South Africa Suggested Itinerary - Durban truly is South Africa's coastal playground, with year round sunshine and shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean. It is the gateway to many of the provinces attractions, which can be enjoyed on our range of day tours from Durban.

 

Durban has a great many attractions on her doorstep, from the arts and crafts route of the Midlands Meander, to the World Heritage Site of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, Zulu cultural villages, wonderful game parks, where one can view the Big Five and a host of other species on safari drive are possible in a full day's touring.

Durban's latest attraction, uShaka Marine World is oodles of fun - enjoy the water park with stomach-turning water slides, the theme park's world class aquarium, all complimented with a treasure trove of restaurants and bars.

Durban and her surrounds are perfect for outdoor adventures, hiking, surfing, swimming, mountain biking and kayaking. The history of Durban too is thoroughly absorbing, a predominantly English speaking community due to early British settlers, a thriving Indian community that began with laborers and a proud Zulu nation, all intermingle to create a melting pot of culture.

The following are some of the scheduled day tours departing from Durban but we can customize your own tour to match your requirements (please note that we only book day tours when accommodation is booked with us too).

uShaka Marine World (Half Day Tour)

Home to Africa’s largest aquarium, the globally respected uShaka Marine World entices you to explore the wonders of Africa’s vast ocean life. It’s a fascinating journey with around 30 in and outdoor themed exhibits, and you won’t want to miss the spectacular dolphin, seal and penguin shows. In the aquarium, tank after tank offers a glorious insight into the wealth of South Africa’s Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life, an experience not to be missed.

Durban City Tour (Half Day Tour)

 

Let us introduce you to Durban, a multicultural City shaped by a complex collaborative history involving the early colonial settlers, the indigenous Zulu population, and the Indian community who arrived as laborers in the 19th century.
Our tour begins as we drive along the brand-new Golden Mile, the revitalized beachfront promenade which hugs the beckoning beaches of Durban. We move through the City, visiting the majestic City Hall, and enjoying its humorous history! The Phansi Museum(closed Sundays) in Glenwood is home to a spellbinding collection of southern African artifacts and traditions – from bead work and headrests, to Zulu clay pots and other intriguing clues to the diverse South African cultural history. From history to nature, we visit the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849, a treasure trove of massive trees from Asia, Africa and America, and a magnificent orchid house. Lastly, in harmony with Indian culture and history, you’re going local...taste a unique Bunny Chow, traditional ‘take-away’ food of the Indian community... indeed of all South Africans!

Durban Highlights Tour (Full Day Tour)

 

If you want to get to grips with Durban, this full day tour is for you. Ample time to discover the cultural and historical contrasts of this city...before spending time at the world class attraction: uShaka Marine World. Our morning drive takes us along the newly restored Golden Mile, a wonderful promenade which stretches along the beachfront, before we move up to Glenwood and the fascinating Phansi Museum. Here you’ll find an exquisitely preserved collection of southern African artifacts and traditions, from bead work, headrests, Zulu clay pots and numerous other treasures (closed Sundays). We go ‘green’ thereafter, and head for the lush peace and tranquility of Durban’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849 – the immaculate gardens house a fine mix of African, Asian and American trees, not to mention a superb orchid house. To accompany our exploration of Indian culture and history, it’s Indian cuisine on the menu: get a taste of the unique Bunny Chow! Afterwards, we’re going to sit back and be entertained at uShaka Marine World, where the dolphin, seal and penguin shows are not only spectacular, but fun and lighthearted too! Welcome to Durban.

Shakaland Tour (Full Day Tour)

 

Shaka, legendary King of the Zulus! Experience traditional Zulu culture and customs at the largest Zulu kraal in all of Zululand, look into the future with an iSangoma or traditional healer...all this and more, packed into one exhilarating day. We’ve laid on some traditional Zulu beer for you to sample, while the craftsmen and community who make the spears, shields, bead work, pots and their huts, open their doors so you can witness their skills and artistry. The Zulu dancers will thrill with their grace and energy, and we’ve made sure you’re treated to a most satisfying lunchtime feast! Come live a day in the life of a traditional community – you’ll find it informative and a far cry from anything you’ve ever experienced!

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (Full Day Tour)

 

This magnificent Big Five game park is not only home to 84 species of game, but it’s the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, world-renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program. A day on safari in the magical Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park doesn’t stop at the thrill of searching for the Big Five, but the hilly terrain offers spectacular views of the Reserve and your camera is going to love it. We’ve arranged lunch at the lofty Hilltop Camp – or similar – and it’ll give you a chance to check how close your bird count has come to the 425 listed birds in the Park. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is Kwazulu-Natal’s pride and joy, and after your visit, you’ll understand why.
*Optional open safari vehicle game drive is available at a surcharge.

Drakensberg World Heritage Tour (Full Day Tour)

 

The beauty of the undulating Drakensberg Mountain range is indisputable, but in addition to traveling through such breathtaking vistas, we’re going to visit the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Castle and the enigmatic Bushman paintings in the vicinity. They’re not far, so we set off on foot for a leisurely 3km round hike to the site of the caves to discover this magical legacy of the Bushmen (moderate fitness level required). Our guide there will share his knowledge of the paintings which date back 2 000 years. We’re bound to have built up an appetite, so we’ll tuck into the hearty lunch laid on. Our return to Durban is via the charming Midlands Meander Route, a community of country crafters and farmers who produce quality wares and live enviable country lives. This rural area is extremely appealing, and you’ll find it an appropriate way to unwind after this energetic, energising day.

Sani Pass/Lesotho Tour (Full Day Tour)

 

For those with a sense of adventure, a 4x4 drive up the highest road pass in Africa will certainly provide you with a hefty dose of adrenalin. For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with its breathtaking scenery. From Durban, we drive through the green hills of the Midlands towards the little country town of Underberg. Here, our 4x4 vehicle awaits us...the only form of transport equipped to tackle Sani Pass! You’ll have your passport stamped as we enter the Kingdom of Lesotho, and we stop at a nearby Sotho Village for you to enjoy a taste of the local culture. Lunch is served at the highest pub in Africa – truly – and, it stands to reason, the views are utterly breathtaking. Once you’ve recovered your breath, we wind down the Pass very slowly, and wind our way gently back to Durban. You’ll certainly have had a day filled with altitude!
Note: A passport is required & visa conditions may apply

Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift (Full Day Tour)

 

Historians will love it for sure, but if you enjoy a really great story, the Battlefields tour is for you too – it’s both a thriller and a drama. KwaZulu-Natal is rich in Anglo-Zulu war history, where two of the most famous, at times heart-wrenching battles fought between the Zulu and British Armies took place. We visit the eerie battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, and let your imagination paint mental pictures of the battle scenes played out here. Our tour includes lunch, and we wind our way home thereafter through some of the most spectacular scenery in the province of Kwazulu Natal.
*A specialist Battlefield Guide is available at a surcharge on request.