Many people miss out on South Africa’s third-largest city, but green and natural Durban should be on the itinerary of any South Africa trip. Here are five of the best city tours in Durban:
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South Africa’s third largest city can sometimes live in the shadow of the big two, Cape Town and Johannesburg, but missing out on it is a mistake. This nature-packed city – it was voted ‘greenest city in the world’ thanks to an abundance of parks – is also a wonderful place to kick back, whether that’s walking the seafront promenade or lazing in one of its slow-moving coffee shops. To get a feel for Durban take a sightseeing tour – here are five of the best city tours:
City Sightseeing Tour
This four-hour tour gives a good overview of Durban and its key sights, with knowledgeable guides and great communication from booking to explaining the history of the city. You’ll get to walk through the city centre, visit the Botanical Garden and the Kwa-Muhle Apartheid Museum, and be shown around the exterior of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The tour also includes a visit to uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk on the famous Golden Mile Beachfront. It’s all extremely professional and includes a pick-up from your hotel, but there is no hiding the fact that for a half-day tour it’s still a lot of money. From €78.93.
Book at GetYourGuide
Top 10 City Sights Tour
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Another great city tour, this one is slightly longer at six hours, taking in (in the organiser’s opinion) are the ten best things to see in Durban. It’s hard to argue withe the choice however, starting at Gandhi’s house, situated in Inanda township, then on to the Golden Mile to see Durban’s gorgeous beaches and then on to Moses Mabhida Stadium to see one of Africa’s beautiful stadiums. The tour also includes Durban Botanic Gardens, Juma Masjid Mosque and the neo-baroque City Hall, built in the early 1900s. What makes this tour so highly recommended, aside from the personable guides, is its flexibility, focusing on the elements the group wants, rather than whisking them from point to point. Again, it’s not particularly cheap though. From €99.28.
Book at GetYourGuide
Discover Inner City Jewels Walking Tour in Durban
A good budget option, this walking tour focuses on the diversity of Durban, and its mix of African, Indian and colonial influences. Highlights include Juma Mosque, the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, Port of Durban, Emmanuel Cathedral. There is also a stop at Kwa Muhle Museum, which exhibits the history of the Zulu Kingdom and Victoria Street Market to pick up spices, food, and little gifts. From €27.88.
Book at Viator.com
City & PheZulu Cultural Village Tour
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As well as taking in most of the city sights of the above two tours, this trip also heads out of Durban and travels to the Valley of 1000 Hills, home of PheZulu Cultural and Safari Park. Here the guide explains the rituals and culture of Zulu people, before a 50-minute Zulu dance show. If you like reptiles, there is also a crocodile and snake park at PheZulu, where you can meet a 42kg python called Cleo. How’s that for a varied day out? The answer could be, a little too varied for an eight-hour excursion. From €123.60.
Book at GetYourGuide
Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City Tour
The name is perhaps a little misleading – the ‘shore’ part is a stroll down Durban’s Golden Mile, the popular beachfront promenade. Nevertheless, it’s a lovely part of the city and the tour also checks out the tropical Botanical Gardens and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It’s a lovely tour with a courteous, friendly guide but at just three and a half hours it’s not the most comprehensive or best value. From €56.10.
Book at viator.com