Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour: Three landmarks in one day

Hike the Drakensberg and stand at the place where Mandela was captured

A 10-hour guided tour from Durban combines hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains with visits to Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where an iconic steel sculpture and museum tell the story of South Africa's struggle for freedom. You travel by vehicle between stops and walk trails in the mountains, with a live English-speaking guide leading the full route. The tour suits all fitness levels and includes hotel pickup and dropoff in Durban.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Howick Falls2h · entry included
2. Nelson Mandela Capture Site2h · entry included

Visit waterfalls, historical site, and hike

• Depart from Durban
• Visit Howick Falls viewpoints
• Explore Howick town
• Visit Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• Tour visitor center and museum
• Travel to Drakensberg Mountains
• Hike in Drakensberg Mountains

The experience

You leave Durban and head first to Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal that the local Zulu community calls KwaNogqaza, meaning "Place of the Tall One." The falls plunge into a deep pool below, and you can view them from several lookout points and walk nearby trails. The town of Howick itself has cafes and local craft markets if you want to spend time there before moving on.

From Howick Falls, the tour takes you to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, where Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962: a moment that led to his 27-year imprisonment and shaped South Africa's path to democracy. An iconic steel sculpture by Marco Cianfanelli reveals Mandela's profile from a specific angle, and a visitor center and museum walk you through his life and legacy. This stop adds historical weight to the day, moving beyond landscape into the country's story.

The final leg takes you into the Drakensberg Mountains themselves, where you hike among the peaks and valleys that stretch across the border with Lesotho. Known as uKhahlamba in Zulu, "Barrier of Spears", the range is home to rare birds and wildflowers, and ancient San rock art sites dot the landscape. Your guide leads the hiking portion and handles the full route, so you focus on the terrain and the views rather than navigation.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide for the full route.
• hiking trails in the Drakensberg Mountains.
• entry to Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.
• pickup and dropoff from your Durban hotel or location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Owomusa Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine hiking in the Drakensberg with historical stops at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Howick Falls: all in one full day from Durban with included transport between locations.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3).

How far is the drive from Durban to the Drakensberg Mountains?

The tour departs from Durban and covers three stops (Howick Falls, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and the Drakensberg Mountains) over 10 hours total, with the guide managing all transport between locations.

What is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and why does it matter?

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site marks the spot where Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962, an event that led to his 27-year imprisonment and became pivotal in South Africa's journey to democracy. A steel sculpture by Marco Cianfanelli reveals his profile from one angle, and a museum inside the visitor center tells his story and the country's struggle for freedom.

Can I walk trails in the Drakensberg, or is it just viewing from a distance?

Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains is included in the tour. Your guide leads you on trails through the peaks and valleys, so you walk among the landscape rather than observe it from a single viewpoint.

What is Howick Falls like, and how much time do you spend there?

Howick Falls is a 95-meter waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, with several lookout points and walking trails nearby. The tour includes a visit to the falls and time to explore the scenic viewpoints and the town of Howick if you wish.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not an experienced hiker?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and has no health restrictions, so hiking experience is not required. Your guide leads the mountain portion and can adjust the pace to your comfort.

What does the price include, and what should I budget separately?

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, hiking in the Drakensberg, visits to Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and pickup and dropoff in Durban. Gratuities for the guide are not included and are at your discretion.