Summer has barely begun and already we are sweltering! There will be many super-hot days ahead – so we thought we would look at places to keep cool in the Valley of a1000 hills – venues where one can enjoy a milkshake, ice cream…. or cold beer. As well as places which offer a salad or light summer lunch…. All with a great view and gentle cool breeze.
Inchanga Market
The Inchanga Market operates when the Umgeni Steam Railway is running. Alongside the train track is a food market, with plenty of tables and chairs underneath huge shady trees. We sampled the iced coffee, and the iced lollies – they offer value for money, hit the spot on a warm morning, and could be enjoyed in the shade.
There will be regular trips over the festive season, which departs from and return to Inchanga Railway Station, meandering along the rolling hills, through one of the oldest operating tunnels in South Africa, with the sights of the Valley of 1000 Hills in the distance, before turning around at Botha’s Hill for the return to Inchanga. Santa will be on board from the 15 – 24 December. Carols by Candlelight will be sung upon return from the 17:00 trips on the 15 & 16 December.
- For more information, bookings & schedule visit www.umgenisteamrailway.com
- The Umgeni Steam Railway runs the last weekend of each month, and there will be regular trips over the festive season.
- There is on-site parking.
The Castle
The perfect lazy summer afternoon combination – a magnificent view and an ice-cold cocktail! The majestic view of 1000 Hills can be enjoyed both from the huge restaurant, and the garden of The Castle Restaurant and Live Jazz – a spacious airy eatery on Old Main Road in Drummond (formerly Intaba View Restaurant). They have an extensive breakfast menu – including continental options, muesli and omelettes. They have a range of light meals too – including classic baked camembert, a salmon snacker and various yummy sounding salads.
- Formerly Intaba View Restaurant.
- 10 Old Main Rd, Drummond, Outer West .
Drummond Barrel
The quaint Drummond Barrel on Old Main Road in Drummond is alongside the Castle. It boasts huge open windows and a well-stocked bar. The Drummond Barrel is open seven days a week for afternoon and evening light meals and refreshments. They have a comprehensive wine and cocktail menu, a full bar and a range of light meals, with off road parking – all with the magnificent view of 1000 Hills.
- 10 Old Main Rd, Drummond, Outer West
- Phone – 068 800 0908
Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Shongweni Market – held every Saturday morning and month-end Sundays – must surely rate as one of the best markets in the country, and hands-down the top market in greater Durban.
Shongweni Market offers a well-curated selection of stalls, an extensive variety of food and refreshments, attentive safety and security, ease of parking and access, great ambiance, and a relaxing vibe. The market site is perfectly positioned to be able to enjoy the majestic scenery from numerous sit-down spots. It has a huge food court – offering a variety of light meals, and of course the obligatory pink gin or if you prefer, craft beer.
- Find Shongweni Market at Lot 457, Mr551 Rd, Shongweni.
- There is on-site parking.
- It is open every Saturday from 6.30 am until 12.20 pm
- And Month end Sundays: 8am until 1pm.
Pot and Kettle
A tasty cold lunch to beat the heat! Restaurants seldom offer the British traditional pub lunch staple, a ploughman’s platter – typically comprising bread, cheese, pickled onions and sometimes hams, green salad and hard-boiled eggs, butter and “pickle” And most often accompanied by beer or cider. Not only was this the most common lunch for farm hands from the 13th century onwards, it’s also the perfect light and nutritious lunch to enjoy in Durban’s summer. The Pot and Kettle serve an excellent Ploughman’s Platter – a hearty meal for one, and easy to share for two.
- 36 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West
- Phone 031 777 1312
PheZulu Safari Park
The PheZulu Nguni Café is a rustic shaded deck with 360 views, so is the perfect place to enjoy a breakfast, light meal, snack, or some invigorating liquid refreshments inbetween exploring the various attractions they have on offer. Just right for summer, their menu includes baskets, salads and wraps. While at PheZulu, one can enjoy a guided 4×4 game drive through the PheZulu Conservation Area, an array of crocodiles, reptiles and snakes in the Reptile Park, watch the Gasa Family traditional dancers or a browse through their huge gifts, decor, arts and craft shop.
- 190 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban
- Phone 031 777 1000
Madala Café
Durban actor / comedian, Aaron McIlroy, took time out from his busy festive season schedule by taking a drive up to 1000 Hills and enjoying a 100% vegetarian meal at Mandala Café in Botha’s Hill.
Mandala Café’s Dean Ellis prepared a special platter for him comprising a caprese side salad; oyster mushroom stems (vegan calamari) and falafel squares with basil and plum tomato on ciabatta; an oyster mushroom burger; and a chocolate cinnamon roll for dessert. All meals are vegan or vegetarian and home-made on the premise. Aaron’s platter was all served at room temperature, so is perfect summer fare.
- Mandala Coffee Emithini Cafe
- 33 Old Main Rd, Botha’s Hill, Outer West
- Phone: 082 680 4630