The 21st World Route Development Forum
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• 19 – 22 September 2015
Tour Information
Durban... a dynamic, sophisticated cosmopolitan city of opportunity and a top holiday destination, is famed for its bustling port, buzzing beaches and eclectic mix of cultures, which form a melting pot of spicy eastern, modern western and traditional African influences among others, creating its own unique flavour.
Recently named ‘A New 7th Wonder City’ of the world, 7th on the New York Times’ list of ’52 Places to Go in 2015’, one of CNN’s ‘most underrated cities’ and the South African city with the highest quality of life (Mercer’s 2015 Quality of Life survey), delightful Durban is the gateway to the majestic Zulu Kingdom province of KwaZulu-Natal.
This year, Routes delegates can enjoy the vibrance of an urban hub which also boasts Africa’s first purpose-planned airport city, the Dube TradePort, with the prominent King Shaka International Airport at its core.
Durban is the proudly pulsating heart of KwaZulu-Natal and provides links to major centres around the province through its comprehensive infrastructural networks.
Packed with punch and personality, it is a place where the sun is always shining, the people are always warm and smiling and the beach is always calling... An amazing platform for aviation, an idyllic climate and experiences aplenty await you only in Durban. Be sure to enjoy it all!
Complimentary Tours
Join a city tour of stunningly beautiful Durban, South Africa’s leading domestic tourist destination, attracting increasing international attention with its year-round warm weather and sub-tropical climate. Home to the biggest international convention centre in Africa and voted the best for the past 12 years, Durban is South Africa’s third largest city, framing a bustling port and forming a hive of activity. This is ‘New 7th Wonder City’ is waiting to be explored. You’ve got to do Durban! Begin planning your trip to our warm and welcoming shores by choosing from a variety of delightful city tours on offer.
Moses Mabhida Stadium and uShaka Marine World FULLY BOOKED
The people of Durban are immensely proud of the state-of-the-art Moses Mabhida Stadium. Visitors can head up the arch of the Sky Car and enjoy other fascinating activities. The tour explores change rooms where sporting heroes regroup, as well as tunnels they have walked through. The stadium hosts a number of local and international events.
Not far off from the stadium is uShaka Marine World, the fifth largest aquarium in the world, by the volume of water. It is a world-class entertainment and tourism destination. Enjoy fun at Sea World, have a memorable meal at any of many restaurants (including the amazing Cargo Hold, situated in the themed shipwreck, with a window into a shark tank. Shopping retail space features many clothing boutiques.
AM TOUR:
09:00 - Departure for Moses Mabhida from Durban ICC Main Entrance
09:15 - 09:45 - Stadium tour - Sky Car Experience
09:45 - 10:30 - Segway and Rickshaw Experience
10:30 - 11:30 - Aquarium and Shopping at the Village Walk
11:30 - 12:00 - Sea World Dolphin Show.
12:15 - Finger Lunch at Chairman
PM TOUR:
13:30 - Departure for Moses Mabhida from Durban ICC Main Entrance
13:45 - 14:15 - Stadium tour - Sky Car Experience
14:15 - 15:00 - Segway and Rickshaw Experience
15:00 - 15:30 - Sea World Dolphin Show
15:30 - 16:30 - Aquarium and Shopping at the Village Walk
16:45 - Finger Snack at Chairman
This tour is now fully booked. Please visit the pick up point at the Durban ICC on the day to check if any places are available. This however cannot be guaranteed.
The Valley of a 1000 Hills FULLY BOOKED
The Valley of a 1000 Hills is the majestic valley created by the uMngeni River and its many tributaries. There are leafy suburbs and village centres. The valley offer visitors an experience of cultural activities, outdoor adventure and local arts and crafts. The village offers fine dining and a sophisticated shopping centre. It is a destination for an adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, where you can enjoy a game drive experience.
AM TOUR:
09:00 - Depart for The Valley of 1000 Hills from Durban ICC Main Entrance
10:00 - 11:00 - Zulu Cultural Dance Show
11:00 - 12:00 - Enjoy the game drive viewing experience
12:30 - Township Shisanyama Experience - Lunch at Comfort Zone
PM TOUR:
14:00 - Depart for The Valley of 1000 Hills from Durban ICC Main Entrance
14:30 - 15:30 - Enjoy the game drive viewing experience
15:30 - 16:30 - Zulu Cultural Dance Show
17:00 - Township Shisanyama Experience - Dinner at Comfort Zone
This tour is now fully booked. Please visit the pick up point at the Durban ICC on the day to check if any places are available. This however cannot be guaranteed.
Inanda Heritage Route and KwaMuhle Museum FULLY BOOKED
The Inanda Heritage Route takes in some of the most important historical sites of Durban. Winding its way through the Inanda Valley, it provides a critical snapshot South African history. The Phoenix Settlement, established by Mahatma Ghandi, Inanda Seminary, the first secondary school for African girls, John Dube’s, the founding president of the African National Congress’ grave and the Ohlange Institute where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote, all form part of this route. The Inanda Dam nearby makes for a fascinating day outing.
AM TOUR:
09:00 - Departure to KwaMuhle Museum from Durban ICC Main Entrance
09:10 - 09:45 - KwaMuhle Apartheid Museum - provides a vital link to the city’s history with its powerful displays. Learn about the history of Cato Manor, which has been restored and upgraded to cater for previously marginalised communities.
10:15 - 10:45 - Ghandhi Settlement - established in 1904 by Mahatma Ghandi. Here you can view his house, international printing press and museum.
11:00 - 11:30 - Ohlange Institute
11:45 - Lunch at Under the Moon
PM TOUR:
14:00 - Departure to KwaMuhle Museum from Durban ICC Main Entrance
14:10 - 14:45 - KwaMuhle Apartheid Museum - provides a vital link to the city’s history with its powerful displays. Learn about the history of Cato Manor, which has been restored and upgraded to cater for previously marginalised communities.
15:15 - 15:45 - Ghandhi Settlement - established in 1904 by Mahatma Ghandi. Here you can view his house, international printing press and museum.
16:00 - 16:30 - Ohlange Institute
16:45 - Dinner at Under the Moon
This tour is now fully booked. Please visit the pick up point at the Durban ICC on the day to check if any places are available. This however cannot be guaranteed.
King Shaka International Airport
King Shaka International is a world-class airport with a massive passenger capacity and international Routes. It offers a full range of banking, Forex and car rental services. The Dube TradePort Corporation, a business entity of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, is charged with the responsibility to develop the province’s biggest infrastructural project. Dube TradePort has been declared as an Industrial Development Zone which is geared to promote foreign and local investment.
09:00 - Departure for King Shaka International Airport from Durban ICC Main Entrance
09:45 - 10:30 - King Shaka International Airport.
10:30 - 11:15 - The Dube TradePort and AgriZone
12:00 - Lunch - African Cuisine at uMhlanga
Book Your Place
If you are unable to access the booking forms below, please contact Amanda Sibiya directly to book your place
Pre- and Post-Tours ($)
Embark on exciting pre- or post-World Routes 2015 tours of the exquisite city of Durban and the majestic Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. This is most definitely a location with something for everyone… An idyllic sub-tropical climate, great holiday activities and excellent travel and accommodation infrastructure, together with warm and welcoming hospitality, combine to make the region and its surrounds a true destination of choice. The coastal belt, lapped by the Indian Ocean, gives way to rolling hills, thundering rivers and epic outdoor adventures. The province’s rich cultural heritage, amazingly scenic World Heritage Sites, and colourful historical influences make it a must-visit. Begin planning your trip to our warm and welcoming shores by choosing from a variety of tours on offer. Click on the following link for a comprehensive list of pre- or post-World Routes 2015 tour itineraries:
Please note that the closing date for all pre and post tour bookings and payment is the 11th September 2015.
Pre-Tour: Culture, wildlife and coastal experience
Day 1 - Thursday, 17 September 2015
09:00: Depart Durban for Hluhluwe via Eshowe.
11:00: Arrive and start the village tour at Shakaland - Experience traditional Zulu culture and customs on this tour of Shakaland near Eshowe and enjoy the grace and energy of the Zulu dancers.
13:00: Lunch at Shakaland.
14:00: Transfer to a northern KwaZulu-Natal game reserve.
16:00: Check-in at the game reserve.
19:00: Boma Dinner
Day 2 - Friday, 18 September 2015
06:00: Morning game drive in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park - This is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. It and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts.
09:00: Breakfast and check-out.
10:00: Depart for St Lucia.
12:00: Boat cruise at the St Lucia Lake, iSimangaliso Wetland Park - This lake is situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's third-largest protected area, and was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. Get up close with hippos, crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds.
14:00: Check-in at a St Lucia establishment followed by lunch.
At leisure.
19:00: Dinner and overnight stay at St Lucia.
Day 3 - Saturday, 19 September 2015
07:00: Breakfast and check-out.
08:00: Cape Vidal tour - Soak up the sunshine with a day at Cape Vidal, which includes game viewing, followed by a picnic lunch, before heading to Durban.
13:00: Depart for Durban.
17:00: Arrival in Durban and drop-off.
Book Your Place
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place
Pre-Tour: Heritage and adventure tour
Day 1 - Thursday, 17 September 2015
Spend the day visiting the Phezulu Safari Park and the battlefields.
09:00: Depart Durban for Phezulu Safari Park.
10:00: Phezulu Safari Park - Experience traditional Zulu culture and customs and enjoy the grace and energy of the Zulu dancers.
11:00: Transfer to a Northern Drakensberg hotel.
14:30: Check-in and lunch at hotel.
Spend afternoon at leisure.
19:00: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2 - Friday, 18 September 2015
Spend the day visiting the battlefields and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
09:30: Breakfast and check-out.
10:00: Visit some of the significant battle sites (Spioenkop) in the area then depart for the Midlands - The Spioenkop Battlefield in Ladysmith near Durban is a historical site of tragedy for the many lives lost, and courage for the bravery the soldiers of both sides displayed in this epic battle. The graves, trenches and monuments stand as reminders to the 118-day siege of Ladysmith and the war between the British and Boers.
14:00: Check-in and lunch at the Windmills.
15:00: Horse-riding.
16:30: Transfer back to hotel.
Day 3 - Saturday, 19 September 2015
Spend the day exploring the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
08:00: Breakfast and check-out.
09:00: Depart for Karkloof Nature Reserve.
10:00: Karkloof Canopy Tour - Experience a canopy tour built in the spectacular valley of the Karkloof Forest Reserve designed for the more adventurous nature-lover, with slides of up to 180m long, which stops below a 15m waterfall and takes in wider views across the beautiful Karkloof Valley. This comes with a light snack after the tour.
14:00: Transfer to Durban.
Book Your Place
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place
Post-Tour: Adventure and heritage
Day 1 - Thursday, 24 September 2015
Spend the day visiting The Valley of 1 000 Hills - Phezulu Safari Park.
09:00: Transfer to The Valley of 1 000 Hills.
10:00: Phezulu Safari Park - Experience traditional Zulu culture and customs and enjoy the grace and energy of the Zulu dancers.
11:30: Transfer to Southern Drakensberg.
14:30: Arrival and check-in at a Southern Drakensberg establishment, followed by lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
19:00: Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - Friday, 25 September 2015
Spend the day visiting the Lesotho via Sani Pass.
07:00: Breakfast and check-out.
08:00: Depart for the Sani Pass experience (half-a-day tour). The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountainous road and the only vehicle route over the Drakensberg escarpment and into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. Proceed to Mokhotlong Village to get a feel for the unique way of life of the Basotho people.
(N.B.: Passports required/ Visas required for some nationalities.13:00: Ascend the mountain and transfer to a KwaZulu-Natal Midlands establishment for check-in)
17:00: Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
19:00: Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Saturday, 26 September 2015
Spend the day visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and the Karkloof Canopy Tour.
08:00: After breakfast and check-out, depart for the Nelson Mandela Capture site.
08:30: Nelson Mandela Capture site - This is a place, that will surely be etched in the history of South Africa and has enormous significance because it is where Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom was interrupted when he was captured on his return journey to Johannesburg and jailed for 27 years.
09:30: Transfer to the Karkloof Canopy Tour.
10:00: Karkloof Canopy Tour - Experience a canopy tour built in the spectacular valley of the Karkloof Forest Reserve designed for the more adventurous nature-lover, with slides of up to 180m long, which stops below a 15m waterfall and takes in wider views across the beautiful Karkloof Valley. This comes with a light snack after the tour.
15:00: Transfer back to Durban.
Book Your Place
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place
Please note that the closing date for all pre and post tour bookings and payment is the 11th September 2015.
Day Tours ($)
KZN are delighted to offer delegates the opportunity to experience a unique Day Tour, either pre or post World Routes 2015, at special discounted rates. All tours will be offered from 09:00 to 17:00 daily on the 16th, 17th and 18th September and again on the 23rd, 24th and 25th September 2015. They will depart from the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) and return to the ICC. Click on the following links for a comprehensive list of day tours available:
Please note that the closing date for all day tour bookings and payment is the 11th September 2015.
Day-Tour: Heritage and Safari
Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and enjoy a wildlife experience at Tala Private Game Reserve.
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place
Day-Tour: Zulu Culture
Visit Shakaland and enjoy the greatest Zulu experience in Africa. This cultural village is a unique resort built amid thorn trees and aloes. This unique village was built and developed on the site of a film set, when the movies King Shaka and John Ross were produced.
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place
Day-Tour: Adv``enture
For the adrenalin junkie. The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is one of those rare places on earth that offers an experience so complete, it becomes a timeless and constantly revisited fixture on every traveller’s itinerary.
If you are unable to access this form please contact Bianca Barnard to book your place