DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES This is the wet ‘n wild city, where the sun shines all year round, where the warm Indian Ocean calls, and the fun never sets. From the dramatic peaks of the exquisite Drakensberg mountain range to traditional Zulu villages, magnificent game reserves, historic battle sites and the warm Indian Ocean lapping onto wide, sandy beaches, KwaZulu-Natal is a tourist’s paradise. Let Thompsons Africa help you discover the treasures of this region.
DURBAN CITY TOUR
HALF DAY TOUR Departs Daily between 08h30 & 09h00 • Returns at ±12h30 Our tour begins as we travel along the brand-new Golden Mile, the revitalised beachfront promenade which hugs the beckoning beaches of Durban viewing the newly upgraded Point Waterfront. We move through the City, viewing the majestic City Hall, and enjoying its humorous history! We continue to the small craft harbour viewing the 8th largest harbour in the world. Drive past the sugar terminals and very busy harbour warehouses on our way to the University of Natal – Durban Campus where we view lovely sights of the harbour down below. Then we visit the bustling African/Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle – home to 9 distinct markets developed around Durban’s largest public transport interchange and where approximately 6 000 street vendors ply their trade, to an average of 460 000 daily commuters – an authentic experience. Visit the fascinating Phansi Museum - home to the largest publicly accessible collection of Southern African artefacts and traditions, including beadworks, headrests, Zulu clay pots and various other treasures. (Closed on weekends and entrance fee for own account). From culture to nature, we visit the peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849, a treasure trove of massive trees from Asia, Africa and America, and a magnificent orchid house. We then conclude with a visit to an icon of Kwazulu Natal, the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Your experience highlights: • Durban beachfront • Point Waterfront • Durban City Hall • Markets at Warwick Triangle • Phansi Museum (own account) • Durban Botanic Gardens • Moses Mabhida Stadium
DRAKENSBERG WORLD HERITAGE TOUR
FULL DAY TOUR Departs Tue, Thu & Sat between 06h00 & 06h30 • Returns at ±17h30 Discover the beauty of the undulating Drakensberg Mountain range as we travel through such breathtaking vistas as we visit the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Castle. The enigmatic Bushman paintings in the vicinity are not far, so we set off on foot for a leisurely 3km round hike to the site of the caves to discover this magical legacy of the bushmen (moderate fitness 90
PREFERRED BY THOMPSONS AFRICA
level required). Our guide there will share his knowledge of the paintings which date back 2 000 years. We’re bound to have built up an appetite, so we’ll tuck into the hearty lunch laid on. Our return to Durban is via a visit to the Nelson Mandela Capture site – a historically significant moment in South African history and now commemorated with a world class sculpture, in memory of Nelson Mandela and his heroic role in the struggle against apartheid. Your experience highlights: • Drakensberg Mountain range • World Heritage Site, Giant’s Castle • 3km foot hike (moderate fitness level required) • Explore caves • Bushman paintings • Lunch • Nelson Mandela Capture site
SANI PASS/LESOTHO TOUR
FULL DAY TOUR Departs Mon, Wed & Fri between 05h45 & 06h15 • Returns at ±19h00 Note: A passport is required & visa conditions may apply For those with a sense of adventure, a 4x4 drive up the highest road pass in Africa will certainly provide you with a hefty dose of adrenalin. For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with its breath-taking scenery. From Durban, we drive through the green hills of the Midlands towards the little country town of Underberg. Here, our 4x4 vehicle awaits us... the only form of transport equipped to tackle Sani Pass! You’ll have your passport stamped as we enter the Kingdom of Lesotho, and we stop at a nearby Sotho Village for you to enjoy a taste of the local culture. Lunch is served at the highest pub in Africa – truly – and, it stands to reason, the views are utterly breath-taking. Once you’ve recovered your breath, we wind down the Pass very slowly, and wind our way gently back to Durban. You’ll certainly have had a day filled with altitude! Your experience highlights: • Midlands Meander • Underberg • 4x4 Sani Pass experience • Sotho village • Lunch www.thompsonsafrica.com
