Durban is known for its phenomenal tourism asset – kilometres of glorious beaches. To complement the seaside attractions, half an hour inland, in the rolling Valley of a 1000 hills, is a magnificent landscape seeped in Zulu culture and heritage.
The 1000 Hills CTO team (Community Tourism Organisation) will be on hand to explain to delegates the myriad attractions of their area at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 being held from May 12 to 15, 2025, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex in Durban.
The theme for Africa’s Travel Indaba this year is “Unlimited Africa” reminding industry marketeers of the huge array of diverse leisure products and attractions which contribute to making our tourism offering unique. This theme celebrates the vast tourism potential of the continent. To us in the Valley of a 1000 Hills, it is an opportunity to share what we have on offer in our area in particular.
1000 Hills CTO is part of the network of CTOs which fall under the jurisdiction of Durban Tourism. All of the CTOs will be together at the Durban Tourism precinct at the DEC, meeting with visitors to talk about each of their areas.
The Valley of a 1000 Hills allows visitors to sample a snapshot of Zulu culture and tradition in an authentic, and magnificently beautiful setting, in close proximity to major tourism hubs, equidistant between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and within easy access to the King Shaka Airport, Drakensberg and Battlefields.
For visitors in transit, or on a tight schedule, to make the most of some of the rural and Zulu culturally specific attractions, it is advisable to commission a tour guide to create a bespoke experience for you.
There are experienced guides who specialise in this region who can be engaged. Although the attractions are all in close proximity, it is advantageous to benefit from the insights of a professional who knows the geography and culture of the area.
Tour Guides and Airport Transfers
- Tim Brown Tours – offering a range of day and overnight tours and adventures.
- Cybele Eco Tours (Pty) Ltd – Bespoke African Travel for the discerning guest.
- Bush Junkies tailor made wildlife and adventure safaris in Southern Africa.
- HTG Travel Adventures – Tour Operators based in Kloof.
- Ruby Travel Solutions – local destination management company offering tailormade itineraries
- Rasta Reuben – Rasta specialises in local knowledge, rural and enviro tours
- Swell Tours – Local tourism expert Sheldon Wells, offers customised guided tours
- Vulindlela Wilderness Safaris – wild wonder specialists, invite guests to stop, listen and feel nature
Rural and Township experiences
Isithumba Village Adventure: an authentic contemporary Zulu village, one of the eleven villages of this area and has been a favourite destination for tourists from around the globe for the past 20 years. Experiences can be especially curated to allow guests to choose their experience, be it spending time among locals to better understand first hand, the complexity and richness of Zulu culture; or for the more active to explore the region through various sporting codes; or to have a culinary experience of local delicacies. iSithumba Adventures not only an adventure tourism destination, but it is also a space where the local community benefits from sustainable initiatives that improve education, environmental awareness, and economic opportunities.
1000 Hills Lifestyle offers shisanyama (fire cooked meat, local style) bar, carwash, grill and restaurant.
Magaba Lounge is one of the best township lounges and lifestyle experiences for nightlife
Khabza de Khabza Arts Centre is a live performance venue in Ntshongweni, offering African vibes, food and refreshments.
Enjoy Arts, Crafts, Culture and Heritage
Woza Moya at the Hillcrest Aids Centre offers some of the region’s most authentic arts and crafts all made by a collective of local craftspeople. Supporting them keeps all profits within the community and supports a network of vulnerable local families. Woza Moya offers trademark beadwork, carved wooden sculptures, wire work, sculptures and indigenous arts and craft unique to this area. Alongside the gift shop is the alfresco Ubuntu Café, to enjoy refreshments while you shop.
PheZulu Safari Park has an enormous and comprehensive gifts shop of carefully curated local arts and crafts, again with a restaurant and magnificent views. The world famous Gasa clan will take you on a journey filled with rhythm and rich Zulu culture. The Safari Park also offers game drives, and one can enjoy crocodile enclosures, multiple venomous and non-venomous snakes on display in their creature cave & tortoise park.
AmmaZulu Gardens and Sculpture precinct – consists of five ethereal galleries nestled amongst the 20 acre garden of gigantic trees and tropical palms. More than 200 sculptures and outdoor artworks on display.
AmmaZulu African Palace is the most incredible artistic curiosity. A five-star hotel boasting a lifelong collection of phenomenal African art. Worth requesting a guided tour of the art to fully appreciate the enormity of the collection
Indlondlo Cultural Village – in Cato Ridge, is the traditional homestead to Indlondlo Zulu Dancers. Promoting Zulu Culture, Traditions, Dance, Music and Art.
Kangaroo Zulu Dancers – a roving troupe of cultural dancers who often perform in 1000 hills.
Mpumalanga Heritage Museum – visit the history to learn more about the history of the township.
Hammarsdale Arts and Crafts – promote and sell the finest contemporary art produced in Hammarsdale and surrounds, based in Mpumalanga Township.
Explore rural countryside
- Isithumba -Travelers come for get aways, tours, hiking, kayaking, biking, cultural experiences, or even to simply enjoy the amazing climate. Here the summer days are warm while the winter days are crisp and clear.
- Ekuhlaleni Nature Park in Botha’s Hill, in the rural valley is the perfect place for your outdoor events.
- 1000 Hills CTO works together with the Green Corridor model which looks at ways to balance the needs of the environment with community prosperity and resilience. Lower Molweni in 1000 Hills is a hikers’, birders’ and nature lovers’ paradise. Durban Green Corridors and their stakeholder partners have created a network of community-developed nature trails through the cliffs and forests of the area.
- Mqeku Picnic Site is 20 minutes from Hillcrest in the heart of the Valley of 1000 Hills which offers fabulous bird life, river tubing; sliding on a natural rock slide, 4×4 trails; nature hikes and pretty picnic and braai sites.
Places to Stay in the Valley of a 1000 Hills
An overnight stop is recommended to enjoy the many options in 1000 Hills. The area specialises in small, privately owned accommodation, mostly run on a bed and breakfast basis. There are options to stay over in Zulu homesteads.
- African Sunrise Backpackers & Camping – Based in in Mto wa Mbu, and offering mountain views, has accommodations a garden, a shared lounge and a bar.
- Isithumba Adventures offers overnight stays and village experiences.
- For a once in a lifetime experience, the five star AmmaZulu African Palace offers comfortable amenities midst magnificent art.
For the a full and detailed list of the many accommodation options to choose from in the Valley of a 1000 Hills, visit our accommodation listings page.
Caring for the Community…
1000 Hills Community Helpers with a care centre comprising of a health and wellness clinic, children’s infirmary, feeding scheme, education and skills development facility.
Embocraft Training Centre Trust – training and community empowerment project
Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust – Founded in 1990, the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) is dedicated to saving and transforming lives affected by HIV and AIDS
Likhon iThemba – dedicated to providing a safe and loving family environment for those children who are left with no one.
Valley Trust – A Centre for Health Promotion. Using health and other means to improve lives of the communities in Valley of 1000 Hills.
The Valley of a 1000 Hills CTO team look forward to engaging with delegates at this year’s Travel Indaba. You will find us at the Durban Tourism precinct in the DEC.