Bothas Hill, Durban

Not only are the views from up on Botha’s Hill some of the most spectacular in the country - it overlooks the Valley of a Thousand Hills - but Botha’s Hill is one of ‘those’ hills that invariably gets a mention when it’s time for the Comrades Marathon.

From the top of Botha’s Hill to the base of Cowies Hill, there is a drop of more than 500 metres in less than 22 kilometres - small wonder that the down run is such a challenge. Botha’s Hill was named such after Cornelius Botha who opened a wayside inn known as Botha’s Halfway House for many a weary wagon driver who made his way into the hinterland from Durban. Today in much the same position is the former Rob Roy Hotel, now an old age home.

A trip up here would be incomplete without a stop to look out over the Valley of a Thousand Hills, one of KwaZulu Natal’s best kept secrets, as it lies sprawled out beneath you in a carpet of undulating hills that invite at least a moment of silent contemplation. This part of the world is always cooler than Durban. The air and the tranquil beauty of the surrounds a consistent attraction to artists and crafters, hence the new 1000 Hills Experience Route, which follows the same route as the Comrades Marathon, taking one through valleys, gorges, forests, rivers and over a succession of rolling hills.

There are no fewer than six driving routes through the area - T1 to T6 are all well sign- posted - that take you through leafy towns and quaint little villages, whilst off-shoots of the route wind through Krantzkloof Gorge and Inanda Dam. The entire route is dotted with pubs and tea gardens, as well as gracious hotels and guest houses.