An easy 30 minute drive inland from Durban will bring you to the cool, green suburbs of Kloof, Gillitts and Hillcrest, edged by the wild and rugged Valley of 1000 Hills. It is aptly named as the land literally tumbles down to the Umgeni River Valley in thousands of hills dotted with traditional Zulu homesteads and grazing cattle and goats. At the bottom of the valley the Inanda Dam snakes between the hills with camping, boating and fi shing activities.

The views in this part of the world are breathtaking, the nature reserves teeming with game and the Zulu cultural villages provide an opportunity for visitors to experience some of the thrills of Africa.

The western suburbs are literally on the doorstep of these breathtaking valleys. You can shop in the trendy malls of Kloof and Hillcrest, with their restaurants, spas and B&Bs and then drive for just 20 minutes to a nature reserve. On the opposite side of Hillcrest lies the equally impressive Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve where warthogs, buck, zebra, rhino and giraffe roam freely through the thorn bush. Many species of birds congregate in this subtropical paradise, including fi sh eagles.

The area is a growing destination for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, with an array of adventure activities on offer including rock climbing, quad biking, mountain bike trails, paintballing, abseiling, 4x4 trails, microlighting and canoeing.

Tourism – and all its spin-offs – is one of our main industries, and for the poor who live in the Valley, the development and growth of the many exciting initiatives and projects are literally a matter of life and death. We know that our people remain confident that we will honour our commitment to continue to work diligently to improve their standard of living and quality of life, but we need the assurance and cooperation of each and every one of you to help us to link up investors and partners. Sustainable growth and development can benefit all, so let us make the 1000 Hills Experience unforgettable.

Just beyond the bustling city of Durban lies the cool, tranquil valley of 1000 Hills. The valley is a scenic 30-minute drive inland from the city and the Indian Ocean. It is situated just off the N3 highway, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Fly in via Durban’s world-class King Shaka International Airport, or travel by car on the national N3 from Johannesburg, or on the N2 from Cape Town, Swaziland, Zululand and Richards Bay.

Laid-back country living with an ancient, Indigenous culture on its doorstep.

The Valley of 1000 Hills is named after the many hills, cliffs and valleys, which rise up from the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The diverse area combines the luxury of laid-back country living with an ancient, indigenous culture on its doorstep. The valley has been home to the Zulu people for centuries, many continuing to practice and live their unique traditional lifestyle. The Valley of 1000 Hills is KwaZulu-Natal’s doorway, situated close to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, further inland. On the crest of the hills overlooking the valley are leafy suburbs and village centres, which have astonishing views and a yearround holiday climate of warm summers and cool winters. These villages offer all the creature comforts one would expect from a holiday destination, including spas, B&Bs, fine dining, sophisticated shopping centres, outdoor adventure and local arts and crafts unique to the area. If you’re looking for a break from the fast pace of everyday life or the exhilaration of the outdoors, the Valley of 1000 Hills is the place for you. We trust that you will enjoy your stay and come back again and again.

The Valley of 1000 Hills is a place where the past and present coexist

From the establishment of European settlers to the vibrant Zulu culture which gives the area its distinctive identity, the Valley of 1000 Hills has a rich heritage. When Europeans arrived at the Port of Natal in 1825, the Valley of 1000 Hills was a remote and isolated area teeming with game. WS Field was one of the first Europeans to settle in 1851, and leopards were said to occasionally spend the night on the veranda of the Field homestead in what is now Kloof. Within a few years a wagon route opened up between Durban and the interior, close to what is now the Old Main Road. The establishment of the railway line linking the goldfields with the port rapidly followed the discovery of gold in the Transvaal in the 1880s, and the rail and road traffic through the 1000 Hills increased.

Many local Zulu people have maintained a traditional lifestyle in the Umgeni and Shongweni Valleys, giving the area a powerful sense of history and identity. Their colourful ceremonies and expressive, artistic culture give this area its vibrant atmosphere and creative energy. Explore the roots of Zulu culture by taking an organised tour deep into tribal lands. You can witness ancient Zulu ceremonies, as traditional diviners ‘throw the bones’ and communicate with their spiritual ancestors at pheZulu Safari Park. PheZulu also offers traditional Zulu dancing and cultural shows, as well as game drives, local curios, wonderful views across the valley and a crocodile and snake park. For those with adventurous taste buds and a carnivorous hunger, try out a crocodile steak at pheZulu’s Croctilians Restaurant.

Download 1000 Hills Experience Brochure (5.7MB)

Enquiries: 031 777 1874
Website: www.1000hillstourism.com