Welcome to Durban Safaris

Durban South Africa safaris and holiday tours

Durban Tourism

Welcome to Durban, South Africa’s warmest city

Durban sits on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. With sunshine for most of the year, a warm Indian Ocean and a lively mix of African, Indian and colonial cultures, it is one of Southern Africa’s most popular holiday destinations.

The city’s Zulu name is eThekwini, usually translated as “the bay” or “the lagoon”, after its large natural harbour. Durban’s port is one of the busiest in Africa, and cruise ships call here regularly. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sailed past this coast on Christmas Day in 1497 and named the region Natal.

Durban South Africa

The Golden Mile and the city

Durban’s famous Golden Mile is a stretch of beachfront of around six kilometres, running from uShaka Marine World near the harbour entrance to the Suncoast Casino. It is lined with promenades, restaurants, surf spots and attractions, and is the heart of any Durban holiday.

Beyond the beach, Durban offers busy local markets, great shopping, a vibrant nightlife and some of the best curry in the country. The city also has a wide choice of hotels and B&Bs, making it an easy base for exploring the rest of KwaZulu-Natal.

Safaris and wildlife near Durban

South Africa is famous for its wildlife, and Durban is surrounded by game reserves and nature areas, making it easy to combine a beach holiday with a safari.

  • Tala Game Reserve: just 45 minutes from Durban, ideal for a short game drive.
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park: a World Heritage Site around St Lucia, known for hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and unspoilt beaches.
  • Ithala Game Reserve: a rugged, scenic reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: about three hours from Durban, home to the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo), and one of the best places in Africa to see rhino.

Explore Durban and KwaZulu-Natal with Durban Safaris

At Durban Safaris, we help visitors make the most of their time in South Africa. We offer private safaris, small-group safaris and tours in and around Durban, led by knowledgeable, qualified local guides.

Your safari can be as short as half a day or last a week or more. Every itinerary is planned with your safety and comfort in mind, and all of our packages can be tailored to suit your interests, budget and the time you have available. Whether you want a day in the bush, a few nights at a safari lodge or a tailor-made South African holiday, we will help you plan it.

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