Durban , South Africa

Half Day Durban City Sightseeing Tour

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About this experience

Discover Durban’s highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit Victoria Street Market and the Zulu Medicine Market to shop and explore local traditions. See the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, with an option to ride the Sky Car for panoramic views. Enjoy time at uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk on the Golden Mile, with a chance for lunch. Relax in the historic Durban Botanical Gardens, and learn about Durban’s past at KwaMuhle Museum, including its Health and Wellness exhibit. The tour finishes with quick stops at Durban’s City Hall and Harbour. Experience the city’s vibrant culture, history, and scenic spots in just a few hours.

Available options

Half Day Durban City Sightseeing Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water onboard the vehicle

Pick up and drop off within a 16km radius of Durban

Shared Tour Guide/Driver, Vehicle & Fuel

Entrance fees to places of interest

Detailed itinerary

Your tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Durban at 9:00 AM, as you embark on an engaging 4-hour half-day Durban City Tour.

Stop 2

Next, enjoy time at Victoria Street Market to shop for African accessories, clothing, souvenirs, and home décor.

Adjacent to the market, your guide will take you on an informative tour of “Inyanga (Doctors) lane” at the Zulu Medicine Market, a vibrant space where traditional Zulu culture thrives amid the modern city.

Stop 3

The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium is a highlight of Durban’s skyline.

Your guide will show you around the exterior, sharing its history and significance.

For those interested, you can take the Sky Car to the top of the arch for stunning panoramic views, available for an additional fee.

Stop 4

The tour also includes a visit to uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk, located along the iconic Golden Mile beachfront on Durban’s OR Tambo Parade, offering shopping, entertainment, and a seaside ambiance.

You’ll have time to shop and enjoy lunch at uShaka Village Walk, a vibrant open-air shopping destination along Durban’s Golden Mile.

It offers a unique mix of shopping, entertainment, family fun, and seaside dining.

The tour also includes a visit to the beautiful Durban Botanical Gardens, Africa’s oldest botanical garden established in 1849.

Your guide will highlight its stunning features, with optional free time to explore and enjoy its peaceful surroundings.

Next, we dive into the rich history the city has to offer.

The KwaMuhle Museum, once the headquarters of Durban’s Native Administration Department and a symbol of labor control, has been transformed into Durban’s Apartheid Museum.

It reflects the city’s urban growth and history, and features an insightful exhibition educating visitors about the health and wellness of South Africa.

The tour will conclude with a quick drive past Durban’s City Hall, the bustling Durban Harbour, and the Shiva Statue at the Umgeni Hindu Temple.

You will then be dropped off in Durban at 1:00 PM, ending a memorable day of culture, history, and scenic highlights.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities (optional)

Drinks (alcohol beverages are higher in price and relative to location)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Durban

Durban is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm tropical climate. It's a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences.

Top Attractions

Golden Mile

A stretch of beautiful beaches along the Durban coastline, offering a variety of water sports, beach activities, and a vibrant promenade.

Beach Half day to full day Free to enter, activities vary in cost

uShaka Marine World

A popular theme park and marine park featuring a variety of attractions, including a water park, aquarium, and dolphin shows.

Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive

Durban Botanical Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and a heritage site.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, small fee for special exhibits

Victoria Street Market

A bustling market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Durban Museum

A museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Durban and the surrounding region.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Biltong

Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky, made from various types of meat such as beef, game, or ostrich.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Durban Curry

A spicy curry dish with roots in Indian cuisine, often made with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and flavored with local spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Cultural tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season with warm temperatures, frequent rain showers, and bustling beaches. It's the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.

23°C to 30°C 73°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Zulu, English
Widely spoken: Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Durban is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violent crime can occur, particularly in certain areas and at night. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

King Shaka International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Durban Station

By bus

Durban Bus Terminal, Grey Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

DART buses are affordable and convenient for getting around. They operate on dedicated bus lanes, making them faster than regular buses.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Berea Morningside Umgeni Road

Day trips

Valley of a Thousand Hills

30 km from Durban • Half day to full day

A scenic region known for its rolling hills, traditional Zulu villages, and cultural experiences. It offers a glimpse into rural Zulu life and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

St. Lucia

200 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A coastal town in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and water activities. It's a popular destination for boat cruises, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Drakensberg Mountains

250 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A stunning mountain range known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the city.

Festivals

Durban July • July Durban International Film Festival • October Sugar Rush Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures
Try local street food like bunny chow and samosas for an authentic Durban culinary experience
Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Botanical Gardens
Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for a scenic and cultural experience
Attend a local event or festival, such as the Durban July or the Durban International Film Festival, for a unique and memorable experience