Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu
Durban, South Africa

Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu

Outty Ranking 54 4.5 · 11 traveler reviews7.5 hoursFrom $173
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu worth booking?

Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu is a 7.5-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $173 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 11 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (11)
Duration
7.5 hours
From
$173 per person

Offers a combination of a Durban City sightseeing tour and explores spectacular scenery just outside the city. Start by taking a drive along Golden Mile, view historical buildings in the City Centre, wander through Botanical Gardens, interact with local traders at the Victoria Street Indian Market. Opportunity to taste the traditional, unique Bunny Chow (for own account). We continue to the Moses Mabhida Football Stadium for photo stop. We escape from civilization and journey inland through villages and gentle rolling countryside which give way to the most spectacular vista, known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Phezulu you will be immersed in the fascinating culture and traditions of the proud Zulu Nation; opportunity to interact with the villagers and purchase traditional and modern souvenirs. A visit to the onsite Crocodile park is also included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Offers a combination of a Durban City sightseeing tour and explores spectacular scenery just outside the city. Start by taking a drive along Golden Mile, view historical buildings in the City Centre, wander through Botanical Gardens, interact with local traders at the Victoria Street Indian Market. Opportunity to taste the traditional, unique Bunny Chow (for own account). We continue to the Moses Mabhida Football Stadium for photo stop. We escape from civilization and journey inland through villages and gentle rolling countryside which give way to the most spectacular vista, known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Phezulu you will be immersed in the fascinating culture and traditions of the proud Zulu Nation; opportunity to interact with the villagers and purchase traditional and modern souvenirs. A visit to the onsite Crocodile park is also included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Durban Botanical Gardens
    • Returned transfers to/from Durban Harbour Cruise Terminal
    • Phezulu Cultural Village
    • Professional English speaking guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Lunch
    • All beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Valley of a 1000 Hills

      The Valley of 1000 Hills Regionin in Durban forms around the majestic valley created by the Mngeni River and it's tributaries. A magnificent gorge between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the Valley of 1 000 Hills is about more than its spectacular greenery and the clear blue of the African sky.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Golden Mile

      Driving along Durban Beachfront

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Durban Botanic Gardens

      The Durban Botanic Gardens is situated in the city of Durban, It is Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa's oldest surviving botanical gardens. The gardens cover an area of 15 hectares in a subtropical climate.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Moses Mabhida Stadium

      opportunity to take the sky car (for own account) to the top of the stadium

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Durban

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cullinan Guided Journeys

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required & Maximum 6 guests.
    • At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Cullinan Guided Journeys strictly follow the SA Government approved TBCSA Health and Safety COVID-19 Protocols. Should guests present COVID-19 symptoms, COVID testing and quarantine will be at their own cost. We recommend that you ensure that your guests take adequate personal travel insurance cover before departure from home.
    • Ship should arrive early morning and guests need to be disembarked by 08h00 for 08H30 departure.
    • Ship departure time should not be before 18h00.
    • Small Group Tour, guests may be joined by other guests who are on the same Cruise ship.

    Photos

    View over Durban city, Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & PhezuluDurban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu, photo 3Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu, photo 4Phezulu Cultural Village, Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & PhezuluValley of Thousand Hills, Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & PhezuluDurban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Christina_D · December 2025

    We had a very thorough...

    We had a very thorough view of the traditional Zulu culture, history of sugarcane fields and the growth of the large Indian community and the modern architecture of Durban on this tour. Our tour guide, Moses, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable so this made the tour interesting. We added a safari option and were pleased when we got to observe giraffes and zebras up close, in their habitat and with their families.

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you had found the tour interesting.

    via Viator

    Mark_T · January 2020

    Excellent overview of Durban

    Had a really nice day with Thamy as our guide. He is was informative, interesting and took time to give us a nice overview of Durban. Got us back to ship safely and on time. The trip to the village was great and well worth the time.

    Response from the operator: Good afternoon, Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are glad that you enjoyed your Shore excursion with us.

    via Viator

    Virginia_H · January 2020

    Perfect day in Durban

    Thamsamqa,a self described proud Zuluman gave us a wonderful tour of Durban the city with the history of of the effects of apartheid on the Zulus and the Durban area. We toured the beautiful beaches before the scenic drive through the Valley of 1000 hills. From a stunning viewpoint we enjoyed the historic story of Traditional Zulu culture and the the reptile park It was feeding time for the crocodiles and then an amazing snake demonstration. Wow! Back to Durban we visited the Indian market before a stop at the famous Botanical Gardens. This is a must see and the guided tour is amazing and well worth the extra fee. Vishnu was great. Finally through the city past historic buildings - city hall and post office. What wonderful day in Durban thanks to one of the best guides ever, Thamsamqa!

    Response from the operator: Good Afternoon, Thank you for taking the time and provide us with your valuable feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your Shore excursion in Durban.

    via Viator

    rumbi d · September 2019

    a good day out

    we had frederick as our guide and had a pleasant day out . He picked us up on time and kept us entertained and was very knowledgeable. Theres a lot to do in the day so be prepared for a packed program

    Response from the operator: Good Day, Thank you for taking time to provide us with your feedback. We are delighted that you had a pleasant day.

    via Tripadvisor

    atauchert · April 2019

    Chaotic but friendly tour guide

    We waited 75 minutes at the pier for the vehicle.Telephone came the message that the departure was agreed 1 hour later.It turned out, however, that our guide was on time, but did not identify herself , as she probably waited for a spontaneously better "business" had hoped.When we were the last to stand at the pier, she then suddenly stood in front of us with our name tag!The vehicle was already 75 minutes there!VERY WEIRD!!!!?????

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $173 to $6,020
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cullinan Guided Journeys, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.

    See everything Cullinan Guided Journeys runs

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)71
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.

    How much does Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu cost?

    +

    Prices start at $173 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durban usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu take?

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    Plan for about 7.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durban is not rushed.

    Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durban can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durban and add a light layer if any part of the 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durban within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Durban?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Durban experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Culture Walking Tour of Durban, Sani Pass & Lesotho 4x4 Experience Day Tour from Durban, Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Durban?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Durban?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Durban Botanical Gardens; Returned transfers to/from Durban Harbour Cruise Terminal; Phezulu Cultural Village; and Professional English speaking guide. Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; and All beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Durban. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City & Phezulu?

    +

    Across 11 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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