Emangidini in 1 Day for Couples - Pietermaritzburg City Hall and Gandhi statue
In Collaboration with Zulu Safaris. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Full-day guided tour from Durban that visits Pietermaritzburg city centre (City Hall & Gandhi statue), the Giants Castle area of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg (sandstone cave paintings with a short walk and local guide), then Howick for the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Howick Falls. Moderate driving between stops, a short easy walk to the cave paintings, and museum/time at the Capture Site.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Zulu Safaris, inspired by the tour Drakensberg Giants Castle Cave Art And Nelson Mandela Capture Site. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Pietermaritzburg City Hall and Gandhi statue
- Guided walk to Giants Castle sandstone cave paintings
- Nelson Mandela Capture Site sculpture and museum
- Howick Falls viewpoint and local market
Itinerary
Day 1
Day trip: pickup in Durban, short stop in Pietermaritzburg, Giants Castle cave art visit with short walk and local guide, then Howick Capture Site and Falls. Total duration ~11 hours.
Pickup and depart from Tropicana Hotel / Durban pickup area
Meet at the 1st Zulu Safaris office at Tropicana Hotel (or at your pre-arranged pickup within the 5 km radius). Brief welcome, safety and comfort check, then depart toward Pietermaritzburg.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before pickup; guide will confirm final pickup point in advance.
- Bring a light jacket for the morning drive—coastal mornings can be cooler than inland.
- Keep a small daypack with essentials (water bottle, camera, sun protection) for easy access after boarding.
Drive: Durban to Pietermaritzburg
Scenic drive inland toward the KwaZulu-Natal midlands and Pietermaritzburg, where we will stop briefly at the City Hall and the Gandhi statue.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats offer the best views of the changing landscape—ask your guide for recommendations.
- Short restroom break en route will be provided; use this time to stretch legs before the city stop.
- If you prefer a quieter spot, request seating away from the vehicle's rear for less engine noise during the ride.
Pietermaritzburg City Hall & Gandhi statue (short visit)
Short guided stop at Pietermaritzburg City Hall (noted brick landmark) and the nearby Gandhi statue for photos and a brief historical overview.
Tips from local experts:
- The City Hall area has steps; if you need level access, let the guide know for a suitable viewing spot.
- Bring a sun hat—the open areas around the City Hall offer little shade mid-morning.
- This is a short stop (~40 minutes); keep belongings with you and confirm the departure time with your guide.
Drive: Pietermaritzburg to Giants Castle area (Drakensberg)
Longer scenic drive into the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park region toward Giants Castle Reserve. Time to enjoy mountain vistas from the vehicle and short stops if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- There will be one or two short comfort stops en route; use these to top up water and stretch.
- Roads into the Drakensberg climb and bend—if you are sensitive to motion, sit near the front of the vehicle.
- Carry any medication you might need during the drive in your daypack for quick access.
Giants Castle sandstone cave paintings — short walk & guided interpretation
Guided visit to the Giants Castle rock art area. The site includes an easy scenic walk (~30 minutes) to the sandstone shelter and an on-site explanation of San rock art and cultural context. Guided visits operate on the hour; the local guide will lead the group and interpret the paintings.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; the trail is an easy scenic walk but can be uneven in places.
- Bring water and sun protection; alpine sun can be strong even on cool days and there is limited shade at the shelters.
- Do not touch the rock art or allow flash photography if the guide advises; these are fragile cultural sites and require careful handling.
Drive to Howick (transfer + opportunity to buy lunch en route)
Depart Giants Castle and travel toward Howick. Opportunity to stop for a quick lunch or purchase light refreshments en route (lunch not included in the tour price).
Tips from local experts:
- If you need a proper sit-down meal, tell the guide at the start of the day so a suitable stop can be arranged within the schedule.
- Carry some cash for small market purchases in Howick; card facilities may be limited at small stalls.
- Keep snacks and a refillable water bottle handy for the drive—some stretches have limited services.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site — sculpture & museum
Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick to view the large column sculpture that forms Mandela’s portrait and the on-site interpretation/museum about his life and the capture event.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand at the marked viewing point (about 35 m away) for the intended visual effect of the sculpture.
- The museum grounds are outdoors and partially sheltered—bring a light layer in case of wind or sun exposure.
- Allow time for a short museum visit; if mobility is limited, ask the guide for the easiest route between the sculpture and the museum entrance.
Howick Falls viewpoint & local market stroll
Short visit to the Howick Falls viewpoint (KwaNogqaza) and a quick walk through the nearby local market or historical street area for artisanal goods and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- The viewpoint has drop-offs—stay behind barriers and supervise any personal items near the edge.
- Markets can have uneven pavements; comfortable shoes and modest purchases (small items) are easiest to carry.
- Keep camera ready for the falls; the best light is often late afternoon when crowds are smaller.
Return transfer to Durban (drop-off within pickup area)
Drive back toward Durban with drop-off at the Tropicana Hotel area (or other pre-arranged drop-off within the agreed radius). End of guided services.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a final comfort stop en route if needed; use it to stretch and refresh before city drop-off.
- Confirm your preferred drop-off point with the guide during the return drive to ensure timely service.
- Keep your belongings and any purchased items in a single bag for quick collection at the drop-off.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Attraction, Outdoor |