There is a large number of operators offering minibus and coach tour itineraries. Major operators include Tours South Africa which offers a wide range of half day and day tours in and around the city. Tekweni Ecotours offers a ‘Durban City Explorer’ tour, taking in the main city sights and concluding with a visit to a local township for a traditional Zulu meal served in a private house.
Durban tours and excursions
Durban tours
Dolphin and whale-watching tours
Dolphin and whale watching boat trips depart daily from uShaka Sea World, operated by Ocean Ventures. The hour-long tour includes the chance to snorkel in reefs and wrecks en route. The best time to see humpback whales is from June to November when they make their way up from the freezing Antarctic to the warm, tropical waters off Durban.
Telephone: (031) 332 9949.
Website:
http://www.oceanventures.co.za/
Stadium tours
Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup and host to the semi-final match, has redefined the landscape of Durban. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this new city landmark, including the changing rooms, tunnel, the unique collection of 40 different artworks created by over 300 artists, banqueting facilities and the stadium window overlooking the city skyline.
Telephone: (031) 582 8242.
Website:
http://www.mmstadium.com
Walking tours
Two city walking tour itineraries, led by qualified guides, is offered by the tourist board, departing from the Tourist Junction in Pine Street. One focuses on the old railway station, provides an insight into Ghandi and Indian settlement in the city and the city's architectural gems and markets. The second takes in history, art, City Hall and architecture.
Telephone: (031) 322 4173.
Website:
http://www.durbanexperience.co.za/
Excursions from Durban
Drakensberg Mountains and Kingdom of Lesotho
Less than three hours by car from Durban are the spiky Drakensberg Mountains, a 200km-long (124 miles) World Heritage site of spectacular beauty. The Dragon Mountains were once home to the San people or bushmen and their ancient rock art can still be seen today. The dramatic basalt cliffs offer endless trekking routes for adventurers. In addition, the mountains are the gateway to the land-locked, independent Kingdom of Lesotho, via the treacherous, winding Sani Pass which climbs 3,000m (9,842ft) above sea level to the so-called Roof of Africa.
Telephone:
(031) 366 7500.
Website:
http://www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
If you want to discover a slice of safari, spend a day at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, 246km (153 miles) from Durban. Located in the heart of Zululand, the reserve is home to 84 species of game, an impressive number of birds, plus the "Big Five" - lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephant and leopards, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, blue wildebeests, spotted hyenas and wild dogs. A day to remember. Day-long, half-day and three-hour safaris can be arranged.
Website:
http://hluhluwegamereserve.com
Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift
History buffs should visit the eerie battlefield of Isandlwana, where British troops were massacred by the Zulu army in 1879, then continue to Rorke's Drift, where 139 British soldiers held off an attack from 4,000 Zulu warriors, in a a battle made famous by the Michael Caine movie Zulu. The soldiers went on to win more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history. Battlefield tours of these sites can be arranged.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
By car, it takes around 30 minutes to reach this beautiful valley in the heart of KwaZuku Natal where visitors can enjoy a glimpse of Zulu culture, in addition to boat cruises, steam train trips, microlight flights and fishing trips, all amid beautiful hill scenery.
Website:
http://www.kzn.org.za
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