The history of Women’s Day reminds us of the tenacity, bravery and resolve of our women ancestors. It also serves as an annual prompt to acknowledge our mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and neighbours: the universal sisterhood and the incredible role they play in our families, communities and society.
Women totally understand that in the general busyness of life, self-care and decompression are becoming increasingly important to factor in. A quiet day in the country, a spa date with girlfriends, a weekend away, a nature walk, a meal with the family, some market retail therapy – all these gentle pursuits to recharge our batteries to enable us to continue to be the strong and dependable women that life requires us to be.
The perfect place to catch your breath is the Valley of a 1000 Hills – 25 minutes west of Durban, this beautiful region offers various options for women to spend quality time together, and with their families and friends.
A Weekend Away in the Valley of a 1000 Hills
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Valley of a 1000 Hills, equidistant between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. This Women’s Day, treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend getaway surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich Zulu culture. Our diverse range of accommodation options, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious lodges, offers the perfect base for your stay. Whether you’re looking to explore the scenic trails, experience traditional Zulu life, or simply unwind with a view, the Valley of a 1000 Hills provides an unforgettable Women’s Day retreat. Visit our accommodation directory to find your ideal stay and make this Women’s Day one to remember.
Dining Together
Sitting down to a delicious meal is such a welcome treat – for friends, families, or even solo with a good book and majestic view for company! Many of the eateries in 1000 Hills will be hosting Women’s month specials with family friendly deals and menus. Member establishments cover the range of dining options – from elegantly formal to cheerfully casual. Many are owner run offering bespoke menus and personal service.
Green Fingers
Enjoy quality family time in the garden together and enjoy the glorious early spring weather while planting out some flowers, herbs or veggies. There are a host of nurseries and plant shops throughout the Valley of a 1000 Hills, as well as plant stalls in most of the regular markets. Ludwig’s Roses has a huge selection of rose bushes which make for a fabulous all-year round source of joy and beauty.
Take a Hike in the Valley of a 1000 Hills
There is nothing which rejuvenates the heart and soul more than being in the beautiful outdoors. Now that the heat of the summer is over, then maybe consider one of the options for family hikes, nature trails, social runs and green corridor destinations in the 1000 Hills. Many are pet friendly – with doggies enjoying the company and exercise too.
Treat the Women in Your Life to a Spa
The ultimate relaxing activity for any busy woman is a Spa Day. There are various Spas throughout the hills. Some of which are offering specials for the month of August. A mani and pedi with a glass of bubbles and a best friend makes the world a better place!
Ride the Rails through the Valley of a 1000 Hills
Why not take a trip behind an 85-year-old Steam Engine as we meander along the Valley of 1000 Hills. The next running day is Sunday 25 August with trains running at 9am, 11am, and 1.30pm. This roughly 75 minutes trip departs from Inchanga Railway Station, meandering along the rolling hills of KZN, 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. Visit the Umgeni Steam Railway website for booking details.
Adventure Adrenaline
Sometimes a spurt of adrenaline is just what the doctor ordered – a fun and physical activity gets the pulse racing. Adventure in the Valley of a 1000 Hills include paint ball and a climbing wall at Hillcrest Paintball and Infinite Adventures; golf at Fig Tree Farm or Cotswolds; horse riding at Blue Horizons, a game drive at PheZulu Safari, adventure sports at High Stakes in Cato Ridge or Isithumba Travels.
Getting Your Shop on in the Valley of a 1000 Hills
1000 Hills is punctuated by little shopping precincts, allowing for some retail therapy, perhaps a cup of tea and some great browsing opportunities – Mushroom Farm, Décor Art, Kloof and Highway SPCA; Mila-Grace at the old Heidi’s and Woza Moya at HACT are all fabulous shopping destinations in the hills. And of course the region is known for its markets which combine bargain hunting with supporting small businesses, quality family time, enjoying the outdoors and sampling market food. The market mothership is of course Shongweni Farmers Market which surely must be one of the best markets in the country – certainly the best locally. There is also Macnut farm Sunday morning fresh market, and fabulous Sunday lunch.
Art to Soothe the Soul this Women’s Day
Quiet time in the company of good art is a global remedy for good mental health. Upstairs at Woza Moya there are craft exhibitions, Ammazulu Gardens and Sculptural Precinct in Kloof combines an enormous indigenous garden with hundreds of surprise sculptures; Ammazulu Palace has an astonishing array of artworks and incredible mosaics. Book a guided tour with them, and Hannah’s Gallery on Macnut Farm showcases the work of local artist Hannah Paine and her friends.
Animal Antics in the Valley of a 1000 Hills
PheZulu Safari Park offers game drives and their reptile park; the Mushroom Farm has a little farmyard for children to enjoy; and Lello Road Assagay animal farm is an interactive family experience allowing little ones to get up close to (mostly rescued) farm animals.