The South Africa Guide

Situated in KwaZulu Natal lies the awe inspiring Valley of a Thousand Hills which is formed around the grandiose valley which was fashioned by the Mngeni river and its tributaries and the thousand valley route has been a well kept KwaZulu Natal secret and is named for the thousands of hills that roll down to the large Umgeni river flowing from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean.  It is easily accessible from Durban which is only half an hour’s drive away.

There is something for everyone in the Valley of a Thousand Hills area. The scenery is awe inspiring; there are a number of Zulu villages which explain the interesting Zulu cultureas well as lovely lodges offering welcoming country hospitality, and many places to wine and dine.

The Village of Phe-Zulu offers visitors a chance to see something of the Zulu traditional way and performances of tribal dances, as well as a visit to a Sangoma (witch doctor) and is one of other traditional Zulu villages. The Valley of a Thousand Hills is also close to Pietermaritzburg and the Nagel Dam which provides the water supply for Durban. This beautiful area can also be viewed from the skies and flights over the area are organized from Cato Ridge Airfield, as well as steam train trips on the “Thousand Hills Choo Choo” running on weekends from Kloof station to Cato Ridge.

The possibilities are endless when visiting this area which is fresher and cooler than the coastal areas.  The scenic view from Botha’s Hill is quite magnificent and something of great interest is the new Thousand Hills Experience Route which follows the route of the Comrades Marathon. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Crocodile and Snake Park. Whatever your interests are there is something to be found in KwaZulu Natal’s Valley of a thousand Hills.