
Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour worth booking?
Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $105 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (6)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $105 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Visit to an onsite crocodile and Snake park
- Phezulu Cultural Village
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Return transfers from Durban port
- Services of a qualified guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cullinan Guided Journeys
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Departure times can be tailor made to suit your port times
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Guests will be joined on tour by other passengers from the same cruise ship.
- 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.
- Morning tour - Ship should arrive early morning and guests need to be disembarked by 08:00
- Morning Tour - Ship departure time should not be before 14h00.
- Afternoon Tour - Ship should arrive late morning and guests need to be disembarked by 12h30
- Afternoon Tour - 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
How the Zulus dance and sing!
We loved the Zulus and its surroundings. Everything has been great and the Guide very nice. We recommend it
Response from the operator: Good Morning Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed yourselves.
via Viator (translated)
Amazing Zulu experience
We enjoyed the tour with Patrick. He showed us the Phezulu village & we watched the Zulu's dance. Patrick sang us a Zulu song & poem. He made the trip extra special for us. Also saw the crocodile & snake park. We all learnt alot today. I would recommend this tour. Thank you again.
via Viator
Excellent tour
Wonderful culture show and visit to the hills outside of Durban. Beautiful views and great photo opportunities
via Viator
Spectacular Views
Our trip to PhuZulu was amazing. The guide really made the tour. He was passionate about his city of Durban, informative, friendly and helpful!!! The crocodiles & snakes were a sight to see and the Zulu dance was excellent. The scenery we drove through was spectacular.
Response from the operator: Good Morning Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the excursion with us.
via Viator
Our guide made the tour
Our guide was articulate, informed, and personable. He made the tour excellent even though the content of the tour was average.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $105 to $3,700
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- 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 runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.
How much does Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour cost?
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Prices start at $105 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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour?
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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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour?
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Around 2 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?
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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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour?
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Included: Visit to an onsite crocodile and Snake park; Phezulu Cultural Village; In-vehicle air conditioning; Return transfers from Durban port; and Services of a qualified guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour offered in?
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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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour?
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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.
What happens to Durban Shore Excursion: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour if the weather is bad?
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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: Valley of 1000 Hills and PheZulu Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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