Start your Durban Self Drive 4×4 Holiday

Durban, South Africa is like nothing you have ever seen before. The perfect combination between amazing wildlife and a vibrant eclectic city.

self drive safari in South Africa

Our Recommended Vehicles for Durban

hire a toyota hilux camper

Toyota Hilux 2.4TD 4×4 Camp

A reliable and capable 4×4 vehicle that offers excellent fuel consumption and good off road performance. Good ride height ideal for game viewing. Equiiped with a roof top tent.

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Toyota Landcruiser 79 S/W 4×4 Camp

The Toyota Landcruiser is a very robust, reliable and exceptionally capable 4WD vehicle. A highly respected safari vehicle in Africa, with no electronics and ideal for remote area travel.

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Nissan Double Cab 4×4 MDE

This is one of Africas most reliable pickup trucks, with the ruggedness to take on any terrain.

Perfect for a self-drive safari. This camping equipped double cab pickup can seat up to 5 adult passengers. Its perfect for exploring the ‘world in one country’ that is South Africa.

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luxury 4x4 safari camper

Ford Ranger D/Cab 4×4 Bushcamper

Superbly compact 4×4 camper suitable for up to 4 adults. Fully equipped with camping equipment. This is the vehicle you want on your African 4×4 adventure.

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Durban Travel Advice

Durban South Africa holidayIntroduction

Durban is a coastal city in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. It lies along the Indian ocean. It’s popular for its eclectic mix of Zulu, Indian and British culture. Durban is affectionately known as ‘South Africa’s playground’.

Durban has a humid subtropical climate. Many say Durban only has two seasons, Spring and summer as it never really gets cold. The summers are hot and humid whereas the winters are pleasantly warm. Durban receives summer rainfall.

Languages Spoken in Durban

Durban is one of the most populous cities in South Africa, third after Johannesburg and Cape Town. The main language in Durban is Zulu as the Zulus are the largest ethnic group but English is the first language of nearly half the Durban population and everyone else most likely speaks English as a second language. Other languages spoken in Durban include Afrikaans and Xhosa.

South African Currency

The Currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR)

Best Time to Visit Durban

Durban is a year-round holiday destination, therefore the best time to visit will depend on your sensitivity to heat and humidity. If you want pleasant warm weather then the best time to go is during the dry months in winter to the beginning of spring from June to September.

Where To Stay Durban


where to stay in durban south africaAs a bustling city with modern infrastructure Durban has a whole host on accommodation types to suit every budget from luxury hotels, backpacker hostels and b&bs to lodges. Most of the hotels are on the beachfront, which is convenient as its close to the business district.

Where to go around Durban

Attractions abound and activities limitless in the Zulu Kingdom.

  • Wine and dine – There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on the beachfront, city center and Berea area. Be sure to enjoy Indian cuisine and traditional Zulu food. Try out the famous ‘Bunny Chow’.
  • Shopping – Pick up African art and craft at the Victoria Street Market
  • Beaches – Durban has a long stretch on beaches, and has South Africas busiest port. Go surfing or play beach sports.
  • Ushaka Marine World – Marine life and watersports theme park for people of all ages.
  • Moses Mabhida Stadium – A futuristic stadium originally built for the 2010 FIFA world cup. There is a host of activities to do at the stadium including The Big Rush Big Swing which was named the worlds tallest swing according to the Guinness Book of records in 2011. Alternatively, you could take the SkyCar and view Durban from 106m above the ground.
  • Umgeni River Bird Park – a bird park built to educate people about different bird species.
  • Durban Botanic Gardens – Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden established in 1849. Contributing to the conservation of plant species.
  • Rickshaw rides – See the Durban ‘Golden Mile” on a Rickshaw ride.
  • St Lucia – South Africa’s first world heritage site is located 2.5 hours from Durban. It has an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. Perfect for Hippo and Crocodile safaris, horse riding, whale watching, turtle tours and quad biking among other things.

Getting Around

Durban has good road quality as it has the busiest port in South Africa, therefore it needs to have good infrastructure to transport goods to the rest of the country. This means if you are only going to be doing city activities then hiring a small car will do, however, if you are going on a safari holiday (St Lucia) or a battlefields route holiday then you need a 4×4 vehicle to tackle poorly maintained roads or dirt roads found just outside the city.

How Long Should You Stay in Durban

2 weeks is the minimal time frame you want to spend in KZN, especially if you first explore the city and then move on to the safaris. KZN is full of attractions and historic war towns on the Battlefields Route, each with their own tours.

What To Pack For Your Trip

Pack the clothing that is suitable for hot and humid weather made of light materials and a swimsuit or two. Also, note that while Durban winter weather is pleasant as you head inland in KZN the weather does get quite chilly. You might want to buy your camping equipment in South Africa so you don’t have too much luggage.

We provide a wide range of vehicles, just choose one that suits your needs by browsing and comparing offers. Hire a 4×4 vehicle or hire a car in Durban and pick it up from King Shaka airport when you land. It’s easy, just contact our friendly travel and sales consultants to assist you.

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