Are you interested in local African culture? This one-day popular tour is a culture tour dedicated to the culture and customs of the Zulu people. With pick up and drop off in Durban, this tour couldn’t be easier!
The tour’s first stop is the King Shaka Memorial. Here, you can enjoy a short presentation about King Shaka Zulu.
The next stop is Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village, the main attraction. Here, you will find the king’s royal homestead, which was built for the movie Shaka Zulu in the 1980’s. It is a life-sized replica of Shaka’s home, which now serves as a living museum for tourists and schools. The two-hour guided tour gives visitors an insight into Zulu Culture before colonisation and modernization. This includes an opportunity to taste authentic Zulu beer and culminates with a show of spectacular Zulu dancing.
We then travel to Dlinza Forest for a scenic, easy walk along the raised boardwalks that make their way through the beautiful reserve. The reserve is home to small duiker, monkeys and a wide variety of bird life. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot something!
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the history of KwaZulu-Natal, the distant and the recent, on this guided tour. Learn about the struggles during and the triumphs over the apartheid as well as get a glimpse of Zulu culture before the dawn of the 20th century. End the day with a thrilling visit to a reptile park.
The tour departs from Durban for the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Your guide will give you a short tour of the city, including Mahatma Gandhi’s statue by Pietermaritzburg City Hall.
Next stop will be the small town of Howick to visit its waterfall. KwaNogqaza or Howick Falls is approximately 95 metres in height and lies on the Umgeni River. The local Zulu people named it the “Home of the Tall” referring to its height. Next to the fall lies a quaint old section of Howick that houses a number of historical museums and antique stores.
Next, head to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Apartheid Museum. The Capture Site boasts a large sculpture of Nelson Mandela made up of multiple steel columns. Tourists at the Capture Site are required to stand 35 meters away the steel columns to clearly see the large bust of Nelson Mandela in focus. Facing west the impressive sculpture is a unique monument for the local Howick community. The Apartheid Museum is dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s life and his struggle against the Apartheid government.
Next is the "Valley of 1,000 Hills" to experience traditional Zulu culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and visit the Reptile Park. Visitors are taken into a traditional Zulu sibaya or homestead to experience traditional Zulu life before modernization. Inside a traditional Zulu homestead there are thatched huts placed in a circular position, with the cattle placed in the centre as a form of protection. At PheZulu homesteads the thatched huts are surrounding the auditorium which faces the beautiful valley.
The local PheZulu guide will take you on a guided tour of the PheZulu sibaya and explain the Zulu cultural practices to gain insight into Zulu traditions during the 1800’s. The local Zulu dancing show serves both educational and entertainment purpose as local performers sing and dance to beautiful traditional Zulu songs with complete Zulu attire.
PheZulu also has the Reptile Park. The local guides are very knowledgeable and eager to take you around the park and share interesting facts about the animals in the park. PheZulu Reptile Park has diverse reptilian wildlife on site, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, tortoises and iguanas. The guides will let you touch or hold some of the animals, including a small crocodile and the giant Burmese python, just long enough to take a photo.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Leave Durban from your Hotel, Guest House or B&B and drive through Northern Zululand through Timber and Sugar plantations and the beautiful Zulu villages.
Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetlands Park UNESCO site is South Africa’s third largest protected area spanning 280km of coastline. As part of this tour you will among others enjoy a 2 hour guided boat tour of the estuary where you will be taken up close to crocodiles, hippopotamus and the beautiful fish eagle and many other birds found in South Africa. This tour also includes a leisurely walk along the estuary and the coastline of the area. We will also make a visit to the Reptile Park.
iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).
We look forward to providing you with an amazing day surrounded by Mother nature at her best.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
KING SHAKA MEMORIAL- SHAKALAND- DLINZA FOREST
This popular tour is dedicated to the culture and customs of Zulu people. We start the tour from your accomodation in Durban and move to our first stop which is King Shaka Memorial which is about an hours drive from Durban. Here we show you a short presentation about the history of King Shaka Zulu .
Our next stop is the main attraction which is Shakaland which was built for the movie "Shaka Zulu". It demonstrates the lifestyle replica of Shaka’s Royal Homestead which now serves as a living museum. The two hour guided tour is an educational insight into Zulu Culture before colonization and modernization. Here you get an opportunity to taste authentic Zulu beer and participate in a show of spectacular Zulu dancing.
We take an easy walk to the Dlinza Forest Reserve which has high raised board walks winding their way through this beautiful reserve. Small duiker and a wide variety of bird life is what you can expect.
After the tour we drive you back to Durban and drop you off to your accommodations.
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the soul of Tunisia on this immersive journey through the country's rich, yet lesser-travelled Northwest. Your adventure begins in Tunis, the vibrant capital, before immediately plunging into the captivating cultural heartland. The exploration starts with a deeply enriching, hands-on pottery workshop in Sejnane, a UNESCO-listed experience where you will learn the ancient, wheel-less crafting techniques preserved solely by local women. Following this immersion into craft, the tour sweeps you away to the picturesque coast of Tabarka, where the striking red-rock shoreline and a historic Roman fort offer spectacular views where the forest meets the sea. The day culminates with an ascent into the tranquil highlands of Ain Draham, a refreshing mountain retreat known for its cool air and dense cork oak forests.
The journey continues amidst the serene beauty of the Kroumirie Mountains. In Ain Draham, a guided forest hike, led by a local expert, will reveal the region's rich ecological diversity, weaving through shaded paths and offering insights into the unique flora and fauna. A truly memorable highlight is a traditional, intimate lunch shared with a local family within the forest area, providing a genuine taste of regional cuisine and warm Tunisian hospitality. Moving on, the focus shifts to history as you explore the remarkable Roman city of Bulla Regia, famed for its extraordinary subterranean villas. This historical deep dive is balanced with a visit to the atmospheric Medina of El Kef and a unique bread-making experience at the 'House of Bread', connecting you with the essence of Tunisian daily life.
The historical grand finale is the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Dougga, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman town. You will spend the morning wandering amongst the majestic ruins, including the Capitol and the ancient Theatre, gaining a direct perspective on the site's profound historical importance. The cultural exploration is perfectly complemented by a practical, sensory interlude: an organic olive oil tasting and a simple, traditional 'farm to table' lunch at a local estate, allowing you to sample local varieties and learn about the pressing process. The trip concludes with a return drive to Tunis for a final evening before your departure, leaving you with lasting memories of Tunisia’s stunning landscapes, ancient history, and authentic, warm-hearted culture.
We also offer a 13-day version of this tour, combining the North and South of the country: Tunisian Encompassed tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover South Africa’s untamed beauty on a six-day adventure. Start at the Zululand Rhino Reserve, where you’ll encounter the Big Five and a wide variety of wildlife roaming free in the bush. Then, explore the wild coastline of Maputaland, with its pristine beaches and rich marine life. This tour blends luxury and nature, offering handpicked lodges with stunning views and top-notch amenities. Whether you are on safari or enjoying coastal activities like snorkelling, every moment is designed to impress. Experience South Africa’s wildlife and coastal charm in style!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Durban, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Durban, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, Maputaland Bush Camp
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Contiki is an amazing company and despite the fog at the top of table mountain it was great to connect with everyone on this tour and a wonderful way to enter Africa. did a great job. Thank you guys.
From the High Atlas Mountains to the deep Todra Gorge, the Sahara Desert, the Blue City of Chefchaouen, and the coastal town of Essaouira, this 14-day tour will take you to all corners of Morocco and show you the very best of what this kingdom has to offer.
After meeting the group in Casablanca, we begin our journey, making our first stop in the capital city of Rabat where we'll explore the Oudaia Kasbah, Royal Palace, and the Hassan Tower before moving on to Tetouan. Next is the Blue City of Chefchaouen in the North of Morocco, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the main square and Kasbah with its white-painted doors and blue walls.
Turning our direction south, our next stop is Fes, often considered to be one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world. With a 2-night stay here, you'll have plenty of time to explore this city and its maze-like Medina.
As our journey continues, we pass over the Moyen Atlas and spend a night in the mountainous town of Midelt, where we'll have time for a short hike in the surrounding hills and a visit to a local Berber family, where we'll experience a few hours in their way of life.
Be prepared for a change of scenery as our adventure takes us into the Sahara Desert. We'll take a camel trek through the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi to our base for the night, a traditional Berber camp. You can choose to sleep within the tents or choose to sleep outside, beneath the star-speckled desert sky.
Next, you'll have time in the deep Todra Gorge, with the opportunity for a short hike through the canyon and Palmerie area, or even try some rock climbing. You'll then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate and the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which you may find familiar as it has appeared in several movies, some of which were also partially filmed in the nearby Atlas Studios, which you'll also have the opportunity to visit.
The final leg of our journey firstly takes us to the coast, where we'll spend 2 nights in the laid-back town of Essaouira. While here, you can enjoy seafood, try your hand at kite surfing, or explore the UNESCO-listed Medina and former Portuguese fortifications. This comprehensive tour of Morocco ends in Marrakech, where an optional tour is available to explore this Imperial City, the fourth of which you will have visited on this tour.
For those passengers who find it easier to fly in and out of Marrakech, we also offer a 15-day version of this tour, starting 1 day earlier in Marrakech. Please see the optional extras for further details
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 49): Explore South Africa and Eswatini on this 12-day tour, starting with an immersive exploration of Johannesburg and the historic Soweto. Journey through the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, where the incredible wildlife of the Big Five awaits, followed by a unique cultural experience in Eswatini’s Hlane Royal National Park. Continue south through Zululand to experience local Zulu traditions, then relax along the coast at Blythedale before flying to Cape Town. Discover the vibrant Bo-Kaap, iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Cape Town Stadium, and scenic beauty at Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, including Boulders Beach’s penguin colony. The tour concludes with a deeper appreciation of South Africa’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-49 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Graskop
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Graskop, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Zululand, Blythedale
The Garden Route, the greatest road trip in South Africa, deserves an adventure to match. So, join this activity-packed itinerary for a showcase of its greatest experiences, handpicked by the local experts. You’ll discover the wonders of Cape Town and the glorious Cape Peninsula, ride the wine tram to legendary wine estates, marvel at mischievous meerkats, cruise the beautiful Knysna waterfront and hike through the dramatic landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park. It ends with an unforgettable safari through the African bush, spotting beasts big and small with the help of an expert ranger.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Gqebe
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha, Hermanus, Cango Caves, Knysna, Amakhala Game Reserve
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Embark on a 12-day adventure through South Africa, one of the world’s most diverse and exhilarating destinations. Starting in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, journey to the wild heart of the African safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve. Experience thrilling game drives to spot the Big Five, enjoy a playful meerkat encounter, greet penguins on Boulders Beach, and tour an ostrich farm. Marvel at the country’s stunning coastline, breathtaking views, and explore the continent’s southwestern tip. Delight in South Africa’s flavors on a culinary walk in Stellenbosch. This unforgettable journey promises to awaken your senses and satisfy your curiosity about this incredible country.
This 14-day small group tour begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, and immediately heads east to the Greater Kruger National Park area for two nights. Guests will experience a full day 4x4 game drive within Kruger National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including the "Big-5". The itinerary also includes a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, featuring highlights such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God's Window.
The journey continues into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for two nights, a landlocked kingdom surrounded by South Africa. Here, guests can explore the local culture and natural beauty, with optional activities like game drives, hiking, or mountain biking available. Following Eswatini, the tour re-enters South Africa, venturing into Zululand and spending two nights in St Lucia. Here, highlights include a game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, a critical rhinoceros stronghold, and an afternoon boat cruise on the scenic St Lucia estuary.
The tour then proceeds to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO recognised World Heritage site, for two nights. This section includes visits to the Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, along with a guided hike in the Drakensberg mountains. Next, the group heads to Lesotho, often referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', for two nights. Here, guests will explore its unique mountain landscape on foot and experience a Waterfall and Bushman Paintings activity. The return to South Africa involves a stop in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo. The penultimate day features an optional sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation and an afternoon game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. The tour concludes in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) after breakfast on Day 14
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Krug
Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Lesotho, Graaf Reinet, Addo, Gqeberha, Eswatini, Saint Lucia, Hluhluwe, UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
This 13-day Tunisian journey offers a rich, immersive exploration that begins and concludes in Tunis. The itinerary immediately heads to the country's northwest, focusing on deep cultural immersion with a hands-on workshop dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Sejnane pottery tradition and exploration of the coastal town of Tabarka. Time is spent relaxing and hiking in the forested Ain Draham Highlands, punctuated by an authentic traditional lunch shared with a local family.
The tour shifts to a profound historical track, taking guests through the Roman era with visits to the subterranean villas of Bulla Regia and the magnificent city of Dougga, North Africa’s best-preserved Roman site, complemented by an olive oil tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Returning to the capital region, the focus is on culture and gastronomy, featuring a guided exploration of the historic Tunis Medina, a hands-on Tunisian cooking class and market visit, and an afternoon among the ruins of Carthage and the picturesque blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said.
The second half of the trip ventures south, connecting important coastal Medinas like Sousse with the colossal Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem. The landscape transitions dramatically in the Dahar mountains, where guests explore the ingenious troglodyte houses of Matmata and engage with the inspiring Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative. The ultimate adventure is a 4x4 expedition deep into the Sahara’s Grand Erg Oriental from Douz, culminating in an unforgettable night at a Berber desert camp after a traditional desert bread-making demonstration. The return journey includes traversing the striking Chott el Jerid salt lake, visiting the cinematic Star Wars filming locations and the natural wonders of the mountain oases (Chebika, Tamerza, Mides), before the final historical stops at the Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the holy city of Kairouan, before returning to Tunis for departure.
If you'd prefer a shorter tour of Tunisia, you could also consider our 9-day Tunisian Encounters tour
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Carla FerreiraTravel Expert in Mauritius & South Africa
Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
Victoria ErskineTravel Expert in Kenya & South Africa
