Day Trips from Durban to Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Embark on an unforgettable journey exploring South Africa’s hidden gems. From Durban, visit the stunning Drakensberg Mountains and walk in the footsteps of the San people at Kamberg Nature Reserve, marveling at 4,000-year-old cave paintings. Next, see the spectacular Howick Falls, the “Home of the Tall,” and stroll through its charming town with historic streets and antique shops. The day culminates at the iconic Nelson Mandela Capture Site, featuring a striking steel sculpture and a museum celebrating his fight against apartheid. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it an unforgettable experience in KwaZulu-Natal.

Reaching the Drakensberg’s remote rock art and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site from Durban can be challenging without your own wheels. Skip the rental car hassle with a full-day tour that handles the driving and logistics, visiting Pietermaritzburg, Giants Castle Game Reserve, and the Mandela Capture Site with a driver-guide who provides historical insight.

This tour is one of the favourite for many. It takes you to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the Drakensberg Mountains. You also go on hiking in the Drakensberg. You also visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and get to visit the museum with loads of information and visit the world renowned Nelson Mandela Sculpture. You also enjoy a drive in the beautiful Midlands Meander area. Finally you will also have see the 95 metre water fall in Howick.

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.

The tour starts off with a visit to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu Natal. There we will stop by Pietermaritzburg's City Hall, which claims to be the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere. There we will visit the Gandhi statue also before we head towards the Drakensberg mountains. Kamberg Cave Art is a 90 minute walk and hike from the base camp. This tour is for the physically fit. These are the locations that we will visit during the tour starts. The Pietermaritzberg City Hall, Drakensberg Kamberg Nature Reserve, 90 minutes scenic walk to the sandstone cave paintings, Guided tour of the Sandstone cave paintings of the San people., Howick Falls, Nelson Mandela’s Capture Site and Museum.

This comprehensive tour offers an excellent overview of the KwaZulu-Natal region. Stops include the Gandhi statue and City Hall in the capital city of Pietermaritzburg (the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere), the Nelson Mandela capture site statue and Apartheid Museum, and Howick Falls. You will also take a lengthy hike in Kamberg Nature Reserve to view ancient sandstone rock art.

Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal. Depart from Durban for a daylong sightseeing trip beginning with KwaZula-Natal's capital Pietermaritzburg and continuing onto Drankensberg's Giants Castle Nature Reserve: spectacular mountain peaks named for their distinct appearance. See the rock paintings of South Africa's indigenous Sans people before touring the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, home to a small museum and a stirring monument dedicated to the country's former president. End your excursion with a visit to Howick Falls.