About Us
- About Us
One of the best ways to experience Durban
Founded in 2010 by local traders, the Markets of Warwick Walking Tours offers you an unique opportunity to explore Durban’s vibrant Warwick Junction while supporting the traders who bring it to life. Guided by the traders themselves and supported by Asiye eTafuleni, the tours celebrate local culture, enterprise, and inclusive urban design.
Bridging the gap between the formal and informal city through community-based tourism.
+27 (0) 31 309 3880
Our values, mission & vision
Markets of Warwick Walking Tours celebrate the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and resilient spirit of Durban’s informal trading community.
- Community Empowerment
- Education & Awareness
- Cultural Diversity & Inclusion
- Sustainability & Urban Livelihoods
Mission
To connect visitors with the heritage, culture, and energy of Warwick’s markets while generating sustainable opportunities for traders, raising awareness, and inspiring meaningful support for their livelihoods.
Vision
To be one of the best cultural & educational experiences in Durban that celebrates the resilience and creativity of informal traders, strengthens community livelihoods, and fosters meaningful connections between visitors and local heritage.
How Traders Turned Local Knowledge into Unforgettable Tours
Buzz around the upcoming FIFA World Cup (2010) was leveraged to organise and implement a trader led programme for welcoming new audiences (both local and international) to the markets. In these early stages the project focused on building buy-in from market traders, and in designing and delivering training to trader tour guides.
The FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and related World Class Cities for All Campaign, provided the perfect platform from which to launch the Markets of Warwick Tours Project – which is still going strong. Trained market traders have led tours through the markets for groups of all kinds: ranging from school groups to tourists to academics and built environment professionals.
- Who we are
Meet Your Guides
More than just guides, they’re seasoned traders who know the markets inside out, turning every step of your journey into a safe, lively, and unforgettable experience packed with authentic local stories
Thembelihle Nyawo
Tour Guide
Patrick Ndlovu
Tour Guide
Nomzamo Sabela
Tour Guide
Toe Shozi
Tour Guide
Got questions? We have answers!
Get the answers you need to plan your perfect walking tour from booking details to tour highlights.
All public tours start at the Victoria Street Market (Fish Market entrance). You will receive a detailed map and guide contact number in your booking confirmation email.
Yes! The markets are a sensory delight for kids. However, the environment is busy and can be loud. We recommend private tours for families with young children to allow for a more flexible pace.
The tour runs for approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the group size and level of engagement at each market.
Absolutely. Safety is our priority. Our tours are led by well-known local guides who are respected members of the community. We stick to established routes and have an impeccable safety record.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as we cover a fair amount of ground. We also recommend a hat and sunscreen.
We recommend that you bring cash so that you can purchase items from vendors at the market.
The Markets of Warwick Walking Tours were established by local traders themselves. Many of our guides have lived and traded in the markets, offering first-hand insight into the culture, history, and daily life of the area.
Yes! In all our walking tours there are opportunities to taste traditional foods and support local traders by purchasing goods directly from the markets. You can also book a private tour and contact us in advance to share any preferences or specific interests, so we can tailor the experience to you.
The Markets of Warwick Walking Tours were established by local traders themselves. Many of our guides have lived and traded in the markets, offering first-hand insight into the culture, history, and daily life of the area.
You can book your walking tour directly through our website by selecting your preferred tour type, date, and group size. Once payment is completed, you’ll receive confirmation with meeting details. Schools, universities, and educational organisations must contact us directly to arrange tailored educational tours and group coordination.
The Markets of Warwick Walking Tours offer private tours, group tours, and educational tours. Contact us to find out more.
To help us respond quickly and accurately, please include your preferred date, number of guests, tour type (private, group, or educational), and any specific interests such as food, culture, or history. Let us know about accessibility needs or special requests so we can tailor your experience.
Yes, but availability is limited. Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll confirm whether a guide is available.