Durban tours and MSC Shore Excursions

Durban Tours, South Africa | MSC Cruises

When you visit Durban, it's worth taking your time to get to know this unique coastal city. A trip to Durban puts you in touch with different cultures, delicious food, warm seas and even inland safaris. MSC shore excursions and our Durban tours help you tap into the beating heart of this port city.

There are countless Durban excursions to choose from, catering for all tastes. Topping the list of Durban day tours is a trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a seriously scenic area whilst a visit to PheZulu Safari Park promises adventure and cultural insights galore.

One reason that Durban holidays stand out from the crowd is the mix of cultures and people evident around the city. A Durban city tour demonstrates the European and Asian influences evident in this thoroughly African city – nowhere is this more apparent than at the Victoria Street Market. Don't miss this Durban tour location to stock up on gifts for loved ones back at home (and yourself, of course), as you’ll be surrounded by spices, clothes and souvenirs that speak to the city’s heritage and its people.

From the market, you’re close to Durban's Botanic Gardens, the oldest surviving garden of its kind in Africa and one of the most popular things to do in Durban. Within the peaceful gardens lie countless stories about the biodiversity, cultures, and heritage of Durban and the greater South Africa.

Our Durban shore excursions and Durban city tours help visitors get to know one of the world’s most popular coastal cities.

Excursions in Durban

Our Durban tours make it blissfully simple to discover the heart of the city and gain an insight into South African culture. You won’t be short of things to do in Durban, as there are botanic gardens, busy markets and longer Durban excursions. The good news is that many of the top Durban attractions are within easy reach of the main port.

Our Durban city tours and itineraries get you straight to all the best bits of the city and surrounds, leaving you to simply enjoy the sights.

Durban tours, Botanic Gardens | MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Botanic Gardens | MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Botanic Gardens | MSC Cruises

Revel in biodiversity at Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens are the oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa and a hugely valuable natural asset for South Africa, as well as being a fine place for a hearty picnic.

Founded in 1849, the botanical gardens in Durban and today spread out over 15 hectares in the suburb of Berea, easily reached from Durban’s port. Notable species of palms, orchids and cycads (to name but a few) are housed in the grounds, offering a deep insight into Durban’s botanical roots – once you've finished that picnic and need to walk it off.
Durban tours, Victoria Street Market | MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Victoria Street Market | MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Victoria Street Market | MSC Cruises

Victoria Street Market: Durban’s oldest market

Turn back the clock at Durban's famous Victoria Street Market simply by wandering, observing and taking time to learn about its origins while you zig-zag through more than 200 vendors and stalls.

This is one of those Durban tours that allows you to go deeper into the past by exploring the venue, helping you understand a little more about South Africa’s complex history. Afterwards, take the opportunity to purchase a keepsake from a vast selection of local spices, African artwork and Indian curios.
Durban tours, Valley of a Thousand Hills| MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Safari Park | MSC Cruises
Durban tours, Umgeni River| MSC Cruises

Valley of a Thousand Hills: learn about Zulu culture

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is a picturesque valley between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, forged over time by the Mngeni River and its tributaries.

With dreamy views in every direction, included in the visit to this valley is a tour to  PheZulu Safari Park where you'll experience a safari and activities as well as learn about the Zulu people and their history. Needless to say, the highlight for many visitors is watching a Zulu dancing show.

Book your cruise to Durban

With a melting pot of cultures and access to beautiful cities, islands and ports on Africa’s east coast, few experiences can rival a cruise to Durban.

Book your voyage to this cosmopolitan city today and you’ll quickly understand why Durban cruises are so often celebrated among holidaymakers. These journeys visit the best of Africa’s east coast, and if you're lucky to travel further afield to Mozambique and the Indian Ocean islands, you’ll leave sun-kissed and yearning to return.
Durban best itineraries | MSC Cruises
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Durban excursions and tours FAQ

In which language are Durban excursions offered?

MSC Shore Excursions are offered in five languages: German, English, Spanish, French and Italian (based on the availability of relevant guides). MSC Cruises will confirm the final tour language during your cruise.

Are Durban tours always available to be booked?

It’s possible that some Durban tours may not be available at all times. This is due to the popularity of certain tours. To try and secure availability for your selected Durban excursions, we advise booking your tour in advance.

Can the Durban excursion programme be changed?

The final itinerary and details of all Durban tours will be confirmed onboard. This is because the excursions programme is only intended as a guide to available tours. Schedules and timings of all MSC shore excursions are subject to change, depending on conditions in the tour area, and unforeseen events.  Local regulations, laws and other factors may also affect shore excursion itineraries.

Does MSC Cruises offer a Durban food and drink tour?

While MSC Cruises don't offer a dedicated food and drink tour of Durban, it does offer two excursions that give visitors the opportunity to sample some of the city’s local tipples.  

The ‘Durban Sightseeing and Gin Tasting’ tour includes a visit to a local gin distillery for a tasting session, as well as time to explore the Durban Botanic Gardens.  

The ‘Durban Sightseeing, Beer Tasting and Dance’ excursion involves a stop at Station Drive, the hub of Durban's craft beer. As you might expect, this is followed by a tasting of various delicious South African beers, including a Zulu beer, plus a brewery tour afterwards. This excursion also includes a stroll through Durban’s buzzing streets and sprawling markets, ending with a traditional pantsula dance class.

What is involved in the ‘Durban Sightseeing Drive’ tour?

The ‘Durban Sightseeing Drive’ excursion involves a guided coach tour of the city’s sights and attractions, including the Vasco da Gama Clock, the Dick King Statue, the Durban Club and the Yacht Club, before stopping at Victoria Street Market for free time to explore the stalls.  

After leaving the market, this Durban bus tour continues past more sights, including the City Hall, the South African Reserve Bank and a viewpoint on Currie Road for panoramic vistas, before stopping at Durban Botanic Gardens – the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa.

What does the ‘Valley of 1,000 Hills and PheZulu Park’ tour include?

The ‘Valley of 1,000 Hills and PheZulu Park’ excursion, offered by MSC Cruises, involves a half-day guided tour of the historic valley, where guests can learn about the ancient traditions and culture of local Zulu tribes. The tour begins with a coach ride to the Valley of 1,000 Hills (a spectacular landscape shaped by the Umgeni River), where guests gain an insight into the Zulu Kingdom, before visiting PheZulu Park to hear stories from Zulu history.