How Durban tours differ
Most tours from Durban differ in one thing above all: distance. A city tour takes 3 hours. The Valley of 1000 Hills is about 35 km from the centre. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is about 280 km north, a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The Drakensberg and Sani Pass are longer still, and some tours start in Underberg, not in Durban.
Prices below come from single operators for 2026. They show what one product costs, not a market range. A price on an operator's page is not a promise of free seats on your day. Park entry, equipment and transfers are sometimes extra, so read what each tour includes.
Tour types compared
Single examples with 2026 prices in South African rand. Each row is one operator's product.
| Trip | Starts | Length or distance | Example price |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bus tour (Ricksha Bus) | 1 KE Masinga Road, North Beach | 3 hours | – |
| Wildlife drive at PheZulu | Botha's Hill | About 1 hour | R320 adult, R220 child |
| Zulu dancing programme at PheZulu | Botha's Hill | Shows at set times | R200 adult, R140 child |
| Sunset safari at PheZulu | Botha's Hill | Evening drive | R440 per person for 3 to 10 people, or R1,100 for a couple |
| Hluhluwe-iMfolozi day trip | North on the N2 | About 280 km, 2.5 to 3 hours each way | – |
| St Lucia estuary cruise | St Lucia | About 2 hours | – |
| Sani Pass private day tour | Underberg for some tours | Full day | From R1,090 per person |
| Aliwal Shoal reef dive | Umkomaas river mouth | Boat dive | R755 |
The PheZulu prices are the 2026 rates for adults and for children under twelve. The Ricksha Bus tour page lists no current fare, so ask for the price and the timetable when you contact the operator. A dash means no price is published.
Our picks: tours compared
A city walk, a 4x4 day to Sani Pass and a Big Five safari.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD
Transport, a guide, all entrance fees and tolls are included, plus pickup within 5 km of the Tropicana Hotel. Lunch and drinks are extra.
Check availability →
Hluhluwe Big Five safari with binoculars
Pickup and return, entrance fees, a water bottle, binoculars and species identification books are included. Lunch and tips are extra.
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Durban sightseeing and walking tour
Four hours with transport, a guide and the entrance fees for the tour stops. The SkyCar ticket at Moses Mabhida Stadium costs extra.
Check availability →Durban tours and day trips
City tours, safaris, Sani Pass, boat cruises and the Valley of 1000 Hills, with live prices and availability.
The trip types in detail
What each one involves.
City tours
The Ricksha Bus tour takes 3 hours and starts at 1 KE Masinga Road in the Bay of Plenty area at North Beach. A bus or guided car is a sensible way to see the centre, because the German Foreign Office advises against visits to the city centre at any time of day (as of 21 October 2026). See the list of things to do for the stops.
A short trip to the Valley of 1000 Hills
PheZulu in Botha's Hill is about 35 km from the centre. The wildlife drive takes about 1 hour. It is a drive in a private area, not a Hluhluwe safari. Read the Valley of 1000 Hills guide.
Safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
This is the long safari option. The distance is a rough planning value, and a day trip leaves little time in the park. Animals are wild, and sightings cannot be promised. See the park guide.
Sani Pass and the Drakensberg
A valid passport is required on every tour that crosses the border. Self-drivers need a 4x4. Tours can be cancelled in heavy snow or when the pass is closed, and warm clothes belong in the bag even if the morning is sunny. Rental-car conditions for Lesotho are a matter for the rental company, so ask before you plan to drive yourself. More in the Drakensberg guide.
St Lucia boat cruises
Estuary cruises show hippos and crocodiles from the water and last about 2 hours. Departure times vary by season, so check the current timetable. See the St Lucia page.
Diving at Aliwal Shoal
Boats leave from the Umkomaas river mouth to a fossil sandstone reef. The reef dive is listed at R755. Which site you dive depends on the current and the visibility. Ragged-tooth sharks are most often seen from June to November, but not on every dive. Ask what the price covers, including equipment and any permit.
What to check before you book
The wording differs more than the prices do.
Pickup point and start time
Some tours start in Durban, others in Underberg or at the park gate. Check where you meet and how long the drive before the tour is.
What the price covers
Park fees, equipment, meals and transfers are often separate. A tour price does not include entry to a conservation area unless the listing says so.
Age and health rules
PheZulu does not take babies under 6 months, pregnant women in the third trimester or frail people on wildlife drives because of the terrain. Ask other operators for their rules.
Weather and closures
Wildlife drives depend on the weather, snow can close the Sani Pass, and PheZulu closes on Christmas Day and on the days of the Amashova cycle race and the Comrades Marathon. Confirm your date.
Getting there safely
If you drive yourself to a meeting point, plan the route in daylight. The UK advice names a higher risk after dark. See our safety guide.
Durban tours: frequently asked questions
What is the best tour from Durban?
That depends on your time. A city tour or the Valley of 1000 Hills fits a half day. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, St Lucia and Sani Pass each need a full day. The table above compares single examples, not a ranking.
How much do Durban tours cost?
The examples above range from R75 for the PheZulu reptile park to R1,090 for a private Sani Pass day tour, and the dive is R755. Prices are for 2026 and can change.
Do I need a passport for the Sani Pass?
Yes. A valid passport is needed at the South African and Lesotho border posts. Self-drivers also need a 4x4.
Can I do Hluhluwe-iMfolozi as a day trip?
Yes, but the drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Many visitors stay overnight to have more time in the park.
Do tours run in bad weather?
Not always. Snow can close the Sani Pass, and wildlife drives depend on the weather. Ask about cancellation and refund terms before you pay.