon is a vital stopover point for migratory birds en route to Etosha and Botswana.
Namibia’s largest salt mine.
We stopped outside the facility, which was a good opportunity to take a few snapshots and learn some information about the mining process.
Dune 7 Belt – Namibia’s Highest Sand Dunes
Only 15 km outside Walvis Bay is the oldest desert in the world—the Namib Desert, with some of the world’s highest dunes. Take a moment to bask in the spellbinding views of Namibia’s famous dune belt and take more photos for your memory book.
World Cruise Event – Dinner between the Dunes M
Beneath the vast Namibian sky, an unforgettable evening unfolds amidst the golden dunes of the Namib Desert.
A glowing marquee stands against the dramatic landscape, where tables elegantly adorned with flickering candles and subtle lighting create an air of enchantment.
Guests are treated to a feast of local specialties, paired with fine South African wines, while the rhythmic beats of marimba music, the harmonies of a choir, and mesmerizing fire-spinners fill the night with magic.
As the evening draws to a close, the warmth of a crackling fire invites conversation beneath the stars, completing a truly remarkable experience.
Thurs day, March 13, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Luderitz, Namibia
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Luderitz, Namibia, in southwestern Africa.
LÜDERITZ, NAMIBIA
The Surf City
The scorched desert surrounding Lüderitz means the city’s collection of German art nouveau architecture couldn’t look more unusually placed along the Namibian coastline. This quirkiness is what gives the destination its charm. See gangs of playful penguins skipping across the waves, pink flamingos wading by the coast, and dolphins leaping into the air near Penguin Island and Seal Island. A much more haunting location with an incredibly dark past is Shark Island – which witnessed the deaths of between 1,000 and 3,000 people when it was the location of a German concentration camp between 1905 and 1907. Inland from Lüderitz is Kolmanskop, the site of a famous diamond mine and ghost town.
Colonial architecture: The town boasts notable German colonial buildings with Art Nouveau elements, giving it a distinctly European feel.
Diamond mining: Lüderitz was once a major hub for diamond extraction, which heavily influenced its development.
Wildlife viewing: The area surrounding Lüderitz is home to various marine animals, such as seals, penguins, and dolphins, making it a popular spot for wildlife tours.
Diaz Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse marks the historic point where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first landed on the Namibian coast.
Museum: The Lüderitz Museum showcases the town’s history, including its geological aspects related to diamond mining.
SIGHTS
• Diaz Point Lighthouse
• Felsenkirche Church
• Kolmanskop
• Lüderitz Museum
• Namibia Maritime Museum
• Site of Original Dias Cross
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Lüderitz offers a unique dining scene that blends traditional Namibian cuisine with influences from its German colonial past. Lüderitz is known for its seafood, including oysters, lobster, and mussels. The town also has a German-style confectionary (Schwarzwälder, Kirschtorte, Apfelstrudel) and snacks (Biltong, Droewors, Landjäger, Brötchen).
Divikz Ftlotp Street is a shopping street in Lüderitz.
Lüderitz is a port town in the IlKaras Region of Namibia.
The waterfront near the harbor has been developed with shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
The shopping street was used for general shopping by residents of Kolmanskop and nearby mining towns.
Today’s Excursion – Luderitz Walking Orientation
Lüderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. It is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. A peninsula with numerous coves juts out of the coast to form the bay. Three small islands – Penguin, Seal, and Flamingo – lie within the bay. Shark Island was once in the bay, but the new harbor development joins it to the mainland. Twelve islands, collectively known as the Penguin Islands, lie in Namibian waters north and south of Lüderitz. Behind the town, a road runs into the interior. It passes Kolmanskop, now a ghost town where diamonds were first mined, before reaching the next village, Aus, which lies 125 km to the east.
Luderitz Walking Tour
We took a walking tour through the town’s barren streets, passing many colonial German-style buildings with their domes, towers, and turrets, steep roofs, oriel windows, embellished gables, bay windows, and Wintergärtens (sunrooms), which provide shelter from the wind.
Luderitz Museum
Visit the Luderitz Museum, which features flora, history, and ethnology exhibits. It also contains information on local Indigenous groups and the diamond mining industry.
Goerke Haus
Other notable buildings visited include the Goerke Haus. Goerke Haus is a grand residence or “diamond palace” built in 1909,
restored to its former glory and furnished with period pieces. Originally the home of Lieutenant Hans Goerke, a German diamond mining company mine inspector, and designed by architect Otto Etrl, it was one of the town’s most expensive properties. Although the building was erected in the art nouveau period (1890-1910), its architecture is not typical of this style. Its ceiling is decorated with impressionistic paintings. A wooden loggia separated the anteroom from which all the other rooms were accessible. Apart from the hall and the arch, the spacious staircase joins the two stories. The arches are supported by a pillar with a Dorian capital and swollen shaft, reminiscent of Egyptian pillars. The colored glass of the staircase shows a flamingo with flowing lines typical of art nouveau, popular in German architecture at the time. All of the rooms were fitted with electrical lights.
Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks)
Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks) is the name given to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1912. The cornerstone was laid on 19 November 1911. The stained-glass windows and the woodwork inside the church are impressive. The pleasing proportions of the church and its verticality of form represent the Vertical Gothic style, popular in the Victorian era, rather than the neo-Gothic style, which was preferred in the German Church at the time. It was designed and built by Albert Bause for the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation. The side windows were donated by members of the aristocracy in Germany, while the altar window was a gift from the German Emperor. The church was claimed as a national monument in 1978.
Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant
SPANISH FAVOURITES AND MORE
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER CARLOS BONELL
Carlos Bonell was born in London to Spanish parents and studied at the Royal College of Music with John Williams, where he was appointed the youngest-ever professor.
Enjoy tonight with virtuoso guitarist Carlos Bonell.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Lueritz, Namibia.
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Cape Town, South Africa, to Luderitz, Namibia, on the southwest coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Enchanting Namibia: Luderitz and Walvis Bay
One of the driest and most sparsely populated countries in the world, Namibia is today a stable democracy and a world leader in eco-tourism.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Zelda la Grange – My journey with Nelson Mandela:
Zelda la Grange shares her life-changing experience from being a supporter of apartheid to becoming the closest aide and private secretary to President Nelson Mandela.
Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant.
35MM BLOCKBUSTER
TONIGHT’S SHOW
From the soundtracks of some of the world’s biggest movies, we present a selection of your favorite hit songs.
Memorable movies with unforgettable music featuring our Silversea singers and dancers, with the Silver Dawn live band.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Cape Town, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
One of the world’s most beautiful cities
Sprawling across an endless, staggeringly blue coastline and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism, and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid-back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring the cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendor fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain.
From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion’s Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start are required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be deceiving. These oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This incredible water has upsides, bringing a colony of adorable African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson: You can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island before a former prisoner tells of life’s traumas in this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.
Today’s Excursion – Stellenbosch & Lourensford Wine Tasting
Stellenbosch was named after its founder, Governor Simon van der Stel, who discovered the broad, fertile valley of the Eerste River in 1680. Today, Stellenbosch is a major university town characterized by Cape Dutch-style architecture and streets lined with oak trees, some of which have been declared national monuments.
Stellenbosch Orientation Tour
We enjoyed a brief orientation drive through Stellenbosch, followed by time at leisure to explore the town. It is recommended to pay a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum, which comprises four different houses depicting different eras – Schreuder House, 1709;
Bletterman House, 1788; Grosvenor House, 1800 to 1830; and the OM Bergh House, 1850.
Lourensford Wine Estate Cellar Tour and Premium Wine Tasting
Following leisurely time in this quaint university town, embark on a short transfer to Lourensford Wine Estate. As one of the
world’s most beautiful wine estates, Lourensford offers a visual feast across 4,000 hectares of forest, fynbos, fruit orchards, and
vineyards, which rise the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, caressed by breezes off the Atlantic Ocean. Established by
Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1709, Lourensford has a proud history as a world-class fruit farm, and the wealth of
glorious Proteas point to our rich floral heritage. Fortunately, the winemaking tradition was revived when well-known Cape
businessman Dr Christo Wiese purchased the Estate in 1998.
Wine Cellars Guided Tour & Wine Pairing
Enjoy the Wedgewood Nougat and Wine pairing through a curated guided tour of the Estate cellars. The Wedgewood
handmade Nougat Emporium opened its doors on Lourensford, so this pairing came naturally. You will get to know 4
different of nougats and pair them with the matching wines of Lourensford. A great delight!
Victoria & Albert Wharf Mall
Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant
EMOTIONS
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
Join the Silversea Singers and Dancers for a taste of what’s to come.
You will also meet some people who will keep you intrigued and entertained.
Monday, March 10, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Cape Town, South Africa.
Where in the World Are We?
Today’s Activities include:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Cape Town: The Mother City
Among the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is the cultural and cosmopolitan capital of South Africa.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Mark Haslam – The Houdini Mystery
Harry Houdini became a cultural symbol, beginning as a low-rung vaudeville act.
Mark Haslam reveals the compelling story of a man “whom nothing could hold.”
6:15 Farewell Showtime! Silversea Proudly Presents: “Motown”
Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers in an upbeat, fast-paced performance featuring this iconic music style. Followed by a farewell speech from Captain Mino Pontillo and our Farewell Crew Parade.
Dinner was in Atlantide restaurant
FASCINATING WORLD OF THE VIOLIN
SHOWTIME WITH AWARD-WINNING VIOLINIST: MICHAEL BACALA
Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
ORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA), SOUTH AFRICA A Xhosa tale Port Elizabeth is located in the homeland of the Xhosa people, the ethnic group from which Nelson Mandela hails. In Xhosa culture, oral tradition and storytelling play a significant role, with the tale of Qamata being one of the most prominent. Qamata is regarded as the primary deity responsible for the creation of the world and this story is not only a fundamental aspect of the Xhosa creation myth but also highlights the deep connection the people have with their land and the natural world, showcasing the complexity of Xhosa cosmology. According to legend, Qamata was one of the first two beings to exist, born from the primordial forces of the sky and the earth. Entrusted with the task of shaping the earth, Qamata faced a formidable opponent in Nkanyamba, a sea dragon and the nemesis of his mother. In one of their intense confrontations, Nkanyamba inflicted a grave injury on Qamata, hindering his ability to create dry land amidst the endless ocean. In response, the Earth goddess, his mother, intervened by casting large cattle made from reeds into the waters. These cattle miraculously transformed into landmasses, giving rise to the continents. Initially, these new lands were lifeless and barren. To remedy this, the Earth goddess began to populate them with life. However, each night, Nkanyamba would drag the lands back beneath the waves, erasing the creations of the Earth goddess. To thwart this cycle, she fashioned four celestial beings from her own essence, who became the guardians of the earth. These demi-gods assisted Qamata in his struggle against Nkanyamba, ultimately driving him deep into the ocean. This victory allowed life to thrive without further interference.
SIGHTS
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
• South African Air Force Museum
• Storms River bridge
• The Campanile
• The Island Nature Reserve
• Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
CUISINE
Generally speaking, the Eastern Cape’s restaurants are good but not great. Of course, there are always a few exceptions to every rule, and in the Eastern Cape, the number of these exceptions is always increasing. But for good food, choose a great hotel or guesthouse, some of which are noted for their cuisine. Not surprisingly, most restaurants are reasonably casual, and there are none where men would be expected to wear ties.
Today’s Excursion – Amakhala Private Game Reserve – Safari and Lunch
During this immersive, full-day game drive excursion with lunch, we discovered the breathtakingly beautiful wildlife and bird species of the Amakhala Private Game Reserve.
Port Elizabeth, Amakhala Private Game Reserve
Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Amakhala Private Game Reserve. This breathtakingly beautiful private game reserve spans a whopping 18,000 acres (about 7,284 hectares) of land that covers five of the seven biomes, from bushveld to savannah. As a result, Amakhala offers an incredibly diverse and abundant selection of wildlife, birdlife, and native flora to discover, along with exquisite panoramic views in all directions.
Game Drive, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Birds
Our guided safari aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle looked for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, tortoises, and plenty of antelope species in their own habitat.
6:15 Enrichment Lecture with Mark Haslam
The Trick Brain
A thought-inducing presentation heading down the creative pathways illuminated by magicians, writers, and other artists.
Dinner was a Greek Family Dinner in La Terrazza.
MYSTERIES TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH MARK HASLAM Magic with the ambiance of a classic English mystery. Able to work venues from the most significant stage to the most intimate room, Mark Haslam transports audience members into a place of intelligent wit and inexplicable events.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
PORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA), SOUTH AFRICA
The Friendly City
Port Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city with two faces.
One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom. Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region that want to put it (back) on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, restored Victorian terraces. Unsurprisingly, the boardwalk is buzzing. PE’s proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela make it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty.
This is the real reason why people come to South Africa – for a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).
SIGHTS
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa
• Donkin Reserve, Pyramid and Lighthouse
• Fort Frederick, Eastern Cape
• Kragga Kamma Game Park
• Kwantu Private Game Reserve
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
• Art Museum
• Sardinia Bay Beach
CUISINE AND SHOPPING
Port Elizabeth has a diverse culinary scene with many local foods to try, including seafood, meat dishes, and baked goods. Locally grown oysters are a popular dish in Port Elizabeth. Biltong: A popular snack made from dried, cured, and spiced meat. Malva pudding: A sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served with hot cream sauce.
There are plenty of places to shop In the Eastern Cape. From large shopping malls in Port Elizabeth to small boutique shops in Richmond Hill and country shops in the Gamtoos Valley there is a wide range of shopping in the Eastern Cape. Some of them are Greenacres, Baywest Mall, Walmer Park, Sunridge Village, MetLife Mall, Oceanside Surf Store, Pier 14, Moffet on Main Lifestyle Centre, Cleary Park.
Today’s Excursion – Township Exploration – South Africa’s Past & Present Difficulty
We explored South Africa’s turbulent past and how its citizens are working to help overcome it.
Port Elizabeth City, Orientation Drive, Landmarks, Local Townships, Kwa Magxaki Viewpoint
We departed from the pier for a brief orientation tour of Port Elizabeth’s city center, including stops at the Native Strangers location, Livingstone Hospital, and Luthuli Square en route to Missionvale, an impoverished and undeveloped residential township. From here, drive past the Govan Mbeki Township, then continue to the middle-class areas of Kwadwesi and Kwa Magxaki. Following a photo stop at a scenic Kwa Magxaki viewpoint, re-board your coach and head to the New Brighton Township via Veeplaas, Zwide, and past the main trading area, Njoli Square, before reaching Kwazakhele.
Gonjwe Hostel, Aya’s Ceramic Art Studio, Ceramic Art, Emlotheni Memorial Park
We drove past the hairdressers at the Goniwe Hostel before a visit to Aya’s Ceramic Art Studio. Situated in the heart of the
New Brighton Township and close to the Red Location, Ayanda (Aya) Mji draws her inspiration from the African landscape,
animals, birds, and even her dreams of creating some of this beautiful country’s most interesting ceramic art.
We drove to Emlotheni Memorial Park, recently built to commemorate the death of the first Umkhonto we Sizwe cadres, who were hanged by the previous regime in the early 1960s.
MAGIC OF THE VIOLIN
AWARD-WINNING VIOLINIST MICHAEL BACALA
With passion, energy, and humor, an explosive performance of music from all over the world!
QHAMA AFRICA: MUSIC, DANCE, DRUMMING, AND MARIMBA
TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW
The vibrant energy of Qhama Africa seamlessly blends music, dance, storytelling, drumming, and the rhythmic sounds of marimba. This is the story of a young man who embarks on a quest to marry a
woman from a rival tribe. Through love passion, and their story unfolds to unite their communities.
Friday, March 7, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Durban to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in the Southwest Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Port Elizabeth: A City on the Rise
Now known as Gqeberha, the former Port Elizabeth—or PE for short—is the largest city in Xhosa country and a vibrant cultural hub today.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Laurie Wickwire, GIA – The Name Fabergé Conjures Up Images of Shimmering Works
of Art Linked to Russian Royalty:
In today’s talk, we peered into the creative relationship between a ruler and a jeweler and explored the crafting of the imperial
easter eggs were created during the final years of czarist Russia.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Tyropolis – The Discoveries of Vasco da Gama and the Influence of the Great Explorations.
The Portuguese kings’ very long-term plan became a reality shortly after Vasco Da Gama was sailed by the Cape of Good Hope. Hear about that daring voyage and the long-term influence of the Age of Exploration on our lives today.
6:15 Pre-dinner Show! Silversea Proudly Presents: Mark Haslam – Sleight of Hand
Remarkable feats of magic and mystification.
Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant
Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Durban, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Durban, on the Southeast coast of South Africa, in the Southern Indian Ocean.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
The Surf City
What about South Africa’s third most popular city draws people so much? Is it the vibrant waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists? Is it the melting pot of ethnicity, with all cultures from Zulu to Indian finding a home here? Is it the laid-back lifestyle that has locals calling it simply “Durbs”? Is it the sweeping landscape? The clement climate? One visit to Durban will quickly make you see why people love it, so it combines all of the above.
Durban has always been a beach city, but the massive investment in the 2010 World Cup put it on the map. A huge revamp of the promenade has brought some fantastic eateries that serve up all kinds of “chow,” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie (a sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India.
Although there is little evidence, it is known that the city of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago. It was first sighted by Vasco de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted a “25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth” to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover from a stab wound. It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960 when it became part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African heritage remains to this day.
SIGHTS
• Durban Beach Front
• Durban Botanic Gardens
• Durban City Hall
• Durban Natural Science Museum
• Hollywoodbets Kings
• Park Stadium
• Kwa Muhle Museum
• Mitchell Park Zoo
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Phansi Museum
• PheZulu Safari Park
• Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
• Ushaka Beach
• Umgeni River Bird Park
• Wilson’s Wharf
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the ultimate shopping, leisure, and entertainment haven! Gateway is the largest retail
destination in the city, offering an unrivaled experience that caters to all ages and interests.
The Victoria Street Market, where the scents of spices and the vibrancy of local crafts create an unforgettable experience.
The bunny chow – the Durban specialty – is unique to the city and consists of a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled
with a curry of your choice. The dish is also called a ‘kota’ in many parts of the country. The original bunny chows were made
only with vegetarian fillings known as bean bunnies.
Today’s Excursion – A Glimpse into Durban’s Indian Heritage
This tour showcases the endemic and richly layered Indian influence in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This unique experience aims to
highlight the significant contributions of Indians in South Africa. Learn all there is to know about Durban’s Indian Heritage
during this half-day day exploration tour.
The Spice Emporium and Durban History Museum
What a fantastic experience! You can technically get anything you want in this spice place. Think you are in India and explore. They have an incredible selection of spices from all corners of India.
Shree Vishnu Temple
With its giant statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is the height of a 3-story building, the largest in Africa.
Hare Krishna Temple & Gandhi Centenary Park
Next, proceed to the largest temple in Southern Africa, the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple or
the Temple of Understanding). Situated approximately 20km south of the Durban City Centre, its three domes of white and
gold rise above a dazzling octagonal roof. The temple has been acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece and a spiritual
wonderland. Following your visit, a short walk opposite the temple sets you on exploring the Ghandi Centenary Park.
Durban Scenes
PERFORMANCE OF THE ZULU WARRIORS
Experience the electrifying energy of the Zulu warriors as they perform a powerful dance, seamlessly blending traditional rhythms with stunning gymnastics. The dynamic drumming sets the stage, pulsating through
the air and captivating your senses. Each movement is infused with strength and grace, drawing you to the edge of your seat.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Enroute to Durban, South Africa
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Port Louis, Mauritius, to Durban, South Africa, in the South Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities included:
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Laurie Wickwire, GIA – The Crown Jewels: Every Stone Tells A Story
The British Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British monarchy, truly a jeweled anchor while all around us changes. The mystique and beauty of the diamonds and precious jewels in the royal regalia hold an unparalleled allure to visitors from across the globe, making them possibly the most visited objects in the world. Come learn how every stone tells a story.
Dinner tonight was in Alantide.
OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING WEST END PERFORMER
PAUL BAKER
In 2003, Paul won the Best Performance Olivier Award, known as the Oscars for theatre, alongside Tony’s on Broadway. He has starred in many famous shows, including ‘Chicago,’ ‘Starlight Express,’ ‘Les Mis’ and ‘The Lion King.’ Join Paul tonight as he brings London’s West End to the Venetian Lounge.
