The Valley of a Thousand Hills

The Valley of a Thousand Hills in Durban

The breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills is an exciting component of Durban and South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal - the Kingdom of the Zulu. The Valley of 1000 Hills is one of those few holiday destinations that has something for everyone. Unspoilt nature, wildlife, magnificent scenery, wining and dining, and warm country hospitality just a half an hour's drive from the centre of Durban. The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River, which flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the warm inviting Indian Ocean.

The Valley of 1000 Hills lies between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, called such for the repeatedly folded hills that extend as far as the eye can see from the top of Botha’s Hill. Up on this ridge the views of hills, valley and gorges is a feast for sore eyes. Drive a choice of routes from here that pass villages, art galleries, country pubs, nature reserves, farms and places to stay.

There are many cultural villages that still occupy parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Valley of 1 000 Hills. Visiting these villages means getting a sneak-peek into the traditional lives of the local African people. See their huts, visit their medicine men, taste their traditional food, enjoy song and dance performances, and meet with the people that call this home to have a real glimpse of the South African experience.

The Valley of 1 000 Hills is well-equipped with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and other accommodation. It has an excellent infrastructure so that visitors from all over the world are assured of quality and convenience amidst the beauty. The King Shaka International Airport is within a short drive from many of the attractions in the area.