Top Durban Food & Drink

Today is all about context, immersion and relevance. We will start where all things should, at the beginning. Meet the dancing curator of Phansi Museum who will introduce you to a vast collection of indigenous art and crafts before sampling Pan African Cuisine. Time to head to Isithumba — a living Zulu cultural village. A local resident will help you to explore the village on foot as you begin to understand a different way of life. If the ancestors are kind you may even meet the village chief or the local spiritual healer for an immersive exchange. The Markets of Warwick are our final stop. This curious quarter represents the beating heart of indigenous culture. Meet the Lime and Imphepho Gogos (female elders) and watch them create their goods before you witness the culture shock that is Muthi Bridge or as we like to call it — “Sangoma Central”. Unlock this mysterious place and get a feel for where the culture is heading.

Durban is the 3rd biggest city in South Africa with a good mix of the Zulu tribe as well as having the biggest population of Indians outside of India. With this mixture of people comes a great cultural infusion from Zulu traditional meals to Indian curry meals and an infusion of both influences like the very famous chakalaka salad which can be used as exhibit A of how well these 2 cultures complement each other. On this tour we get to taste a bunny chow, move around the city in the very famous Durban mini buses to get the full local experience, we visit the market and finish up with some street food and a drumming experience which is optional for people who want to immerse themselves in the Zulu culture.

Learn about Durban’s history and get great city views at the same time with this luxury boat trip on the Durban Point Waterfront Canals. The tour reveals views of top attractions, and interesting facts about Durban and its famous residents—yet without the hassle of being stuck in crowds. Conveniently, the trip is capped at 12 travelers—which means ample space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.

Explore the creative heart of KwaZulu-Natal on this full-day Midlands Meander Tour, where charming country roads lead you through a rich tapestry of talented artisans, designer studios, and handcrafted delights. Wander vibrant craft markets, meet local makers, and discover unique goods including pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery and fine art, all infused with South African character and creativity. Travel through rolling countryside to the Mandela Capture Site, where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962, offering a meaningful insight into South Africa’s journey to freedom. Along the way enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, lush farmlands and peaceful countryside, with opportunities to savour delicious local cuisine and specialty treats. Delight in freshly made cheeses, farm-to-table produce, handcrafted chocolates, boutique wines, craft beers, speciality spirits, and seasonal treats as you meet passionate makers and learn the stories behind their craft.

This day safari takes you to KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal province known for its beauty and diverse array of wildlife. The tour has two stops: the African Raptor Center, with over 100 birds of prey, and the Tala Private Game Reserve, home to kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, and other big game animals. Cover both sites in just half a day, a difficult feat to do on your own.

Get a fresh and intimate perspective on Durban on this immersive city tour, with a maximum of six travelers and a wealth of local encounters. Stroll the botanical gardens with a horticulturalist; track down street art with a local artist; meet local merchants at Victoria Street Market; and meet the dancing curator of Phansi Museum, dedicated to South Africa's diverse art and design. All this, and artisan gelato too.

Explore SA’s oldest Botanical Gardens with a horticulturalist who’ll introduce you to their unique collection of plants and secret to invisibility. Meet the dancing curator of the city’s largest collection of tribal art, tap into indigenous beliefs and South African traditional culture. The Markets of Warwick are home to over 5 000 vendors which 460 000 commuters pass through by daily. It’s time to tap into this beating heart of the city and unlock the soul of the Victoria Street Market — the Muti Bridge. Visit Asiye Etafuleni — the NGO protecting the rights of traders — to understand the significance of this space to the city and her people. Finish the day with a Durban bunny chow at an award winning local foodie hotspot on Helen Joseph Road (own cost).