The 10 Best Cultural Tours in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Experience the Zulu Culture first-hand with a visit to South Africa’s most famous cultural village - Shakaland - situated a mere 170km north of Durban. This “Living Museum” was created around the film set of the epic film, Shaka Zulu! Your day will be one of interaction with the villagers, who will entertain you with fascinating stories of history, culture and intrigue. You will be introduced to their Sangoma, invited to taste the traditional beer and be mesmerised by their vibrant drumming and dancing. We end the day with a delicious lunch, before returning to Richards Bay.

Inclusions: Light lunch, Return transfers from Richards Bay port, Services of a qualified guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Head for an exciting full day of safariing and cultural experiences. Travel north into the heart of Zululand to visit the oldest game reserve in South Africa, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. This reserve is host to the Big 5, as well as many other exciting wildlife species. Around midday, you will be treated to a light lunch at one of the picnic spots in the reserve, then leave the park and head to the DumaZulu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about the many cultures and traditions of the Zulus. You will also get to interact with the villagers and buy traditional and modern souvenirs.

Inclusions: Light lunch, Return transfers from Richards Bay port, Services of a qualified guide, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

On this amazing day tour you'll get to walk the very ground that the British and Zulu fought on and with your qualified and passionate guide, will gain a deeper understanding of the battles themselves as well as the events that led up to the battles of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana.

Inclusions: Qualified and passionate guide, Amazing historical walking day Tour, Small museum to explore

Exclusions: Lunch can be enjoyed at the small shop at the Rorkes Drift site.

Our tour of Durban, a bustling metropolis, often called the cultural ‘melting pot’ of South Africa, includes a drive through the sports corridor with its impressive sporting facilities to the Blue Lagoon area on the Umgeni River where you get a panoramic view of the whole bay of Durban. Then past the so-called Apartheid Beaches, the Marine Parade (Golden Mile) where you will see the rickshaws, en route to the impressive developments at the new Point Waterfront area. We drive past the busiest harbour in Africa and various historical monuments, and then through the city centre where the original Railway Station building, the City Hall and the Post Office buildings each have a story to tell. We stop at the Indian Market where you get a glimpse into the Indian culture and bargain for souvenirs and spices. Our last visit is to the Botanical Gardens with its extensive collection of trees and plants from all over the world, as well as a famous cycad collection and orchid garden.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Tipping

For the best of Zulu Culture, Shakaland is a must. We drive north through sugar cane plantations and various historical landmarks to our destination "Shakaland". Our 1st stop will be the superb Dlinza forest at Eshowe. Thrill to the rhythm of the drums as the Zulus give you an amazing demonstration of traditional dances. You will learn about Zulu customs and lifestyles, and have an opportunity to taste zulu beer. For lunch, you can enjoy a hot or cold buffet which includes traditional zulu food. Hand-crafted goods and souvenirs are available to buy we end the Day with a visit to King Shaka Memorial center in Kwa Dukuza before heading back to The City.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

Johnny is a true Durbanite and knows the city and it's people like no other. Therefore, a city tour with Johnny shows the unique sides of Durban that you will never forget. The tour will take you through town to the markets and the beach by using the famous combi's to get from one place to another. Fun and adventure guaranteed!

Inclusions: Lunch, Local minibus combi from starting point and back to where the tour ends, Personal guide

Exclusions: No drinks included, Personal expenses, Pick-up from hotel

The mountain kingdom of Lesotho is out-of-this world for its sheer mountain beauty. Combine that with its unique culture where the people have combined a 21st approach to certain day-to-day activities whilst holding onto their culturally unique way-of-life and it blends into an amazing experience. Our guests are often visiting Lesotho whilst on holiday in South Africa. We have perfected a 3-day tour which incorporates many of the top things to do in Lesotho, despite being on a time budget. Of course, Lesotho has even more amazing things to do and see, but we feel that this tour has become a favourite because it packs so much into just 3 days of overland in Lesotho! Sani Pass, Lesotho Cultural Immersion, Drakensberg Bushmen Paintings, Dinosaur Footprints, Modern-day Cave Dwellers and Semonkong.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch

Exclusions: Items of personal nature

Start the day strolling through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens with our passionate horticulturalist tapping into its history and unique collection. Unlock the trendy suburb of Glenwood with artist Mooki Lion and track down the public portfolios of local street artists. Time to meet Mama Nkosi otherwise known as the dancing curator of one of the largest collections of traditional art as she reveals indigenous beliefs and tribal culture. Tuck into lunch (own cost) and sample the popular flavours of Durban — ever tried a bunny chow? With your energy levels restored, enter into the beating heart of the city — Victoria Street Market — and meet local merchants as they peddle their wares. Drive through the city centre as your guide brings it to life with historical anecdotes and an encyclopaedia of knowledge. Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just great to look at, it’s also terrific to jump off (own cost). Finish the day at Station Drive Precinct for an artisan gelato tasting.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Artisan Gelato Tasting, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

This tour has two main features. First you will visit St Lucia and the estuary inside the  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a  2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. After a short visit to the town of St Lucia and the beach, you will head off to the  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve where your experienced guide will show you around the park in search of the diverse wildlife and big 5.

Inclusions: Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle, Qualified Tour Guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities

Escape from civilisation, heighten your senses and increase your awe at the true splendour of Mother Nature’s canvas and palette. Your guide will collect you from Durban port and you journey inland through the province of KwaZulu-Natal, through villages and gentle rolling countryside, which give way to the most spectacular vistas, known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Here, at PheZulu, you will be immersed in the fascinating culture and traditions of a proud Zulu Nation and have the opportunity to interact with the villagers and purchase traditional and modern souvenirs. A visit to the on-site crocodile park is also included. After an enjoyable day out, you will be safely returned to Durban port in good time for your ship’s departure.

Inclusions: Return transfers from Durban port, Services of a qualified guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Phezulu Cultural Village , Visit to an onsite crocodile and Snake park

Exclusions: Gratuities