It’s Michaelmas already – and although the holidays are short, the 1000 Hills has a multitude of options of fun, affordable, unusual and accessible ideas to entertain families and friends making the most of the glorious spring weather during the holiday break.
So in alphabetical order, here are some thoughts:
Ammazulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct
A precious gem of an attraction comprising a great combination of a forest walk, with a sculpture treasure hunt – so enjoying the great outdoors and some wonderful art at the same time! Very accessible in Kloof is the most amazing 20 acre pristine forest, with a multitude of hidden sculptures.
There is a café for tea and light meals to enjoy too.
88 Kloof Falls Rd, Kloof / 065 810 0949.
Animal Farm
A visit to the Animal Farm in Assagay which has farm style activities and animals including guinea fowls, chickens, geese, tortoises, rabbits, sheep, pigs, goats, cows and ducks. There are special birthday areas and a café. Also tractors to climb and a huge jumping cushion.
3 Lello Rd, Assagay, Tel 031 765 2240 | 031 768 1333 bookings@farmcafe.co.za
High Stakes
Put aside the devices, escape load-shedding and head outdoors to enjoy some high-energy family friendly activities which include: Zipline; Quad Trails; Motocross; 4×4,Archery; Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Ph: +27 31 782 1139 (Office) / +27 83 626 7760 (Sheila) Email: info@highstakes.co.za / Cato Ridge
Hikes, Walks and Nature
The 1000 Hills is rich with parks, reserves, trails and picnic sites.
These are some to visit:
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Honey Trails
Mqeku Picnic Site
Springside Nature Reserve in Hillcrest
Msinsi Inanda Dam and Resort.
Molweni
Infinite Adventures and Hillcrest Paintball
Alongside 1000 Hills Chefs School on a huge plot of land with fabulous views is Infinite Adventures who offer paintball (splatball for children); climbing wall, rustic functions; archery and team building.
Tel 0741721309 / info@infiniteadventures.co.za / 15 Wootton Avenue, Botha’s Hill
Isithumba Adventure Park
Bespoke catering is offered specialising in Zulu style cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. They offer a series of facilitated adventures using the natural attractions on offer. Especially popular are canoeing, rafting and guided nature hiking. Abseiling and rock climbing is available on nearby iSithumba Rock. Also on offer are 4×4 trails – a three hour round trip along dirt roads, bush tracks and quarries under the guidance of nearby Monteseel Adventure. For nature buffs, guided horseback rides or hikes will take clients through unspoilt terrain and the spectacular Mamba Gorge.
Phone +27 65 936 4418 / Email Info@isithumba.com
Lunch with a view – and retail, crafts and attractions
Another favourite holiday activity is enjoying a family meal with a great view, which also offer retail options and site specific attractions to enjoy.
Some ideas are:
The Pot and Kettle is open seven days a week at 1000 Hills Village.
Millflour Café at Fig Tree Farm
Mushroom Farm – has light meals, farm type animals and retail
Pilgrim’s Rest offers light meals, retail and a plant nursery
Stone House
Sunset Valley
Décor Art in Botha’s Hill
SPCA
Woza Moya at Hillcrest Aids Centre and Ubuntu Cafe.
PheZulu Safari and Reptile Park
PheZulu offers the perfect day out with regular game drives, their reptile park, café and crafts.
There is also Zulu Dancing on weekends: Sat and Sun: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.
No pre booking necessary. Tickets at PheZulu curio counter.
PheZulu is 190 Old Main Rd Botha’s Hill / 031 777 1000
Putt Putt
Family-friendly golfing and putt putt can be enjoyed at the NU driving range complex in Hillcrest.
Shongweni Rd, Hillcrest / 082 337 2027
Shongweni Market
The fabulous morning market is open again on Sat mornings 7am – 1pm, and last Sun of each month
The road has been fixed! Enjoy brunch with friends and fabulous shopping!
Ph 031 777 4686 / Lot 457, Mr551 Rd, Shongweni.
Umgeni Steam Railway
All at Inchanga Station.
Sat 29 Oct – pre-book for longer trips (R150 / R100) @ 08h30; 11h00; 13h30; 15h30
Sun 30 Oct – no pre-booking necessary for shorty (R50) trips hourly from 09h00 until 14h00.
On both days, the Inchanga Craft Market will be in full swing with dozen of stalls offering family-friendly locally-sourced fare. There is also a food garden offering a range of light meals and snacks, a play area and picnic site. The Inchanga Railway Museum will be open for tours; as will the model railway, Thomas & Friends, be operational in the Modeller’s hut. Tours will be offered through the shed to see the 110 year old Steam locomotive, Maureen, under repairs as well as tour the vintage coaches.
Please note that there are no ATM’s on site, nor card facilities. Cash or Zapper accepted.
Inchanga Station is at 1 Station Road.
Safe, guarded parking on site.
Visit USR website at www.umgenisteamrailway.com
Enquiries: 082 353 6003