Cato Ridge, Valley of 1000 Hills
Cato Ridge lies along the Mariannhill Toll Road between Assagay and Camperdown, just a little further west of Inchanga. Despite its pretty sounding name, Cato Ridge is not all that attractive at first glance.
On a ridge it might sit, but essentially it has taken on the overflow from Durban and Pietermaritzburg, growing industrially and residentially as a result. It has become known as Durban's 'dry port' as large distribution and logistics companies are using this area to store their goods before sending them on to other parts of the country, not least because the access to the highway between Johannesburg and Durban is so good.
That said, it is also one of the hidden gems of this part of the world, and the developing residential aspect has meant that parts of it have prettied up as a result. Actually, this part of KwaZulu Natal, just north of Kloof and Hillcrest, doesn't need much help as the countryside is so beautiful anyway. It is a doorway to the Midlands, lies just south of the Midlands Mistbelt, and provides really easy access to the Valley of 1000 Hills.
A tourist route is supposed to exist in the half hour drive between nearby Hillcrest and Cato Ridge, and the combination of its superb placement for the Comrades Marathon and the Valley of 1000 Hills has meant that a sweep of convenient and upmarket guest houses and other accommodation options has emerged. There is no denying that Cato Ridge provides a more tranquil position, outside of the major centres, and a less frenetic and easily accessible place to stay.
Cato Ridge is also the destination of the 1000 Hills Choo Choo, which makes its way through beautiful landscape from Kloof Station.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We were based in Cato Ridge on our recent trip to KZN. We'd heard it wasn't very exciting but we were actually very happy there. The area is very attractive on the whole, and the ridge was fine.
Scott Kritzinger (Randburg)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Springside House
Springside House is a charming guesthouse situated in the heart of Hillcrest. Springside House offers accommodation to those seeking an unforgett...
Chillifields
On arrival at Chillifields the first thing that will strike you is the tranquility of this picturesque farm surrounded by a lush green lawn and ...
35 on Fairview
35 on Fairview offers self catering accommodation in two cottages in Kloof. From here you are close to restaurants, shops and major transport rou...
Cavalo Guesthouse
Welcome to Cavalo Guesthouse, a Durban B&B overlooking the picturesque Drummond Valley. Whether you visit us for business or pleasure we will ens...
Grassroots Bed and Breakfast
Grassroots is a home run B&B in a peaceful, highly accessible location in the suburb of Gillitts, Durban. 20 minutes from the beach, 40 minutes f...
Treehouse River Lodge
Treehouse River Lodge is a nature-friendly weekend or weekday getaway for couples and families just 15 minutes from Hillcrest and 45 minutes outs...
Lindisfarne B&B
This elegant homestead situated on two acres of park like gardens, 40 Km West of Durban, has become sought after by tourists and corporates who w...
Cybele Lodge
Set in four acres of beautiful, indigenous gardens, Cybele Lodge offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Hillcrest. Located in the Everton Cons...
PheZulu Safari Park
PheZulu Safari Park offers guests comfortable accommodation with stunning views in the Valley of 1000 Hills. There is a restaurant, a bar, guest ...
Things to do in the area
African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of indigenous raptors and is base to ongoing research, breeding and rehabilit...
Horse 'n Home Equestrian Centre
Horse ‘n Home is a registered non profit organization, situated in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Horse 'n Home have rescued horses from starvation and h...
Durban via the Valley of a Thousand Hills
Route: Durban, Krantzkloof, Monteseel, Valley of a thousand Hills, Midmar Dam, Pietermaritzburg, Nshongweni DamDescription: From the awe-inspiri...
Umlaas Cycad Centre
If you appreciate Fauna and flora or simply love cycads then get down to the Umlaas Cycad Centre in KwaZulu Natal. Here you can find a vast varie...
Indlondlo Cultural Village
For travellers that are staying overnight in Durban or the little towns around it, there are so many must-see cultural attractions that celebrate...
Noteworthy attractions
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Inchanga Choo Choo
The Inchanga Choo Choo departs from Kloof, which is just 25 kilometres from the urban epicentre of Durban. This scenic suburb is the perfect poin...
Valley of 1000 Hills Route
The Valley of 1000 Hills Route is one of KwaZulu Natal's best kept secrets. The Valley of a 1000 Hills forms around the majestic valley created b...
Temple of Understanding
The Hare Krishna temple, known as the Sri Sri Radhanath Temple of Understanding, is found in the largely Indian area of Chatsworth roughly 20 kil...
Springside Nature Reserve
Springside Nature Reserve is found in the midst of suburban Hillcrest, a wonderful 21 hectare reserve that lies on both sides of a little stream ...
Shongweni Resources Reserve
You'll find the Shongweni Resource Reserve roughly halfway between Durban and Pietermarizburg, off the N3 and on Route 6 of the 1000 Hills Experi...
Shongweni Nature Reserve
The Shongweni dam and nature reserve is classically beautiful. Get there early enough – the reserve lies only forty minutes' from Durban – add a ...
Cotswold Downs Golf Course
Cotswold Downs is known for its natural splendour and abundance. It is located in Hillcrest, Durban, which places it within convenient proximity ...
New Germany Nature Reserve
The small New Germany Nature Reserve lies on Mountain Ridge Road (which becomes Methven Road) in the midst of New Germany's suburbia. As the stre...
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