Beyond the bounds of the world class beaches of South Africa’s Playground (as the city of Durban is affectionately known), it’s vibrant night life and unique foodways, there are other amazing places to visit in the Valley of 1000 Hills, only 20 minutes west from the Durban City centre.
The Valley of 1000 Hills is named after the many hills, cliffs and valleys that rise up from the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The valley has been home to the Zulu people for centuries, with many continuing to practice and live their unique traditional lifestyle. The hybrid European and Zulu culture is what makes it the most desirable place to visit.
Experience both traditional and modern world renown Zulu culture, from customs to beliefs within urban to peri-urban, and rural to semi-rural settings. Enjoy a visit to the Sangoma (traditional healer/fortune teller), local curio shops for souvenirs, safari and reptile park experience and talk with village elders.
Fancy to live like a local for a day? Then visit our township shisanyamas for a braai (barbeque) or a night life experience or a stay over with a real Zulu family for a night.
World class B & B’s and boutique hotels offer the most needed relaxation for travellers, most of which are located within drivable and walkable distances to a number of upmarket shopping centers and local restaurants for both delicious food and live shows. Guided or self-guided tours are on offer for hiking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, horse riding, quad and mountain biking.
Take home a little gift of the 1000 Hills when you visit the local craft markets and support local weavers and bead manufacturers. Annual events such as the Comrades Marathon, the Amashova Durban Classic and Duzi Canoe Marathon all wind their way through this picturesque area drawing visitors from across the globe. Every Saturday morning the local ‘Farmers market’ takes place and is a must for any visitor. Art galleries, botanical gardens, museums, craft markets, micro-breweries and a wealth of history of the region are scattered around the area. On certain Sundays, one can take a trip back in time on one of the last remaining “Puffing Billy’s” that puffs through the Thousand Hills.
Welcome to the Valley of a 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is named after the many hills, cliffs and valleys that rise up from the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean.
The diverse area combines the luxury of laid-back country living with an indigenous culture on its doorstep. The valley has been home to the Zulu people for centuries, with many continuing to practice and live out their traditional lifestyle. The Valley of 1000 Hills is KwaZulu-Natal’s doorway, situated close to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands further inland. On the crest of the hills overlooking the valley are the leafy suburbs and village centers which have astonishing views and a year-round holiday climate of warm summers and cool winters.
These villages offer all the creature comforts one would expect from a holiday destination including spa’s, B & B’, fine dining, sophisticated shopping centers, outdoor adventure and local arts and crafts unique to the area. If you’re looking for a break from the fast pace of everyday life or the exhilaration of the outdoors, the Valley of 1000 Hills is the place for you. We trust that you will enjoy your stay and come back again and again.
Getting to the Valley of a 1000 Hills
From Durban and off the N2 North and South, a short twenty minute drive inland sees you passing through the beautiful leafy suburbs and the climbing up to the beginning of the 1000 Hills routes. One can either take the main N3 road or the M13 scenic route and explore the well signposted Tour routes.
Coming down from inland on the N3 highway and +- 45 kilometers past the City of Pietermaritzburg at the Cato Ridge village off-ramp lies the vast majestic valley with numerous lookout stops.