Durban’s full-day tours pack the best of South Africa’s east coast into manageable excursions. The standout options include two unforgettable safari experiences: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, where rhinos and elephants roam freely, and the more intimate Tala Game Reserve, perfect for close-up wildlife viewing. I especially love the 4×4 Drakensberg Mountain tours – they combine rugged adventure with spectacular valley views that most travelers miss. For history enthusiasts, the Anglo-Zulu War battlefield tours offer powerful insights into South Africa’s past, with expert guides who bring the stories to life. The combination wildlife-and-culture tours are particularly good value, fitting in both game viewing and traditional village visits in a single day.
Let’s look at our favorite Durban day tours and what makes them special.
Key Points
- The Sani Pass and Lesotho Tours offer a thrilling 4×4 excursion through the Drakensberg Mountains, with a cultural experience and accessibility for wheelchair users.
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Tours provide opportunities to spot the Big 5, with guided 4×4 game drives and flexible cancellation policies.
- The Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Tour features a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, showcasing diverse wildlife in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift Historic Tour delves into the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, with museum visits and small-group experiences led by expert guides.
- Comprehensive wildlife and cultural tours, such as the Tala Game Reserve and Natal Lion Park tour, offer a combination of game drives, animal encounters, and cultural activities.
Full Day Sani Pass and Lesotho Tour From Durban
The Full Day Sani Pass and Lesotho Tour from Durban offers travelers a captivating adventure into the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Operated by Africa Top Tours, this 4×4 excursion boasts a 4.8-star rating based on 6 reviews. Priced from $192.53 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, bottled water, and access to Africa’s highest pub.
Highlights range from breathtaking vistas to cultural experiences, with knowledgeable guides leading the way. While a moderate level of fitness is required, the tour’s comfortable vehicles and ample photo opportunities make for an enjoyable experience.
Travelers should be mindful of the significant driving time involved when booking this comprehensive full-day tour.
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Full Day Sani Pass & Lesotho Tour From Durban
Embarking on a captivating journey, the Full Day Sani Pass & Lesotho Tour from Durban takes travelers on an exhilarating 4×4 adventure through the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.
Spanning 10 hours, the tour offers a live English-speaking guide and a small group of up to 15 participants.
Traversing the 33km gravel Sani Pass, adventurers can marvel at the scenic views of KwaZulu-Natal‘s rolling hills and vast skies.
The tour also includes a visit to the “Highest Pub in Africa” at 3240 metres and an interaction with the local Basotho people.
With flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is wheelchair-accessible and promises an unforgettable experience.
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Full Day – Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve 1 Day Tour From Durban
Immersing visitors in the untamed beauty of Africa’s oldest nature reserve, the Full Day – Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve 1 Day Tour from Durban promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.
This hassle-free tour includes round-trip transfers, a guided 4×4 game drive, and the chance to spot the Big 5 and other iconic species. Travelers can expect sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, and more while exploring the African bush.
The personalized safari experience is limited to your group, and the knowledgeable guide provides tips for optimal wildlife viewing. Priced at $182.35 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and has earned a 4.2 rating from previous guests.
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Drakensberg Mountains Plus Hiking Full Day Tour From Durban
Although a full-day tour through the Drakensberg Mountains from Durban may seem daunting, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa’s natural wonders.
Priced at $186.57 per person, the 10-hour tour departs Durban at 7:30 AM and returns around 6:30 PM. Highlights include the 95-meter Howick Falls, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and hiking in the breathtaking Drakensberg range.
With abundant wildlife and optional activities like mountain biking and fly-fishing, this tour offers an immersive experience.
While the overall rating is 1/5 based on a single review, the diverse appeal to couples, groups, and families suggests this tour may be a worthwhile consideration for adventurous travelers.
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Full Day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Tour From Durban
This full-day excursion from Durban provides travelers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majesty of the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.
Priced at €190.40 per person, the 10-hour tour departs at 6am and includes a 3-hour journey to the reserve.
Guests explore the reserve’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, including the famed “Big 5” – lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
The tour features a game drive in a 4×4 vehicle and highlights the reserve’s rich conservation efforts.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour offers an immersive and memorable wildlife experience for visitors to Durban.
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Full Day 4×4 Sani Pass Lesotho Tour From Durban
For those seeking an adventure beyond the wildlife of Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, the full-day 4×4 Sani Pass Lesotho Tour from Durban offers a captivating journey into the heart of Southern Africa’s dramatic landscapes.
Priced from $220.56 per person, this 12-hour tour departs Durban at 6am and traverses the Natal Midlands to Underberg, where participants transfer to a 4×4 for the iconic Sani Pass ascent.
Highlights include crossing into Lesotho, visiting the highest pub in Africa, and immersing in local culture through village visits.
With free cancellation, pickup/drop-off, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of South Africa and Lesotho’s rugged beauty.
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Full Day Battle of Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift Tour Fr Durban
Enjoy the captivating history of the Anglo-Zulu War on this comprehensive full-day tour from Durban.
Explore the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, where significant encounters took place in 1879. With an expert historian guide, explore the context and significance of these pivotal events.
Visit the Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift museums to deepen your understanding. The tour includes hotel, airport, and port pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.
Priced at €240.10 per person, this 10-hour tour is an excellent way to discover the rich history of the region.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for booking flexibility.
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Sani Pass Full Day Tour From Durban
The Sani Pass Full Day Tour from Durban offers an exhilarating journey through the stunning landscapes of South Africa and Lesotho. Priced at $207.35 per person, this 12-hour adventure takes travelers on a 4×4 experience up the Sani Pass, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
Visitors can explore a local Basotho village, learn about the culture, and enjoy traditional South African cuisine. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide and pickup from preferred locations, with the same drop-off point as pickup.
Rated 5/5 by verified customers, this tour is recommended for all traveler types, from couples to solo adventurers, and provides efficient transportation back to Johannesburg after the unforgettable experience.
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Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Full Day Tour From Durban
Departing from Durban, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Full Day Tour takes travelers on a captivating 10-hour adventure through one of Africa’s oldest game reserves.
Guests can spot Africa’s Big Five, as well as zebras, kudus, and an abundance of bird species, while taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse vegetation.
The tour includes pickup, a guided 4×4 game drive, and the opportunity to visit a gift shop.
With a maximum group size of 15, this tour offers an intimate experience led by an English-speaking guide.
Wheelchair-accessible, it’s suitable for both seasoned safari-goers and first-time visitors seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Africa.
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Tala Game Reserve Full Day Tour From Durban
A Tala Game Reserve Full Day Tour from Durban offers travelers an immersive wildlife experience.
The 10-hour tour includes a 4×4 game drive in the expansive 3,000-hectare Tala Private Game Reserve, where visitors can spot rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
After a scenic picnic stop, the tour proceeds to the Natal Lion Park for a game drive featuring elephants and lions.
The final stop is Phezulu Safari Park, where optional activities are available.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, this tour provides excellent value, saving up to 6% off the regular price.
Ideal for families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts, the tour showcases KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse wildlife and conservation efforts.
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Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Full Day Tour From Durban
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, situated north of Durban, offers a captivating full-day tour that showcases the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of this renowned national park.
For €203.48 per person, this 12-hour English-language excursion includes pickup and the opportunity to spot Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat.
The flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make it easy to plan your adventure.
Explore the winding roads of the reserve, observe elephants, giraffes, and other species, and visit the gift shop for souvenirs.
This wheelchair-accessible tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Durban.
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Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Full Day Tour From Durban
Explore the stunning natural wonders of Isimangaliso Wetlands Park on this captivating full-day tour from Durban. Priced from $215.03 per person, this 10-hour excursion departs at 6am and returns around 6pm.
Discover the park’s diverse wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos, on a 2-hour boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary. After lunch, embark on a game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
As South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park boasts 280km of pristine coastline and one of the largest populations of hippos and crocodiles in the country.
This small-group tour, limited to 15 participants, offers a comprehensive experience with a professional guide.
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Tala Game Res, Lion Park & Phezulu Full Day Tour From Durban
This comprehensive full-day tour from Durban takes you on an exciting journey to discover the natural wonders of Tala Game Reserve, Natal Lion Park, and Phezulu Safari Park.
You’ll embark on a 4×4 game drive in Tala, home to over 380 bird species and big game like rhinos, kudus, and giraffes.
Next, you’ll visit Natal Lion Park to see lions, elephants, and other wildlife.
In the afternoon, explore Phezulu Safari Park’s Reptile Park showcasing snakes and crocodiles.
Optional activities include African cultural dances and an additional game drive.
With pickup, drop-off, and a live English-speaking guide included, this tour offers an immersive experience of Durban’s diverse wildlife.
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Isandlwana & Rorkes Drift Full Day Tour From Durban
One of the most compelling full-day tours from Durban takes visitors on a journey through the historic battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift.
This 10-hour tour, priced from $220.56 per person, explores the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War, with small groups limited to 15 participants.
Pickup is included from preferred locations, and the tour features visits to the museums at both sites, where guides provide historical context and recount Zulu stories.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can reserve their spot without immediate payment.
The tour departs Durban at 6 am and returns around 3 pm, offering an immersive experience into this pivotal chapter of South African history.
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Tala Game Reserve & Natal Lion Park Full Day Tour Fr Durban
For those seeking a more wildlife-focused full-day tour from Durban, the Tala Game Reserve & Natal Lion Park excursion offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $198.45 per person, the 10-hour tour includes a 4×4 game drive through the 3,000-hectare Tala Game Reserve, home to over 380 bird species and diverse wildlife like rhinos, giraffes, and sable antelopes.
The tour then visits the Natal Lion Park to see lions, elephants, and other African animals.
Capping off the day is a cultural experience at Phezulu Safari Park, where visitors can engage with Zulu traditions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup included, this comprehensive tour is a convenient way to explore Durban’s natural wonders.
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Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Tour From Durban
Exploring the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a captivating full-day adventure from Durban.
Departing at 6am, you’ll experience a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, spotting hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, and flamingos.
Then, a game drive offers sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, kudus, and impalas.
Priced from $196.96 to $209.51 per person, this 10-hour tour provides flexible booking and a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup is included from your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with an English-speaking guide.
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The Sum Up
Durban offers a diverse range of full-day tours catering to various interests. From exploring the Sani Pass and Lesotho to game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi, hikers can discover the Drakensberg Mountains. History enthusiasts can visit Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, while nature lovers can enjoy the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. With so many options, visitors can tailor their experience to suit their preferences and make the most of their time in Durban.