Day Trips in Durban

Escape the city for a day exploring St Lucia Wetlands Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), a vast natural wetland that's also South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depart Durban for a 2-hour boat ride through the park's estuary, keeping an eye out for resident crocs and hundreds of hippos as you float along. This massive estuary is also a bird-lover's paradise, with flamingos, kingfishers, eagles and more.

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.

Discover the incredible heritage of South Africa's Zulu people with a visit to Phezulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park. Depart Durban for KwaZulu-Natal's stunning Valley of 1000 Hills, where many Zulu people still reside. The park itself is known for its traditional beehive-shaped huts and hands-on experiences like Zulu spear making. Witness a colorful Zulu dance performance, then embark on an informative tour of the park's reptile portion where you'll learn first-hand about resident crocodiles and snakes, including the notorious green mamba.

Take a day trip into the Kingdom of Lesotho from Durban, traveling by 4-wheel drive vehicle through the extremely steep Sani Pass after passing through the Natal Midlands and Himeville in a more standard coach. Visit a Sotho village to meet the locals, then head for the Sani Pass Top Chalet for lunch (included) before returning to Durban.

Tour the coastal city of Durban and explore the Valley of a 1000 Hills on a informative day trip through greater KwaZulu-Natal. Begin with a visit to some of this busy port city's main highlights, including the bustling Victoria Street Market, the KwaMuhle Apartheid Museum and the Southern Hemisphere's largest mosque. Stroll among orchids and cycads in the Durban Botanic Gardens and see the country's oldest temple complex in the country. Then go outside the city to experience Zulu culture, including a traditional Zulu dance performance.

Experience the beauty of Sani Pass via 4x4 vehicle on a day trip from South Africa into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho and back. Set out from Durban and pass through the exquisitely preserved Victorian city of Pietermaritzburg en route to the World Heritage Suni Pass, a steep pass rising 9,429-feet 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. Afterward, savor incredible views while enjoying lunch (own expense) at Africa's highest pub.

Spend a day living like a Zulu king during this Shakaland guided tour from Durban. Travel with a local guide through the scenic landscapes of South Africa and learn about one of the most famous leaders, politicians and strategists the Zulu nation has known. You'll see tribal dancing and witness spear making and beer drinking ceremonies, plus take part in a delicious buffet lunch. Convenient round-trip hotel transport ensures comfort and ease!

Explore the traditional culture of the Zulu people with this full-day tour from Durban. Visit the cultural village of Shakaland to learn about the legacy of the great King Shaka, a revered leader of the Zulus. Get introduced to Zulu traditions such as Sangomas and assegaai-wielding warriors, and see demonstrations of spear making and dancing. Enjoy a buffet lunch during the tour.