Two days, three stories, one breathtaking mountain. This tour strings together Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, then hands you the kind of mountain scenery that makes your camera work overtime. I like how the stops are short but meaningful, so you get movement, not a slow shuffle.

I also like the Drakensberg pacing. Day 1 brings you in for a hotel or lodge check-in and an afternoon that leaves room to breathe, while Day 2 is built around a proper climb up for those big views.

One possible drawback to plan for: it starts early. Pickups can begin as early as 6am depending on your area, and you’ll be on the road for long stretches, including steep mountain driving.

Key highlights worth marking on your calendar

• Howick Falls stop time that actually feels useful, with admission included and enough time to see the falls
• Nelson Mandela Capture Site with dedicated time, so it is not just a quick photo moment
• A real Drakensberg hike on Day 2, built around views and a chance to take your time with photos
• Short, guided drives plus free afternoon, especially on Day 1 when you can do what you want
• A guide-led flow that keeps the order logical, with examples like Kudzi taking the group from Howick Falls to Mandela, then onward
• Inclusions that lower the hassle, since tickets are covered for Howick Falls and the Mandela site

How This 2-Day Drakensberg Tour Works From Durban

This is a two-day road trip style outing based in Durban, run by African Sun Safaris. Pickup is offered, and you start from your area with a start time that can be as early as 6am for some pickup points, then you roll out around 8:00am for the day’s core touring. Your exact pickup time is communicated to you ahead of time.

A big thing I like about this setup is how it mixes drive time with compact, high-impact stops. You are not spending hours doing “nothing.” You have structured time at Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, then you settle into the Drakensberg for the night before the main mountain day.

The tour is described as private, meaning you are not mixed into strangers as a standard big group. At the same time, the deal includes group discounts, so it can be a solid value if you are booking with friends or family.

Howick Falls: A Quick Stop With Real Waterfall Payoff

Your first major stop is Howick Falls, reached after driving inland via the Natal Midlands toward Pietermaritzburg. This is a short visit, about 30 minutes, with admission included.

That timing is intentional. It gives you time to reach the viewpoint areas, take photos, and get the feel of the falls without turning the morning into a long wait. If you are the kind of traveler who likes a waterfall moment but hates “stand here for 45 minutes, then leave,” this is the better fit.

Practical thought: since this is a morning stop, it can be easier to manage crowds and light. You will likely get better photo conditions before the sun climbs too high. Bring a camera strap you can trust, and wear shoes that grip, even if paths look easy.

The one consideration is simple: 30 minutes is not a linger-all-day slot. If you want a slow, ultra-detailed waterfall walk, you may feel slightly rushed. But as a first-day anchor, it works.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site: More Than a Photo Stop

After Howick Falls, the tour moves to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. You get about 45 minutes here, with admission included.

This monument marks the spot where police arrested Nelson Mandela in 1961, tied to his resistance to the former Apartheid government. That detail matters because it turns the visit from scenery into context. You are not only seeing a landmark, you are learning why the place carries weight.

I like that the time is long enough for you to actually read and take in what you are looking at. Fifteen minutes is too short for that kind of site. Forty-five minutes feels like the sweet spot, especially while you are still fresh from the morning drive.

If you have any interest in South Africa’s political history, this stop is one of the reasons the tour feels more complete than a pure nature weekend.

Drakensberg Arrival, Lodge Time, and a Scenic Drive Tour

Once the day moves toward the Drakensberg, you travel through grassy plains with villages and farmlands, with cattle and horses grazing along the way. Then you check into your hotel or lodge and have lunch.

Day 1 continues with a 2-hour drive tour of the area after lunch. Admission here is noted as free for Drakensberg at that part of the plan, which helps keep the day straightforward.

What I find smart about this structure is the “arrival rhythm.” You drive in while the countryside changes, then you settle in, eat, and only then do the touring. That beats the feeling of being hungry and tired while you rush past your first views.

You also get an early finish. The plan returns you early enough that you can enjoy the late afternoon at your own pace from the lodge. That free time can be valuable for simple reasons: you can rest, you can take a slow stroll, or you can just sit with your photos and plan what to focus on tomorrow.

The small drawback? Day 1 touring is mostly drive-based. If you were hoping for a long hike right away, you will likely have to wait until Day 2 for that.

Day 2 Mountain Views and the Hike Up

Day 2 starts after breakfast, around 8:00am. Then you head up into the Drakensberg region for a mountain drive and a hike.

The route is described as steep inclines with hair-raising bends. Translation for you: you should expect winding roads and take your time. If you get motion sickness, this is the segment to prepare for. A quick snack and settling into the right seat can help. Since no seat assignments are described, just plan to be comfortable.

Once you are up there, you get breathtaking views along the way. Then the key moment arrives: you hike to the mountain, with opportunities for photos and memories. Lunch is planned along the way as you continue the tour until around 2:30pm.

After that, you drive back to Durban, arriving around 6:00pm, with drop-offs at various hotels and King Shaka International Airport.

What makes this Day 2 effective is that the hard part, the hike, is paired with a purpose. You are not hiking just to hike. You are hiking to reach the viewpoints where the Drakensberg starts to feel massive and personal at the same time.

One practical note: the plan mentions a hike, but it does not describe how long or how steep. That means you should be ready for walking, and bring proper footwear. If you have mobility limits, you should confirm the difficulty level before booking.

Value for Money: Is $620.87 Per Person Worth It?

At $620.87 per person for about two days, you are paying for a package, not just a drive. Based on what is included, you get a few cost-saving wins: admission tickets are included for Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and the Drakensberg admission for the drive tour segment is listed as free.

You also get real operational value:

• Pickup and drop-off from Durban areas and the airport
• Guided day structure with stops planned rather than you figuring everything out
• A full Day 2 mountain experience that combines driving, a hike, and a lunch stop
• Time built in for rest and flexible afternoons on Day 1

What you should check when you book is what the overnight covers. The itinerary says you check into a hotel or lodge, so the overnight is clearly part of the tour plan, but details like room type or meal inclusions are not spelled out here. If you compare prices against “just transport,” this tour often wins because it bundles the key pieces.

In plain terms, this is good value if you want the Drakensberg experience without stitching together three separate day trips. If you already have a car and a strong plan to handle route timing, you might spend less on paper. But you would still need to manage the distance, the schedule, and the stop planning.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Rethink It)

This is a strong match if you want a weekend that blends nature and meaning. You get both:

• Waterfall and viewpoint time at Howick Falls
• A focused stop tied to Nelson Mandela’s 1961 capture and the Apartheid resistance context
• A real shot at Drakensberg mountain scenery with a hike on Day 2

It also suits you if you like being active but not overcommitted. Day 1 feels gentler, and Day 2 gives you the highlight hike. The description also says most travelers can participate, which points to the hike being doable for many people, but do not assume it is effortless.

You might rethink it if:

• You dislike early starts, since pickups can begin as early as 6am
• You have trouble with winding mountain roads, given the steep inclines and bends described
• You want a very long hike or slow travel pace, since timing is tight and structured

Practical Tips for a Smoother Drakensberg Weekend

A few things will make your two days easier and more enjoyable, especially since you are mixing waterfalls, history, and a hike.

• Wear grippy shoes. The itinerary includes a hike, and paths near viewpoints can be uneven.
• Plan for sun and weather. Even on cool mountain days, sun can surprise you. Bring sunglasses and something for your skin.
• Keep a light day bag. You’ll have multiple stops. Pack your water, a snack, and a layer so you are not digging around later.
• Bring a camera plan. The tour is built around photo opportunities, especially for Drakensberg views. Pre-decide if you want wide shots, portraits, or both.
• If you get motion sickness, be ready. The mountain drive is described with steep inclines and hair-raising bends.

And if you care about how the day feels, pay attention to the guide rhythm. One example from a guide-led experience involved Kudzi taking the group from Howick Falls first, then the Mandela site, then onward to the Drakensberg. That kind of order helps the day make sense instead of feeling random.

Should You Book This Drakensberg, Mandela Site, and Howick Falls 2-Day Tour From Durban?

I’d book this tour if you want a clean, efficient way to get three major hits in one weekend, with included admissions at the two key stops and a real Day 2 hike for the Drakensberg views. It is especially appealing if you do not want to manage routes, timing, and entry tickets on your own.

I would hold off if you need a slow pace, want lots of free time for long independent exploring, or you have concerns about early starts and winding mountain roads. In that case, you can still enjoy the region, but you may prefer a different format that gives more control.

If your goal is a balanced blend of scenery and context, with a schedule that keeps moving, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Drakensberg, Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and Howick Falls 2-day tour?

The tour runs for about 2 days.

Where does the tour start?

It starts in Durban, with pickup offered. The start time is listed as 7:30am, and pickup could begin as early as 6am depending on pickup points.

What are the main stops on Day 1?

On Day 1 you visit Howick Falls, then the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and then you continue to the Drakensberg region for check-in, lunch, and a drive tour.

How much time is allocated to Howick Falls?

Howick Falls is scheduled for about 30 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

How much time is allocated to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site?

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is scheduled for about 45 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

Is admission included for the Drakensberg part of the tour?

Admission for the Drakensberg Mountains drive tour segment is listed as free.

What happens on Day 2?

After breakfast around 8:00am, you drive up the mountains, enjoy views, hike to the mountain for photo opportunities, have lunch along the way, and depart around 2:30pm for Durban.

What time do you return to Durban?

You return around 6:00pm for drop-off at various hotels and King Shaka International Airport.

Is it a private tour or a shared group tour?

The description says it is private, meaning only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.