September is South African Tourism month, and what a great time to explore the beauty of our city. We get to do so through the eyes and tastebuds of a loud, proud tourism queen.
With more than 25 years’ tourism experience under her belt, Briony Smith is a woman of infinite vision. While running her own successful travel business and juggling the duties of a wife and mum, she still finds time to pour love into an NPO she founded for the development of tourism among underprivileged scholars and serve, voluntarily, as a committee member on the Durban West Community Tourism Organisation.
And although her knowledge is extensive, it is her exceptional knowledge of our region and insatiable desire to build our tourism sector, coupled with her larger-than-life personality that sets her apart as an ambassador for KZN. She shares the trilogy of September, and a few of the reasons why she loves home.
“September hails as the highlight of the calendar year for me, as it speaks into everything I love. As a nation we celebrate Heritage Month, Tourism Month and National Braai Day – all celebrations that pay homage to our history, our people and our incredible tourism industry,” says Briony who recalls her love for tourism being ignited during a youth in which she often explored the cultural melting pot of Durban and its surrounds with family.
“I remember exploring The Victoria Street Market, steeped in history and rich in all its African artwork, Indian spices, seafood, bags, brassware and traditional clothes; and how my grandfather would only buy basmati rice from the Spice Emporium in the middle of the city. It’s still a hidden gem today.”
Briony started her career – spanning the trade, rural tourism development, and government sectors – at American Express as a retail travel agent. She also worked for Thompsons Travel, Three Cities Group and Get Africa Travel before launching Bee Africa Travel and Tours where she can be found doing what she does best – working tirelessly to promote and ensure KZN remains top of mind.
“I believe in meaningful connections, exploring beyond expectations and doing so with care.”
In 2019 – thanks to her determination and drive, generosity of spirit and never-ending passion for giving back and making travel accessible to all – she founded the Sesfikile Travel Foundation, through which she gives those limited by circumstance the ability to see the world beyond their immediate environment.
“The aim of the foundation is to empower underprivileged scholars and individuals through transformative and educational travel experiences. We bring school curriculums to life, by establishing fun and interactive programmes that educate future generations on climate change, environmental awareness, greening, sustainability and the preservation of natural attributes. Essentially, we work hard to equip them with knowledge that will inspire and develop belief structures, passions, employment and growth, and the opportunity to dream beyond their own imaginations.”
As a woman of colour, Briony understands the challenges faced in this sector and strives to drive transformation – both within the trade as well as within communities that feel excluded from tourism. Her deep love for her environment, our province, people and outreach have cemented her position in the travel industry, and her ability to continue sharing her passion.
“Nothing gives me more joy than exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of our incredibly diverse city and province at large. Visitors and locals alike are spoilt for choice.”
Briony’s love affair for food is evident in the diversity of her palate.
“Among my favourite eateries is Skyline Coffee Durban on Gordon Road. Their range of croissants and sandwiches on offer are always such a treat. From as far back as 2015 Surf Riders has been my go-to beachside café. From their renowned Soft Shell Crab Burger to the fresh fish prepared in their wood burning pizza oven and al dente linguine pasta with seafood and herbs, they honestly have something for everyone, including your furbabies.”
Whether she’s meeting with girlfriends, or taking time out for herself, one of the places Briony has always felt at home is Madeleines at Oxford Village in Hillcrest.
“Their delectable freshly prepared meals from their ala carte menu will not leave you wanting, and their variety of cakes and pastries are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. A bonus … their freezer meal options available provide a welcomed reprieve from the pots.”
If Portuguese food tickles your taste buds, Briony highly recommends Mozambik in Hillcrest.
“I’ve never been disappointed. If you are looking to sample a variety of their meal options on one plate, you can’t go wrong with their Sharing Platter for 2.
“The beef espetada simply melts in your mouth and you won’t need a magnifying glass to locate their prawns,” she says adding that their seafood is cooked separately to ensure those with seafood allergies are considered.
If you are yet to experience a Shisanyama, you are missing out she says, because just a short drive from Sherwood Nursery at 8 Dunbar Road is a shisanyama she’s frequented since 2018.
“Mojo’s Carwash and Shisanyama is like a beach lounge in the middle of a suburb. They hands down offer the best variety and flavour of any shisanyama I’ve been to, and I’ve been to quite a few.”
Looking to wing it? Briony says look no further than the Crazy Korean. “Located in Durban North and Village Road in Kloof, this family owned and managed Korean restaurant, famously known (especially by the kids in my family) for their sticky chicken, have recently added the most incredibly delightful wings to their menu.Slightly sweet, slightly spicy with an unmistakeable crunch, they’re a must.”
“Durban is world-renowned for the Bunny Chow, and everyone has their favourite bunny joint. Mine, much like the bunny chow itself was born from humble beginnings and took founder Ranjini Naidoo over 28 years to realise her dream. From a tuck shop to a food trailer at the Bangladesh Market in Chatsworth, Curry O’s has become an award winning eatery with takeaways across Durban. Just thinking about it, makes my mouth water!”
And if you’re looking for a spot where the symphony of textures and flavours creates euphoria in your mouth … “This was my experience at The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate. This award-winning restaurant outshone Cape Town’s infamous La Colombe in the 2022 Eat Out Woolworths Award and brought home Restaurant of the Year. And in 2023 due to their conscientious effort, bagged the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award, which is no easy feat. It is hands down a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience, and even though their seven-course wine pairing menu will set you back a pretty penny, it is worth every bite.
Between running a successful business and home responsibilities, as a wife to her husband Clinton and mum to 18-year-old twin boys Callan and Antony who are in their last year of high school, Briony admits that a break from the busyness of life is essential.
“One of the ways I escape – and I don’t do it as often as I should – is by taking a walk in nature. My recommended escape trails are Giba Gorge – a hidden gem in the heart of Westmead’s business district boasting a number of walking and biking trails, a fantastic restaurant and a gorgeous conference centre; and Morewood Farm in Springside Road, Hillcrest offering number of activities for all ages -hiking and trail running, mountain biking, fishing, paintball, zip-lining, paddle tennis and acrobranching. It’s a must try for outdoor enthusiasts.”
A hike she is yet to experience, but one that is definitely on Briony’s list is Everton Waterfall. This 3km walk can be accessed from Acutts Road in Everton and is suitable for beginners and children. There is no entry fee, but there are no onsite facilities.
“Another way I choose to escape is with a staycation. If I had to choose one place where my soul finds rest, it’s Ammazulu African Palace, a 5-star guest house on the edge of Kloof Gorge and Krantzkloof Nature Reserve in Kloof. In my 25 years in the tourism industry, I’ve never experienced such a visionary masterpiece that undoubtedly pays homage to the cultural heritage of KZN.”
“We are literally spoilt for choice in our incredible city when it comes to places to stay and things to do and the diversity is staggering. Do yourself a favour … get out there and proudly explore the natural, cultural and historic attributes of what lies on our door step.
Details: Bee Africa Travel and Tours, 082 8307 1582 or 031 705 8504.
