Top KwaZulu-Natal Day Trips

Soak up the magic of Durban’s waterfront by night as you glide down the canals in a Venetian-style gondola. Let the glittering lights of Durban Point Waterfront, one of South Africa’s most celebrated new developments, slip by as you slide below bridges and down elegant waterways. Escape the bustle of the city for half an hour, with plenty to do once you return.

Explore two countries in one day, without the hassle of planning logistics, on this 4x4 day trip into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Set out from Durban and pass through the exquisitely preserved Victorian city of Pietermaritzburg en route to the World Heritage Sani Pass, a steep pass rising 9,429 feet (2,870meters) above sea level. Once crossing the border (bring your passport), visit a traditional Sotho village filled with huts built around a central area filled with livestock.

Get a comprehensive overview of Durban's highlights and landmarks, with transportation in between, on this full-day tour. Listen as your guide delves deep into the history, culture, architecture, and environment of this South African city. Stops include the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Umhlanga Rocks Promenade, Ushaka Village Walk, City Hall, Victoria Street Market, Durban Botanic Gardens, and others.

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.

Experience an exhilarating adventure to the majestic Kingdom of Lesotho. Departing from Underberg, we will ascend the iconic Sani Pass, climbing from 1,544 to 2,876 meters. You'll get to enjoy some shopping at the local curio shops before immersing yourself in the local culture with a visit to a Basotho home. With expert guidance throughout, this Sani Pass day tour offers rich insights into Lesotho’s history, fauna, and flora. Kindly Note: Prior reservations are essential in order to have lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa during the tour. Unfortunately due to the lodges limited capacity entry is granted only to guests that will be eating with them, this also means that the lodge is unfortunately unable to accommodate guests who wish solely to have a drink, use the WIFI, or restrooms.

 Alternatively we offer our guests the option of either having lunch at a lovely local Basotho restaurant, or feel free to bring along your own snacks and drinks for in the vehicle while on the tour.

Experience the journey through the storied Sani Pass while focusing on the scenery, since you'll have a guide/driver behind the wheel. No need to rent a car; you and your small group of just 15 people will be able to relax and enjoy the views while your 4x4 vehicle handles the hairpin curves of the treacherous road.

Take a walk on the wild side during this round-trip tour of Lake Eland and Oribi Gorge from Durban. Forget the Big 5, while trekking through Oribi Gorge in KwaZulu-Natal National Park you’ll have a chance to see African wildlife found nowhere else. This photographer’s paradise comprises lush forests, and spectacular canyons carved out by raging rivers. While exploring, keep an eye out for the elusive Oribi antelope for which the gorge is named.

Nature and wildlife fans—this is the tour for you. Spend a day at iSimangaliso Wetland Park and learn fascinating insights about its wildlife from a ranger who accompanies you. Then, if the weather and tide allows it, you can go snorkeling at Cape Vidal. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no need to worry about searching for a restaurant, as a picnic lunch is included with a scenic view.

Visit the Isandlwana Battlefields, where South African and British Colonial history was made in a major battle, on this full-day tour from Durban. With an historian guide to lead you, you'll learn about the great battle between the Zulu warriors and British troops in 1879. Stop at Rorke's Drift to visit the museum, as well as Buffalo River for lunch and refreshments. Entrance fees and round-trip transportation included.

Safari For Six is a boutique safari company based in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, specialising in intimate, small-group safaris with no more than six guests per vehicle. We offer carefully curated wildlife experiences in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, guided by professionals who prioritise quality, flexibility, and genuine connection over volume tourism. Our safaris are unhurried, personal, and designed to adapt to each guest because no two safari dreams are the same. As a women-owned, locally rooted operator, we are committed to ethical guiding, conservation respect, and authentic engagement with our region. Expect thoughtful pacing, knowledgeable guiding, and space to truly experience Africa not just photograph it. Safari For Six is ideal for travellers seeking a premium, personal safari experience in a small-group setting. Your Story. Your Safari.

Save time and cover South Africa's wildlife and Zulu culture in one day on this tour from Durban. Start at the Tala Game Reserve and afterward, the Phezulu Cultural Village and African Raptor Centre. Here, enjoy an immersive Zulu cultural experience complete with a traditional dance performance.

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.

This tour includes 3 nature reserves, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve, Durban Botanical Gardens and Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve which are 3 gems with different types of bird life and picturesque views, if you are a bird watcher and you are around Durban this is the tour for you.

Spend the day immersed in Zulu culture and African wildlife on this full-day tour from Durban. With round-trip transportation provided on this multi-stop tour, you'll skip the need to rent a car and be able to focus on the scenery during the drive. Stop first at the Tala Private Game Reserve, where you'll see and learn about African wildlife on a game drive. Head next for the Zulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park to learn about Zulu culture and reptile wildlife in South Africa.

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.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. This 96000 hectare Park is home to the African Big 5, Wild Dogs, Cheetah and much more. Historically this is also the Park that single-handedly saved the Rhinos from near extinction in the '60s when less than 100 Rhinos roamed the planet. King Shaka also made use of the southern section (Imfolozi) as his personal hunting grounds in days gone by. This park not only offers the most magical sights and sounds but some fascinating historical facts. All of our rangers have numerous years of experience in their respective fields and will undoubtedly ensure that you have a marvelous day out on your Full-Day Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Safari. "Expertise born from 22 years of Safari Adventures"

Experience South Africa’s Sani Pass on an exciting day trip from Himeville. Alongside a private guide, traverse the pass in a 4x4 vehicle and customize the day to your group’s interests. Stop at several viewpoints to take photos, visit private homesteads, sample local foods at a private restaurant, and much more.

The Sani Pass Full Day Tour departs from Durban to Underberg where your 4 x 4 tour begins. At Underberg, you are transferred into a 4 x 4 vehicle and from here you go up a gravel winding pass that is higher and steeper and much tougher than any of its Southern African competitors. This Pass offers the most exceptional views in South Africa. As the altitude increases, the road becomes narrower and more treacherous. All signs of human habitation disappear as you come face to face with the vast, desolate beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains. As part of this tour, you visit a traditional Sotho village and interact with local Sotho people and learn about their culture. You also dine and drink in Africa's highest pub (own expense). This is an exceptional tour not to be missed.

Exclusive Richards Bay Departure: Few tours cater to travelers starting from Richards Bay. Small Group Experience: Personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere. Scenic Park Drive: Enjoy wildlife sightings and panoramic stops en route to the estuary. Expert Local Guides: Insightful commentary on iSimangaliso’s wildlife, history, and conservation efforts. Flexible Itinerary: Optional add-ons like nature walks or a Crocodile Centre visit for added adventure. Eco-Friendly Focus: A responsible and sustainable approach to exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tour is suitable for groups, solo travelers, families and couples. You get to experience real African bush and wildlife at its natural habitat here. A huge favorite tour for many people as traveling is also not too much especially for those with limited time from cruise ship, etc... Tala Game Reserve is a wildlife haven, a beautiful game reserve with thick African bush and open spaces where wildlife can be found grazing. Enjoy a 4x4 Game drive as you get to see the rhino, giraffes, impalas, kudus, zebras and many other animals. There is more than 3000 different types of birds to be found here too. Natal Park is home to elephants. You will enjoy the short drive in this relatively smaller game reserve as you get to see the elephants."

Wherever you are in the Zulu Kingdom you are no more than 3 hours from Africa’s iconic Big 5. Today, however, you shall be a whole lot closer. It is a 05h00 start. As you know wildlife, especially predators, are most active around dawn and dusk. The Big 5 Bucketlist Safari gives you the best chance to see the Big 5 on a day tour within KwaZulu Natal. Enter into a Premier Private Game Reserve and meet your knowledgeable ranger. Listen to a briefing on game drive etiquette before you start your 3 hour morning safari. Your ranger will track wildlife while keeping tabs on sightings throughout the reserve giving you the best chance to be in the right place at the right time. This reserve only permits travellers staying at their luxury lodges to traverse the park, unless you’re with us of course. Time for lunch. After lunch we’re heading deeper into the reserve. Embark on another 3 hour game drive focusing on different game. At approximately 16h00 we will depart for Durban.

Escape the city and embark on a journey into the rolling hillsides of South Africa's Natal Midlands. You'll venture into the Tala Game Reserve, where you'll have a chance to explore the privately-owned eco estate known for its wildlife and birds. It's the perfect way to enjoy spectacular scenery and African wildlife in a close-top safari vehicle.

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.