Durban is such a popular destination with so much to do and so many activities to choose from, I thought to myself that one of the easiest ways to help you select day tours from Durban tour was to list them by activity or interest.
Durban is close enough for wildlife enthusiasts to spot the big 5, or fans of history to explore a battlefield or even discover a little culture and learn a Zulu dance.
Index
- Tours involving wildlife
- Tours about culture
- Tours that get the blood pumping (adventure)
- Tours that explore the Drakensberg Mountains
- Tours about history
Wildlife Tours from Durban
This is probably going to be the largest category – the fact is that we are so blessed in South Africa and especially in Durban with loads of amazing opportunities for you to view wildlife on a day trip.
- Tala Game Reserve Morning Tour – Just 60min west of Durban (sometimes 45min depending on traffic) is Tala Game Reserve. Home to loads of general game as well as rhino and giraffe, Tala is firm favourite for everyone!
- Valley of 1000 Hills (Tala / PheZulu) – I would have to say this is the most popular day tour from Durban. In one day you’ll get to spend some time viewing African wildlife and then you’ll visit PheZulu and discover Zulu culture.
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Tours – Really popular tours with loads of duration options. On this tour you’ll head 3 hours north to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve where the big 5 roam. Choose from 2 day, 3 day and 4 day tours.
- St Lucia Estuary day tour – Probably the best known town in South Africa for viewing hippo, crocodile and a plethora of bird species. You can stick to the day trip from Durban and visit the town on an 2, 3 or 4 day safari option.
- Elephant Experience & 3 hour game drive – It doesn’t get much better than this, an opportunity to visit with Rachel and Rambo, two African elephants who have discovered that humans are quite happy to give them treats if they visit a boma at around 11am everyday. Well worth the 3,5 hour drive north of Durban.
Day Tours from Durban Exploring Culture
Durban is perfect for those wanting to explore the culture and traditions of the Zulu or Lesotho people, or sample the culinary delights of the Indian heritage.
- Durban city tour: The perfect opportunity to learn about the history of Durban as well as of the Zulu, Indian, English and Afrikaaner people who call the city home. Walk the Zulu and Indian markets and try a “bunny chow”.
- iSithumba Zulu Experience: A tour that all my guests rave about – visit the rural Zulu village in the the Valley of a 1000 Hills and learn more about Zulu traditional life in contemporary South Africa. Included is the Zulu experience at PheZulu!
- Lesotho from Durban: With it’s independence established in 1966, Lesotho has become a firm favourite for visitors wanting to get to know more about this tiny enclave situated at the very top of the Drakensberg mountains.
- Township & Freedom Trail Tour: Durban has a fascinating history, from the Durban system to townships to the beer halls and so much more – it’s no surprise that Nelson Mandela chose to cast the first free and fair election in Durban, South Africa.
Tours That Will Get the Blood Pumping (Adventure)
Durban is great for experiences that will get the blood pumping, from swimming with sharks or hikes in the mountains or whizzing along a 4.5km zipline!
- Lesotho from Durban: With it’s independence established in 1966, Lesotho has become a firm favourite for visitors wanting to get to know more about this tiny enclave situated at the very top of the Drakensberg mountains. It’s an amazing 4×4 trip up Sani Pass into Lesotho!
- Ziplining at Oribi Gorge: Experience the thrill of ziplining along a 4.5km line over a game reserve. Also included is a lunch over the beautiful gorge and a walk over the suspension bridge!
- Swim with Sharks: South of Durban is some of the most amazing dive spots for those wanting to get a bit wet in the Indian Ocean and swim around with sharks (they don’t bite, promise!).
- Hiking the Mighty Drakensberg: Get back to nature by exploring one of the oldest mountains in the world, the Drakensberg Mountains. We have day tours and multi-day tours.
- Hike and Camp in a Big 5 Game Reserve: Imagine sleeping under the southern stars in the company of the big 5 in the oldest proclaimed game reserve, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi. Nothing gets the blood flowing like the sound of a lion calling.
Tours Exploring the Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains (uHlahlamba in Zulu) are just 2,5 hours west of the Durban and so are perfectly placed to explore on a day trip.
- Lesotho from Durban: With it’s independence established in 1966, Lesotho has become a firm favourite for visitors wanting to get to know more about this tiny enclave situated at the very top of the Drakensberg mountains.
- Hiking the Mighty Drakensberg: Get back to nature by exploring one of the oldest mountains in the world, the Drakensberg Mountains. We have day tours and multi-day tours.
- Visit the Bushman Paintings: The San people left evidence of the presence on the walls of cave dotted around in the Drakensberg Mountains. Explore the “Main Caves” or “Battle Cave” in the mountains on a day trip from Durban.
Historical Day Tours from Durban
Durban’s history is fascinating, from the first dramatic moment between King Shaka and the English settlers to the heroism on all sides of the Anglo Zulu War and everything inbetweem
- Rorkes Drift Tour: One of the most pivotal moments in KwaZulu-Natal’s history is the battle of Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana – it’s a long day but you can get to the site and back to Durban in a day.
- Battle of Spionkop Tour: Another one of those popular sites that you may be keen on getting to. Just 3 hours from Durban and well worth the trip!
- Durban city tour: The perfect opportunity to learn about the history of Durban as well as of the Zulu, Indian, English and Afrikaaner people who call the city home. Walk the Zulu and Indian markets and try a “bunny chow”.
- Township & Freedom Trail Tour: Durban has a fascinating history, from the Durban system to townships to the beer halls and so much more – it’s no surprise that Nelson Mandela chose to cast the first free and fair election in Durban, South Africa.
Booking Day Tours from Durban
Durban has so many options for tours that it’s almost impossible to list every options – so if you are looking for an experience that you can’t find on my site, then simply get in touch and I will get cracking on putting together a bespoke tour just for you!