Day Trips from Durban to South Africa

Phezulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park. Here, enjoy an immersive Zulu cultural experience complete with a traditional dance performance The tour is a walking tour, lasting about 90 min (light activity). We'll get to meet the actual Chief/Headman of the village, as well as the Sangoma (traditional healer). We'll also get to walk down the river, a place of huge importance to the Zulu people, where young boys traditionally met their wives to be.

The Inanda Heritage Tour starts at the Inanda township, and takes visitors into the Ohlange Institute, which was established by Rev. John Dube, who was also the first president of the African National Congress in 1901. The Ohlange Institute is the historical site where former president Dr. Nelson Mandela cast his vote in 1994. The trail includes a visit to the Phoenix Settlement, established in 1904 by Gandhi. Ghandi’s home stands in the settlement, fully restored, and has been named as a national monument. The Inanda Seminary, established in 1869 by the missionary Mary Edwards, is one of the oldest African private schools for girls, and has recently undergone a complete restoration, along the route is Ebuhleni village, the origin of the Shembe religion. The Shembe church was founded in the village about one hundred years ago, and today has over two million followers.

See the big game animals and the picturesque countryside of the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands at Natal Park. Travel on a closed safari through the park and discover elephants, jackal, zebra, wildebeest, monkeys, and more as they wander freely throughout the day, feeding, exploring, and simply enjoying a life protected from poachers. Then, visit the Tala Game Reserve to see various indigenous and migratory birds, giraffes on the plains, and hippos in the water.

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in a 96’000 hectare wildlife sanctuary for the opportunity of spotting animals including the Big Five. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for its conservation efforts in saving the white rhino from extinction. Early morning departure from Durban and travel approximately 3 hours to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Spend the day searching for the Big Five and various other game species. Stop for lunch at Hilltop camp which superb views of the park Depart the park by 15h30 to return to Durban in the late afternoon. Safari is on open safari vehicles in the park.

After a scenic drive through the North Coast to St Lucia ,we head for the estuary mouth as our first stop. A short hike through the game park you may encounter various wildlife and birdlife. After lunch, relax on a boat ride to view crocs, hippos and the African fish eagle amongst many more species of birds. You'll learn about the delicate balance of 5 eco-systems in the area, and many facts about the large and small inhabitants of these regions, before our late afternoon drive back to Durban.

South Africa is well-known for its rich biodiversity and this full-day tour from Durban gives you a taste. Join a small group and visit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve for your chance to spot the Big 5 and learn about how the park saved the white rhino from extinction. Then take a boat ride through iSimangliso Wetland Park to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a number of bird species.

Step back in time to the days when the British and Zulu were warring against each other on this day trip from Durban. Visit the Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana battlefield sites to learn about the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War that changed the course of South African history forever. You also learn about the events that led up to that war for a better understanding of the country’s history.

Townships are part and parcel of life for many around South Africa and Durban has one of the oldest townships of all, the KwaMashu township. What makes this tour so unique is you will have an opportunity to learn about what makes a township and how modern South Africa is dealing with townships today. While visiting the township, you will get to visit the Phoenix Settlement established by Mahatma Gandhi during his time in South Africa, as well as visit the Ohlanga Institute where Nelson Mandela cast the first free and fair election vote in South Africa. Time permitting, you will also have an opportunity to visit the 1860 Museum that records and celebrates the arrival of the Indians in 1860 and learn about how they changed life in Durban for the better!

Durban is considered to be the home of the Zulu people, and on this fantastic day tour, you'll have an opportunity to not only learn about the history of the Zulu people in South Africa, but also about their day to day chalenges. On the first portion of the tour you'll visit the rural Zulu village of iSithumba. Situated about 45 min west of the Durban, this quiet and picturesque valley is home to the descendants of the Debe people. On arrival, you'll be greeted by local guides who live in the village and will take you on a 2 hour tour through the village. Highlights include visiting the iSisangoma (witch doctor), the Chief of the village and his wives, the local "spaza" and the life giving river. After the tour you'll get to enjoy lunch at one of the Valley of 1000 Hills best local restaurants before heading to PheZulu. PheZulu has been around for 25 years for good reason, the Zulu dance show is one of the best! After the 30 min show, you'll head back to Durban.

Discover the ultimate KwaZulu-Natal safari! Book our full-day tour from Durban, visiting Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve for a thrilling closed vehicle game drive in South Africa’s oldest reserve—famous for rhino conservation and Big 5 sightings. Afterward, enjoy a scenic 2-hour boat cruise on the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, home to hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. This unforgettable adventure combines wildlife, nature, and culture, offering an authentic South African experience. With convenient pickup from Durban or King Shaka Airport, our guided tour delivers personalized service and stunning scenery. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike—don’t miss out! Book now to explore KwaZulu-Natal’s wild wonders and create memories that last a lifetime.

Discover KwaZulu-Natal’s rich history and culture on this full-day Durban tour. Visit Pietermaritzburg’s city highlights, including the Mahatma Gandhi statue, and learn about his role in South Africa’s freedom. See the striking Nelson Mandela sculpture at Howick’s Capture Site and explore the Apartheid Museum. Then, enjoy the Valley of 1000 Hills, where you’ll experience traditional Zulu culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park, watching dance performances and interacting with reptiles. After a day filled with history and culture, we’ll return to Durban, approximately 30 minutes away, for drop-off at your hotel or preferred location.

Join us for a day of rich history as we explore KwaZulu-Natal’s most iconic battlefields. Visit Isandlwana, where the Zulu army shocked the British in 1879; Rorke’s Drift, famed for a heroic defense against overwhelming odds; and Fugitives’ Drift, with its powerful memorials. Discover museums, memorials, and fields that tell the compelling stories of the Anglo-Zulu War. This unforgettable tour from Durban offers a firsthand look at one of South Africa’s most dramatic historical moments.

Experience the thrill of an unforgettable safari in the heart of Zululand with our exclusive Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park tour. Embark on a thrilling 3-4 hour open vehicle game drive through South Africa’s oldest and largest reserve, home to Africa’s iconic Big 5—Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros. This legendary park, established in 1895, offers sprawling landscapes, lush savannahs, and a rich diversity of wildlife and birdlife that make it one of the most exciting safari destinations in KwaZulu-Natal. Feel the adrenaline as you search for wildlife in a private, open-air vehicle, and witness a sanctuary renowned for its white rhino conservation efforts. This is your chance to connect with Africa’s majestic animals, explore breathtaking scenery, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss the adventure of a lifetime—book now for an exclusive safari experience you’ll never forget!

Discover the wild heart of Africa on this unforgettable day trip from Durban. Journey through one of South Africa’s most legendary reserves, where big cats, elephants, and rhinos roam free in breathtaking landscapes. Experience the thrill of a safari game drive, discovering Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. After an exhilarating morning in the bush, unwind with a scenic lunch overlooking pristine scenery. Then, get ready for a rare wildlife encounter like no other—an up-close experience with endangered wild cats, including cheetahs and servals, at a renowned conservation sanctuary. This is your chance to see Africa’s most captivating predators and support vital conservation efforts. End your day with a scenic drive back to Durban, filled with incredible memories of Africa’s majestic wildlife and wilderness. An adventure of a lifetime awaits!

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.

Escape the ordinary on this unforgettable KwaZulu-Natal adventure. Starting in Durban, explore the stunning Drakensberg Mountains and see the ancient Giants Castle Cave Paintings—extraordinary San rock art set amid breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by lush valleys and highlands, Giants Castle offers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural history of the San and Khoekhoe peoples. Next, visit the charming town of Howick to marvel at its spectacular 95-meter waterfalls—known as the “Home of the Tall.” Enjoy the tranquility of Howick Falls before heading to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where a striking steel sculpture and museum celebrate Mandela’s legacy and his fight against apartheid. This journey combines awe-inspiring landscapes with powerful history and culture—an inspiring day packed with unforgettable sights and lifelong memories.

Prepare for an adventurous Full Day Tour from Durban and embark on an unforgettable experience which includes close encounters with Lions, Eagles, Owls and Vultures; join a Safari Game Drive and end the tour with a Zulu Cultural experience and a visit to the Reptile Park. This tour has been created for visitors to Durban wishing to explore Birds and Animal Wildlife as well as the heritage of the Zulu Culture in one full day tour. Please note: Birds of Prey [Open Wednesday to Sunday] Highlights: Full Day Wildlife-Safari and Zulu Cultural experience; Close encounters with the Lions at Lion Park; Wonder around the African Raptor Centre and view Eagles, Hawks, Owls and Falcons; Visit a Malaria-free private game reserve and see 380 bird and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland; Visit PheZulu Cultural Village and learn about the Zulu tribe in their natural habitat; See huge Crocodiles and Snakes in the Reptile Park.

Take a journey off the beaten track to the Roof of Africa on our Full Day Shared Transfer to Sani Pass in Lesotho from Durban and experience a country within the borders of South Africa. This is one of our most exhilarating day tours done in a 4x4 vehicle with other guests onboard. We will drive along the scenic Drakensberg Mountain range on a gravel road over the escarpment for approximately 33km. The Sani Pass, formerly known as the bridal path for Basotho people, was used to transport their goods to and from the Highlands of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. Today this route affords guests the adventure to travel this route to a height of 2873 meters above sea level in a 4x4 vehicle.

Spend a day exploring the 19th-century Anglo-Zulu battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Learn about the history of the battles that took place on 22 January 1879 and then see the landscape on which the fighting occurred.

Experience the wonders of KwaZulu-Natal with this immersive full-day tour! Tour Highlights: Explore the Majestic iSimangaliso Wetlands Park: Discover South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site, home to hippos, crocodiles, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles. Spot the Big Five in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve: Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Witness Abundant Biodiversity: Experience a diverse array of wildlife and plant life in both the wetlands and game reserve. Lunch at Hilltop Camp: Savor a delicious meal with breathtaking views over the reserve.

Embark on an exhilarating full-day safari adventure in the magical Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park! Scenic Drive: Enjoy a picturesque journey from Durban to the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. Wildlife Encounters: Experience thrilling game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, spotting the ‘Big Five’ and an array of other wildlife in their natural habitat. Marvel at the stunning hilltop vistas over the reserve, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Lunch at Hilltop Camp: Savor a delicious meal with panoramic views, offering a perfect break amidst the safari adventure. Expert Guides: Learn about the park’s rich history and successful white rhino conservation efforts from experienced and knowledgeable guides. Group Size: Small, intimate groups limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.

Journey into the heart of KwaZulu and explore the historic battlefields where the Anglo-Zulu War unfolded. This immersive full-day tour takes you to museums, memorials, and fields dedicated to these significant battles, providing deep insights into the region's rich history. Explore the historic battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal on this immersive full-day tour. Visit significant sites of the Anglo-Zulu War, including museums, memorials, and fields dedicated to these pivotal battles. Gain deep insights into the region's rich history with detailed commentary from your experienced guide.

A great pick for time-tight travelers who want to do all their wildlife spotting in a day, this trip takes you to two game reserves—Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area and Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Enjoy game drives in an open-top vehicle, learn about local wildlife and the African bush, and enhance your wildlife sighting opportunities with provided Carl Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 binoculars. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Start the day strolling through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens with a passionate horticulturalist tapping into its history and their unique collection. Meet the loneliest man on planet Earth and learn about the secret to invisibility. Yes you heard right. Drop in at the vibey suburb of Umhlanga Rocks en route for a spot of lunch at the award winning street food dive, CaneCutters, and taste Durban’s Indian Heritage (own cost). Bunny Chows are their speciality. Ready for an immersive primate experience? Monkeyland KZN is the world’s second free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary offering a range of experiences including monkey safaris where you will encounter species such as capuchin monkeys, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, buff-cheeked gibbons and black howler monkeys in their forest home. Connect with your primate friends at leisure.