Part of Durban's appeal is how much lies within a day's reach. Within a few hours you can be among rhinos, hippos, mountain escarpments, Zulu cultural villages or Anglo-Zulu War battlefields, and then back at the hotel for dinner. The trouble is choosing, because the trips differ a lot in length, effort and cost. This guide groups them by what you want and says plainly what each demands of you.
How the day trips work
Most tours collect passengers from hotels within a set area, so confirm your pickup when you book, and most start early. Trips range from a short half day to a very long day with several hours of driving each way. Dry, clear days give the best views and the best wildlife viewing, so keep a spare day in the plan in case the weather turns. In the December and January holidays popular departures fill, so book ahead.
Safari: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
For a classic wildlife day, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi trip takes you to one of South Africa's oldest game reserves for a guided drive in search of the Big Five, including rhinos. It is a long day of about ten to twelve hours, mostly in the vehicle and in the park, so it suits travellers who are happy with an early start and a lot of time on the road. The dry winter months give clearer views of animals gathering near water, while summer is greener and good for birds.
A shorter safari: Tala Game Reserve
If you want wildlife without the long drive, the Tala Game Reserve half day lasts about six hours including travel and gives you a guided drive among animals such as giraffe in the bush. It is the easier choice for families, for first-time safari-goers and for anyone who wants to keep the rest of the day free. It will not match Hluhluwe-iMfolozi for the Big Five, but it is far less tiring.
Hippos and crocodiles: St Lucia
The St Lucia and iSimangaliso hippo boat safari combines a game drive at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi with a boat trip on the estuary in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is a very long day with several hours of driving each way and two main activities. It is the best choice if you want to see hippos and crocodiles and add a game drive in the same day. The boat is rewarding year-round, because hippos spend the daytime in the water.
Mountains: the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg day trip is a full day of about nine hours, starting at half past seven in the morning, that takes in Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site on the way to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It suits walkers and photographers, and clear, dry days give the best views. For something more adventurous, the Sani Pass 4x4 trip climbs the steep pass in the mountains and crosses into the kingdom of Lesotho. It is a long day with an early start, and winter snow and ice can change or cut short the route, so check conditions and keep a spare day.
Gentle and cultural: the Valley of a Thousand Hills
The Valley of a Thousand Hills trip to Phezulu takes about four to five hours including the drive and is the easiest outing on this list. It combines rolling views with a Zulu cultural village and a reptile park, so it suits families, older travellers and anyone with limited time. Morning departures give the clearest views and leave the afternoon free for the beach.
History: Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift
The Anglo-Zulu War battlefields tour is a full day with a guide who tells the story of the 1879 campaign at Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Fugitives Drift. It is for travellers who want depth rather than a postcard view, and it involves time on foot in open country, so the cooler months are more comfortable.
Sharks: Aliwal Shoal
About forty minutes south of central Durban, the shark cage dive takes a boat to Aliwal Shoal for a trip of about three hours, with wetsuit, snorkelling gear, a guide and hot showers included. It suits confident swimmers and is weather dependent, so build in a spare day.
Which one to choose
For first-time safari-goers with limited time, choose Tala. For the best chance at the Big Five, choose Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. For scenery, choose the Drakensberg, or Sani Pass if you want an adventure. For hippos, choose St Lucia. For history, choose the battlefields, and for an easy half day, the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Pack water, sunscreen, a hat and a warm layer, and bring a camera with spare battery.
