South Africa · DURBAN TOURS
Distances here are long and a wasted day is expensive. These 15 durban tours are priced and timed so the choice takes a few minutes rather than an evening.
From Wilson’s Wharf, your English-speaking skipper takes you through Durban’s working harbor, past tugboats, docks, container ships, yachts, and birds. Guides such as Mr Zulu and Mr Ngwenya have been praised for clear explanations, while music adds a festive touch. Bring sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and your own cold drink.
“every thing was grate no complains, we enjoyed every moment”
Spend one hour on the water from Wilson’s Wharf, watching Durban’s working harbor, container ships, cruise liners, beachfront, and skyline. Your crew provides a safety briefing, music, and commentary in English, Zulu, or Afrikaans. Boats may include a catamaran, but the exact vessel can change. Rough seas may keep you inside the harbor.
“I enjoyed the lessons given by the tour guide and the overall ride.”
Board a comfortable pontoon at Wilson's Wharf for a one-hour English-guided cruise through Durban Harbor. Expect close views of container ships, yachts, working boats, birds, fish, and possibly dolphins. Captains such as Xolani and guides including Emmanuel have helped make the ride friendly, relaxed, and fun.
“It was fun and scary at the same time We didn't have life jackets.”
Board an African gondola at Zulumoon Gondolas near uShaka Marine World for a private 30-minute ride along Durban’s Point Waterfront Canal. Your English or Zulu-speaking guide handles the boat, points out the canal area, and may take photos. Choose a daytime trip for clear views or a night ride for a more romantic mood.
“The guide was very patient and the whole experience was nice, my husband and I we loved the ride”
From Durban, spend six hours at Tala Game Reserve and the African Raptor Centre. A guide such as Freddy, Thami, Fortune, or Zamani leads the wildlife drive, explains KwaZulu-Natal, and helps you spot rhinos, giraffes, hippos, eland, and birds. Hotel or cruise-port pickup is included within the stated service area.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my 1st Zulu Safari experience. Picked a 41° day but the heat did not retract from an excellent "bucket list" adventure”
Set out from Ushaka Marine World on a 30-minute pontoon cruise through Durban Point Waterfront’s protected canals. Your skipper, sometimes Troy or Samuel, shares local history, points out landmarks, and helps with photos. The boat holds up to 12 people, making this a relaxed family outing with chances to spot more than 30 fish species.
“The boat driver made the trip lively and enjoyable. You guys must keep up the good work. I have enjoyed alot”
Travel from Durban with a guide such as Thami, Fortune, or Frederick to Natal Lion Park and Tala Private Game Reserve. See lions and elephants at close range, then search for rhinos, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, and birds in a closed vehicle. Hotel pickup, park fees, and a six-hour schedule are included.
“Great trip. Picked up by fortune from hotel, he was good fun and full of information. We struggled to find giraffes and fortune continued tirelessly and we eventually found them. Saw rhino's and their baby, zebras, wilderbeasts, elephants lions. Great experience and everything was so close and personal. Highly recommend. Thank you fortune.”
Join Johnny, a Durban guide, for a five to six-hour small-group walk through the Early Morning, Indian, African, Muti, and Victoria Street markets. You’ll use local minibus transport, hear Durban’s history and politics, shop for souvenirs, and finish with bunny chow near the beachfront. Lunch and transport are included.
“An engaging and knowledgeable guide to Durban. We had an overview of the city and its history, a tour of the downown area and the markets. Only drawback was that some members of the group only wanted to shop on the market where they spent a huge amount of time. Would have been better if they had been set a deadline.”
Spend four hours seeing Durban with a local guide such as Freddy, Imani, Zamani, or Fortune. Walk the city center, visit Victoria Street and Kwa-Muhle Museum, stop at Moses Mabhida Stadium, relax in the Botanical Garden, and shop or eat at uShaka’s Village Walk. Hotel pickup, transport, and entrance fees are included.
“Our guides were absolutely top class. They were good at keeping us informed pre tour. They were prompt at collecting us. Our guide Freddy was very informed and showed us every part of Durban with interest and enthusiasm”
Join Johnny from Tekweni Backpackers for a 330-minute walking tour through Durban’s early morning, Indian, African, and traditional medicine markets. Ride local minibus taxis, shop for spices and crafts, hear the city’s story, and finish with bunny chow at North Beach. Expect about 8,000 steps, cash purchases, and a close look at everyday Durban.
“Johnny is simply the best! He knows the city like the back of his hand and will ALWAYS keep you safe. He knows everyone around town and he will bring you to the best spots, viewpoints and markets, as well as teach you many interesting facts about Durban that you wouldn’t be able to find on Google. He has a great sense of humour and he’s probably the best guide I’ve ever had - flexible, knowledgeable and entertaining. I can’t recommend him enough!”
Spend six hours seeing Durban’s many sides, from Gandhi’s former home in Inanda and KwaMuhle Museum to the Golden Mile, Botanic Gardens, Indian markets, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and uShaka Village Walk. Hotel pickup, transport, and a live guide are included. You pay separately for meals, the stadium cable car, and uShaka attractions.
“Aaron our guide was exceptional! Such a funny, kind hearted man... He drove us through the whole of Durban, from Mahatma Gandhi's house through the KwaMuhle museum where you can see Nelson Mandela's statue amongst other South African historical leaders... We learnt a lot about SA's past/politics & history. We also visited the botanical garden which was captivating with all the rare trees&plants we've never seen! Aaron passionately explained to us everything from SA's history to the vegetation in the garden. Defo worth a visit, it's beautiful! Plus the coffee is delicious and some great options... We also drove to the stadium (we couldn't go in but admired from outside).…”
See Durban through its history, markets, gardens, and seaside attractions on a three to four-hour guided tour. You’ll visit KwaMuhle Museum, Victoria Street Market, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Botanic Gardens, uShaka Village Walk, and City Hall. Guides such as Aaron, Fortune, Alain, and Benson are available by request when possible.
“Aaron was the best tour Gide we could have had. He made a wonderful city come alive. The extra little tour at the Botanic gardens was a treat not to be missed. Thank you Aaron”
Spend about nine hours visiting Natal Lion Park, a bird of prey sanctuary, Tala Game Reserve, and PheZulu Village. You may see lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelope, then watch Zulu dancing and visit the reptile park. Guides such as Fortune, Christo, Freddy, and Ndu Nene have led past departures.
“Guide was great and very knowledgeable the tour was well organized with travelers from all over the World.”
Set out from Wilson’s Wharf on a small open-ocean boat for two hours of whale and dolphin watching. From June to November, look for humpback whales, including mothers and calves. Guide Bennie is known for his lively commentary when scheduled, and the crew also watches for dolphins, turtles, birds, fish, sharks, and rays.
“Lovely boat, saw nothing closer to shorw but as soon as our guide went further out to shore we saw at least six whales...mother and baby humpback and male and female pairs. Guide very respectful od not getting too close to the whales but still allowing us the best view and giving us plenty of photo opportunities. He also shared his videos with us at the end of the tour. No dolphins but the whales were amazing.”
Travel from Durban to Phezulu Cultural Village in the Valley of a Thousand Hills with a guide such as Alain, Wendy, or Zamani. Visit Zulu huts, watch a 50-minute dance show, taste Zulu beer, and tour the reptile park, home to crocodiles, anacondas, alligators, snakes, and Cleo the 42-kilogram Burmese python.
“Lo pendientes y atentos que estaban los guias de nosotros sin perdernos de vista en ningún momento”
Pick a mountain, a reserve or a vineyard.
