Full-Day Mandela Capture Site and PheZulu Cultural Tour

Durban , South Africa

Full-Day Mandela Capture Site and PheZulu Cultural Tour

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About this experience

Discover KwaZulu-Natal’s rich history and culture on this full-day Durban tour. Visit Pietermaritzburg’s city highlights, including the Mahatma Gandhi statue, and learn about his role in South Africa’s freedom. See the striking Nelson Mandela sculpture at Howick’s Capture Site and explore the Apartheid Museum. Then, enjoy the Valley of 1000 Hills, where you’ll experience traditional Zulu culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park, watching dance performances and interacting with reptiles. After a day filled with history and culture, we’ll return to Durban, approximately 30 minutes away, for drop-off at your hotel or preferred location.

Available options

Full-Day Mandela Capture Site and PheZulu Cultural 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 pickup from your Durban accommodation at 5:30 AM, within a 16 km radius.

From there, we’ll drive approximately one hour to Pietermaritzburg, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

Upon arrival in Pietermaritzburg, we will enjoy a brief city tour and visit the Mahatma Gandhi statue in front of the City Hall.

As the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg is rich in history and charm.

Stop 3

From Pietermaritzburg, we head to Howick to visit the KwaNogqaza (Howick Falls), a spectacular 95-meter waterfall on the Umgeni River—known as "Home of the Tall" by the Zulu.

Next, we visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, featuring a striking sculpture of Mandela made of steel columns standing 6 to 9 meters tall. To see the bust clearly, visitors must stand 35 meters away. The site offers a stunning landscape facing west, blending history with scenic beauty.

Finally, we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum, which celebrates his life and his fight against Apartheid, providing an inspiring insight into his enduring legacy.

Next, we head to the ‘Valley of 1000 Hills’ to experience authentic Zulu culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and Reptile Park. Visitors explore a traditional Zulu homestead with thatched huts arranged in a circular formation around cattle, symbolizing protection.

The guide takes you on a tour of the ‘Sibaya’—a homestead facing the picturesque valley—where you’ll learn about Zulu customs from the 1800s.

Enjoy an energetic traditional dance performance, with singers in vibrant attire showcasing their skills and pride.

The visit also includes the Reptile Park, where knowledgeable guides introduce you to a diverse array of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, and lizards. You’ll have the chance to touch or hold some animals, like a small crocodile or a giant python—perfect for memorable photos.

After an enriching day exploring Zulu culture, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, we will begin our journey back to Durban.

The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to reflect on the memorable experiences of the day.

Once in Durban, you will be dropped off at your hotel or a designated location, ending an unforgettable adventure through some of South Africa’s most iconic sites and traditions.

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