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Tour the Beloved Country
KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
© Flckr/dbking
Did you know?
Albert Luthuli was Africa's first Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
Walk in their shoes, visit their homes and discover the celebrated struggle heroes of KwaZulu-Natal whose fight for freedom left a legacy for future generations of South Africans.
The KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route spans the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, leading struggle history pilgrims on a fascinating journey through the museums, homes and hideouts of the regions many anti-apartheid activists.
Durban's KwaMuhle Museum chronicles the lives of Africans who lived and worked in Durban from 1928 to the late 80s. View the city through their eyes and learn more about labour regulations, separate housing and the protest action taken against such restrictions.
The Luthuli Museum celebrates the life and times of human rights visionary, Albert Luthuli. Set in his former home, the museum features significant belongings, a life-size model of the man himself and numerous photographic records of his humanitarian work.
On the outskirts of Durban lies the Cato Manor informal settlement, formerly an inter-cultural blend of Indian and African dwellings. Once home to noteworthy South Africans such as late musician Sipho Gumede and President Jacob Zuma, today the area has overcome the riots of 1949 and 1959 and subsequent squatter status to showcase an integrated community.
North of Durban, along the Inanda Heritage Route, is Phoenix, where Mahatma Gandhi shared his belief in passive resistance. Then there's the Ohlange Institute founded by John Langalibalele Dube, the first educational facility in South Africa built by Africans for Africans.
Dating back well over a century, Pietermaritzburg's old prison has survived significant historical events. It features a museum block, gallows, execution block, cells that once held a number of national heroes and a newly created Project Gateway community development initiative.
Other historical sites worth visiting in the vicinity include Mahatma Gandhi's statue, the old Pietermaritzburg station, the Alan Paton Centre & Struggle Archive and Sobantu township.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Luthuli Museum
Phone: +27 (0)32 559 6822
Email: luthulimuseum@luthulimuseum.org.za
Inanda Tour Guides
Mobile: +27 (0)83 775 0277
How to get here
All the sites around Durban and Pietermaritzburg are within driving distance from the city centre, and many are within walking distance of one another.
Around the area
Pop into the BAT Centre at the Yacht Mall and enjoy cultural displays and artwork or visit the adjacent maritime museum for something a little nautical.
Get around
To get the most out of your tour, hire a trained, accredited community guide.
What will it cost
Many sites are free to enter. Check fees with the individual institutions, or your tour guide, beforehand.
What to pack
Wear comfy walking shoes, and in summer take sun precautions. An umbrella, or raincoat, will come in handy, in winter. Be practical about carrying valuables like a camera or a video camera. Take a backpack to store them in, out of sight, when not in use.
What's happening
Try a beachfront rickshaw ride or visit uShaka Marine World for daily dolphin and penguin shows.
Best buys
Victoria Street market offers Eastern goods, materials and trinkets, while African curio sellers at the beachfront sell handmade mats, pots and more.