The Old Fort is close to The Riverside Hotel Durban
EThekwini, more commonly known as Durban, is the capital city of the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and has a host of incredible sites to explore and things to do. In addition to its commercial and cultural value, it is also a place with a rich history and heritage.
The Old Fort is one of these historical gems, and comprises gardens and a museum. It was named after the camp in which the British were besieged by the Boers in 1842, which they then occupied until 1897. Thereafter, it was neglected for some time, until Colonel Molyneux decided to take the initiative to revamp the building and its gardens. Today, these both remain as testimony to the fantastic job that he did and the import of the Old Fort in its time. For this reason, it was declared a National Monument and is now maintained by the Durban City Council, the Historical Monuments Commission and the Royal Durban Light Infantry Comrades Association.
The garden is peppered with memorials and other historical features and is brimming with beautiful trees and flowers, making them a delight to explore on foot. Helpful plaques along the way ensure that visitors learn about the Old Fort and its unique history.
What were once the old barracks rooms have now been renovated to serve as retirement accommodation for ex soldiers and their wives. The little chapel on site provides a historical trip with its many tablets and brasses to commemorate and recognise the likes of Dick King and John Ross.
On display is also a gun from the wreck of the Grosvenor, which sank on 4 August 1782, as well as a timber seat from the Southampton war ships. All of these mementoes provide important insight, and promise visitors to this country a nostalgic peek into the South Africa of yesteryear.
Source: SA-Venues
The Riverside Hotel Complex
Set just 20 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport and 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre of Durban, The Riverside Hotel reflects a resort life in the city.The Riverside Hotel offers 168 superbly appointed bedrooms as well as an onsite restaurant and state of the art conference facility. The Riverside Grill offers a mouth-watering menu and furnishings that have been designed to offer our guests a luxurious and relaxed environment. We have paired luxury dining with poolside relaxation, breath-taking scenery & open-planned settings. We invite you to experience the perfect day with friends, family or business partners.
SERVICE
The Riverside Hotel is a full-service hotel. Facilities available include, but are not limited to, 24 hour reception, conference facilities, room service, laundry, mini gym, The Riverside Grill restaurant, shuttle and much more. Discover it for yourself today and drive on down to the Riverside Hotel
ATTRACTIONS
At The Riverside Hotel, the possibilities are endless: Visit uShaka Marine World, the enormous Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umgeni Bird Park, play a round of golf at the Windsor Golf Course, or catch a game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it situated within a few minutes drive.