Durban’s city tours cut straight to the heart of South Africa’s vibrant port city. The most worthwhile options pack major sights into efficient half-day itineraries. I especially love the cultural circuit combining the striking Moses Mabhida Stadium (climb to its arch for spectacular views) with the aromatic spice stalls of Victoria Street Market. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Phezulu Safari Park tour delivers – you’ll meet crocodiles and snakes while learning authentic Zulu customs from local guides who really know their stuff.
Tours run morning and afternoon, with the morning slots offering cooler temperatures for walking portions. The best guides share fascinating stories behind Durban’s Indian influence and colonial architecture while keeping groups moving at a comfortable pace.
Let’s explore the top city tours that showcase the best of Durban’s mix of culture, history and natural beauty.
Key Points
- Durban offers a range of 3.5 to 8-hour city tours with 3 to 4.7-star ratings, providing flexibility in departure times and group sizes for personalized experiences.
- Tour highlights include iconic sites like Moses Mabhida Stadium, Victoria Street Market, Botanical Gardens, and the revitalized Golden Mile beachfront, as well as culture opportunities.
- Phezulu Safari Park and uShaka Marine World provide wildlife and marine-based activities, while the Inanda Township and Gandhi’s House explore historical significance.
- Tours offer opportunities to sample local delicacies, engage with cultural dances and traditional huts, and gain insights into Durban’s multicultural landscape through knowledgeable guides.
- Half-day tours range from $50.36 to $181.35 per person, with private small group tours available for a more personalized experience, praised for value and exceptional guides.
Durban City Sightseeing Tour
The Durban City Sightseeing Tour takes travelers on an engaging 4-hour journey through the vibrant heart of Durban. Rated 4.4 out of 54 reviews, this tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Victoria Street Market, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the lush Botanical Gardens.
Travelers can choose from morning or afternoon departures and enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, a professional guide provides insights into Durban’s rich history and culture.
Suitable for all ages, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. With language options available upon request, this comprehensive sightseeing experience offers an excellent introduction to the diverse charms of Durban.
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Durban Half-Day City Tour – Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens
This half-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Durban’s vibrant multicultural landscape. Priced from $50.36 per person, the 3.5-hour experience takes visitors along the revitalized Golden Mile, where they’ll learn about Durban City Hall’s history.
The highlight is the bustling African/Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle, home to over 6000 street vendors. Participants will also visit the small craft harbor and the University of Natal campus.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 18 reviews, this tour provides excellent value for money. Free cancellation and complimentary hotel transfers add to the convenience.
The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience with an informative, English-speaking guide.
Read our full review: Durban Half-Day City Tour – Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens Review
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Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu
Travelers seeking a more personalized journey through Durban’s vibrant cityscape and captivating cultural heritage will find the Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu tour an excellent option.
This highly-rated private tour offers a deep dive into the city’s highlights, from the iconic Golden Mile to the lush Botanical Gardens and the bustling Victoria Street Indian Market.
Guests will also have the chance to sample the local delicacy, bunny chow, and enjoy Zulu culture at the PheZulu Cultural Village.
With round-trip transportation, an expert guide, and all admissions and meals included, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for up to 6 travelers.
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1/2 Day Durban City & Phezulu Tour From Durban
Exploring Durban’s vibrant cityscape and rich cultural heritage, the Day Durban City & Phezulu Tour From Durban offers a comprehensive journey through the region’s top attractions.
Priced at $161.81 per person, the 6-hour tour provides free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include a visit to the Durban Promenade, the Victoria Market, and the Durban Botanic Gardens, followed by a 4×4 game drive and cultural experiences at the Phezulu Safari Park.
With pickup and drop-off service from various locations, including cruise ships and the airport, the tour caters to accessibility needs and is guided in English.
Lunch is available at an additional cost during the tour.
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Half-day Durban City Tour
Embarking on the Half-day Durban City Tour allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant heart of South Africa’s third-largest city.
The 6-hour tour, priced at $164.01 per person, showcases Durban’s top attractions, including the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, the bustling Victoria Market, and the serene Durban Botanical Gardens.
Guests will have the opportunity to stroll along the Golden Mile Beachfront and explore uShaka Marine World.
The tour also includes a live English-speaking guide, free cancellation, and pickup from hotels, the airport, or port.
With wheelchair accessibility and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Durban’s rich history and captivating culture.
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1/2 Day Durban City Tour
The Day Durban City Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of South Africa’s vibrant third-largest city. This 6-hour tour offers an excellent value at $126.04 per person and includes pickup from 8 convenient locations across the Durban area.
Highlights include visits to the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, the scenic Durban Promenade, the grand Durban City Hall, the lively Victoria Market, and the historic Durban Botanic Gardens.
With a live English-speaking guide, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
While the overall rating is 3 out of 5 based on a single review, the Day Durban City Tour provides a well-rounded introduction to this dynamic coastal destination.
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Half Day Durban City Tour and Phezulu Safari Park
This half-day tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Durban’s vibrant city center and the renowned Phezulu Safari Park. Priced from $181.35 per person, the 6-hour experience includes a visit to the lively Victoria Market, an informative tour of the Zulu Medicine Market, and a stroll through the Durban Botanic Gardens.
At Phezulu Safari Park, guests will witness Zulu cultural dances and visit traditional huts before embarking on a game drive. The tour is wheelchair accessible, with pickup and drop-off service available.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable live guide, highlighting excellent assistance throughout the day. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Durban: Top 10 City Sights Tour
On this Durban: Top 10 City Sights Tour, visitors can expect to be immersed in the vibrant tapestry of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Priced from $110.08 per person, the 6-hour tour is available in multiple languages and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include Gandhi’s House, the Inanda Township, Umhlanga Promenade, and the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Travelers will also explore the Durban Botanic Gardens, Victoria Street Market, and Ushaka Marine World.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights, and transportation and select entrance fees are included.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 33 reviews, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Durban’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Durban: Top 10 City Sights Tour Review
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1/2 Day Durban City Tour & Phezulu Tour
Embarking on the 1/2 Day Durban City Tour & Phezulu Tour, visitors can expect a comprehensive exploration of Durban’s vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes.
This 6-hour excursion takes travelers to iconic sites like the Victoria Market, where they’ll browse over 200 stalls showcasing a blend of Indian and African goods, and the Durban Botanic Gardens, the oldest in Africa.
The highlight is a 4×4 game drive at Phezulu Safari Park, offering the chance to see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a convenient and flexible way to discover Durban’s top attractions.
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Durban: City Sightseeing Tour
The Durban City Sightseeing and Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s vibrant culture, diverse heritage, and stunning natural landscapes.
Priced at $87.51 per person, this 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup, visits to iconic landmarks like the Botanical Garden and Durban Harbour, and a scenic walk through the city center.
With a live guide available in multiple languages, the tour is accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Highlights include an optional visit to uShaka Marine World and the opportunity to ride the Sky Car to the top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s overall value for money.
Read our full review: Durban City Sightseeing Tour Review
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Durban: City & PheZulu Cultural Village Tour
For those seeking a deeper dive into Durban’s rich cultural tapestry, the Durban: City & PheZulu Cultural Village Tour offers an immersive 8-hour experience.
Priced from $137.05 per person, this tour explores Durban’s main attractions and the Valley of 1000 Hills, culminating in a visit to the PheZulu Cultural and Safari Park.
Guests will experience Zulu culture through traditional huts, artifacts, and a 50-minute dance show.
The tour also includes a guided reptile park visit with a hands-on encounter with Cleo the Burmese python.
Rated 4.7/5 overall, this tour boasts exceptional guide experiences and personal attention, making it a must for those eager to uncover Durban’s vibrant heritage.
Read our full review: Durban: City & PheZulu Cultural Village Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Durban offers a variety of city tours showcasing its diverse attractions. From the Golden Mile beachfront to the Botanical Gardens, visitors can experience the city’s natural and cultural highlights. Shore excursions, private tours, and half-day packages allow for convenient and customized exploration. Whether seeking a rundown or a deeper dive into Durban’s top sights, there are plenty of options to suit different interests and budgets.