When exploring Durban, the first thing visitors ask about are popular day tours from Durban – and it makes sense since Durban is without doubt, one of the best cities in South Africa to visit!
Durban is one of the best destinations to visit in South Africa; there are miles of sun drenched, pristine beaches, the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, the big 5 filled game reserves and the cherry on the very top, the warm and friendly people of Durban.
In this blog post I am going to share with you the 4 most popular day tours from Durban that I run, and a few others that are just as great but didn’t quite make the cut.
The Quick List to Popular Day Tours from Durban
- Safari day tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
- A Durban city day tour
- Rorkes Drift day tour from Durban
- Visiting Lesotho via Sani Pass
- More day tours
- Contact me
Safari Day Tour to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Seeing African wildlife in their natural habitats is on everyones bucket list and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is the ultimate safari day trip from Durban.
Just a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away, this is South Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and one of the best places to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
Just think of it; wide open vista’s, grass covered hilltops, wildlife existing peacefully, birds singing, the Africa sun shining down on you as you watch the Africa’s game going about their day.
You can find more info about my day tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi on the safari page.
Good to Know:
- I pickup and drop off from your hotel in Durban, Umhlanga or other suburbs of Durban.
- Open vehicle game drives are available, just ask.
- It’s safe and you’ll have a qualified and passionate guide with you throughout the day.
- I have multi-day safari options available as well.
Durban City Tour
I hate using cliches but seriously, Durban is a melting pot of cultures and home to the warmest and friendliest people in South Africa.
The city of Durban has a mixture of Victorian colonial and traditional Indian styled architecture with a dash of Art Deco thrown in to sweeten the pot.
The space is shared between those of English British descent, Afrikaaners, Indians, Zulu and other nations. Food offerings include the humble “bunny chow” (thank you to our Indian cousins who introduced Durban the meal to Durban), sweet koeksisters, biltong, the Gatsby and so much more!
A guided Durban city tour includes visits to;
- The historic KwaMuhle Museum,
- Victoria Street Market, bursting with spices, crafts, and souvenirs,
- The largest outdoor pharmacy in South Africa,
- The stunning Golden Mile beachfront promenade,
- Moses Mabhida Stadium, offering panoramic views from the SkyCar (currently closed for renovations),
- Botanical Gardens, the oldest surviving in Africa,
- So much more…
Read up about the tour and what’s included on my Durban city tour page.
Good to Know:
- I pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Durban, Umhlanga or other suburbs of Durban.
- I offer food tastings during the day and can accommodate most dietary needs.
- It’s safe and you’ll have a qualified and passionate guide with you throughout the day.
- I include a walking tour of the markets.
Rorke’s Drift Day Tour – Battlefield Experience
History lovers (especially from the UK) will find the Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana battlefields day tour from Durban fascinating.
On this popular day tour from Durban you will get to walk the actual field of battle at both Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana – both of which were the subjects of popular films (Zulu and Zulu Dawn) and both still today are discussed in online forums.
Explore the sites with a private guide who will walk you through the battlefield sites where heroic last stands were made, explaining the strategy, bravery, and tragedy that unfolded on both sides.
Visit my battlefields tour page for more info on the day tour from Durban as well as my 2-day and 3-day packages.
Good to Know;
- I’ll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel,
- All entry fees to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana are included,
- I include a light lunch at Rorkes Drift.
- Drive through some of the most spectacular scenery in Zululand!
Sani Pass Day Tour into Lesotho
The Sani Pass day tour is one of the most visually spectacular experiences you can have in Southern Africa — and it all starts with a scenic drive from Durban through the beautiful rolling hills of Natal and into the imposing Drakensberg Mountains.
From there, a 4×4 adventure begins as you ascend the rugged Sani Pass into Lesotho, a mountainous kingdom nestled above the clouds. You will get to visit a remote Basotho village and enjoy lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
I offer a standard day trip to Lesotho via Sani Pass, and I also offer overnight and multi-day tours to Lesotho.
Good to Know
- I will pick up and drop you off at your hotel,
- There’s a chance to see baboon, eland, vultures and other animals on the ascent/descent.
- A chance of snow in winter!
Some More Day Tours from Durban
While these are the most popular day tours from Durban, I offer quite a few options that you can take advantage of while visiting our (mostly) sunny shores!
- Valley of a 1000 Hills Tour: A day of wildlife and Zulu culture, all just 45 min from Durban – what more need I say! During the cruise season it’s show excursion I do most.
- St Lucia Day Tour: This tour is all about the wetlands. Visit the famed St Lucia estuary and enjoy a 2 hour hippo and crocodile cruise.
- Elephant Experience and Game Drive: Get as close to an African elephant as you can without being stomped on. And then follow that up with a game drive.
- iSithumba Zulu Cultural Tour: Visit a rural Zulu village deep in the heart of the Valley of a 1000 Hills, learn more about these proud people that call KwaZulu Natal home.
- Drakensberg Hiking Day Tour: Envelope yourself in nature with this easy going hike in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains.
There are still more day tours I haven’t listed here, so get in touch with me if there is a tour you don’t see listed but you’d like to book.
Ready to Book Your Durban Adventure?
Contact me today to reserve your seat on one of my popular day tours from Durban — and let me show you why Durban has become one of the most affordable and exciting cities to visit in South Africa!
Why Book a Day Tour with Me
With so much to see in one day, booking a guided tour ensures a stress-free, enriching, and safe experience. Whether you’re based in Durban for a short stay or using it as a base for greater adventures, these day tours offer maximum impact with minimal travel time.
Durban Safaris and Tours specialises in small-group and private day tours tailored to your interests. All tours include door-to-door pickup, knowledgeable qualified and local guides, and a warm South African welcome.