It’s a very sad fact of life that not too may people around the world have heard of the city of Durban, and yet Durban is one of the best cities anywhere to enjoy a bit of everything. In this blog post, I’m going to break down why Durban is the best destination in South Africa for bucket list adventures!
Why Durban?
With golden beaches gently massaged by the warm Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is the playground of South Africa thanks to year round sunny skies and an adventure mindset geared to the outdoors.
And sure, Cape Town and Johannesburg are usually the first cities that come to mind when thinking about visiting South Africa, but Durban is where the action is and is slowly but surely taking her place in the limelight!
Easy to get to thanks to the King Shaka International Airport, Durban gives you the best bang for your buck and more options than you can shake a stick at.
If you’re looking for a bucket list experience that combines safari tours, cultural traditions, and even a dash of colonial history, Durban should be at the top of your bucket list.
Durban Safaris: The Big 5 and Everything In between
No bucket list adventure in South Africa would be complete without a safari and Durban is your gateway to some of the country’s most renowned game reserves; from smaller reserves designed for photographers to the larger big 5 reserves where game walks and open safari vehicles are the order of the day.
Check out my 4 day safari tour you’ll where you’ll get to visit the Hluhluwe Imfolozi big 5 game reserve, spot hippo and croc at St Lucia, touch an elephant at Bayete Zulu and visit with cheetah at Emdoneni.
Some of the most popular game reserves in South Africa are within just a few hours drive from Durban; Nambiti, Thula Thula, Thanda, Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe Imfolozi, Phinda, Zulu Nyala and so many more, The reserves cater for all budgets, from your luxurious 5-star options to the more affordable but equally amazing 3-star options.
And by the way, I offer affordable transfers to all game reserves.
Looking for more? The Kruger National Park lies just on the other side of eSwatini, so turn up the dial on your bucket list adventure and let me take you through eSwatini where you can experience two nights in the country before heading to the Kruger National Park.
And that’s not all!
There’s always the option to extend your adventure with a once-in-a-lifetime Sani Pass tour into the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho; climb the pass up the Dkakensberg Mountain in 4×4 vehicles, visit a Basotho village, take lunch at the highest pub in Africa, spend the night at the top of the mountains!
Zulu Culture: A Journey Back in Time
Maya said it far more eloquently than I ever could; travel is about people and here in Durban, the people have a reputation for the being warm and friendly!
KwaZulu Natal is home to the Zulu Kingdom. One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting Durban and Zululand is the opportunity to experience authentic Zulu culture, a culture that is rich with tradition, where spiritual beliefs exist alongside contemporary beliefs.
As part of your bucket list adventure, we offer Zulu cultural tours that allows you to interact with local communities, witness traditional Zulu dances, and gain insight into the customs and beliefs of one of Africa’s most storied tribes.
Add a tour to the iSithumba in the Valley of a 1000 Hills or experience the hospitality of the Basotho Village on a Sani Pass Tour.
You’ll learn about the proud legacy of King Shaka Zulu, the legendary warrior king who unified the Zulu people and built a formidable empire as well the history of the Boers that manhandles wagons over the tops of mountains.
Through these cultural experiences, you’ll very quickly feel connected to the very roots of South African people and history.
Durban’s Rich History
Durban’s history is as varied as its landscapes. The city itself is a tapestry of cultures—Zulu, Indian, English and Afrikaners—that have shaped its past and present.
Join my Durban city tour and take a stroll through the bustling Indian markets or visit the historic Victoria Street Market, where the fragrant spices and vibrant textiles offer a taste of Durban’s unique cultural fusion.
For those who enjoy history, a tour of the Freedom Route to Phoenix Settlement and the Ohlange Institute will give you a deeper understanding of the city’s colonial past, Apartheid and its role in South Africa’s modern history.
And it’s not just the people that you’ll meet and love, but the food as well. From hearty bunny chows to sweet and delicious koeksisters, Durban offers you more than a destination, it’s doorway into that makes South Africa great!
The Ultimate Bucket List Itinerary: Tailor Your Adventure
What makes Durban truly special is the ability to tailor your experience to match your personal bucket list. Whether you want to start with a safari and end with a Zulu cultural immersion, or mix in a little history with a day trip to Lesotho, Durban has something for everyone.
If you’re wanting to swim with sharks, Durban has it. If you’re keen to test your lungs on multi-day hikes, Durban has it. Enjoy a steam train ride, Durban has it, watch whales launch out from the ocean, Durban has it. There is so much to do in Durban that it’s hard to list them all!
That’s why we provide the option to extend your adventure with options to tack on other experiences; tours up the Sani Pass to Lesotho for example—an experience that takes you through the highest mountain pass in South Africa.
5. Why Durban Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List
Durban is a destination that speaks to every kind of traveler, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture lover, or a history buff. The blend of safari, cultural experiences, and historical significance is what makes this city stand out as the ultimate bucket list destination.
If you’re seeking an adventure that offers more than just one type of experience, Durban is the perfect place to check off multiple items on your bucket list in one trip.
Durban Safaris and Tours
Durban is a fascinating city with the warmest of people all people, offering a unique combination of safari, culture, and history. Whether you’re from the USA or the UK, Europe, South America or anywhere else, visiting Durban will be a bucket list adventure you’ll never forget.
Our tours are designed to ensure you get the most out of your stay, from experiencing Africa’s majestic wildlife to immersing yourself in Zulu culture and Durban’s rich history.