Cowies Hill, Durban

The quiet, leafy suburb of Cowies Hill, just outside of Durban, is, despite being an upmarket and rather elite suburb, notorious as the last of the five murderous hills in the down-run of the Comrades Marathon. This part of the run is where the battle is most often lost or won, and many a runner has succumbed to the lure of the downhill failing to remember that home remains some 17 kilometres from here!

Originally a farm, Cowies Hill was known as Steilhoogte (steep heights) and named after William Cowie who came to KwaZulu Natal in 1837 with a group of Voortrekkers to meet with the British to negotiate their settlement in the area. Now one of the most sought after suburbs in the greater Pinetown area, Cowies Hill has tree-lined streets and generous properties, as well as the advantage of sitting on the crest just above Durban - cooler temperatures follow the ascent.

Cowies Hill has abundant bird life because of the tranquillity and prevalence of trees and foliage, and is a quiet way of life whilst remaining relatively close to Durban and her attractions. You’re less than 10 minutes’ drive from the Pavilion shopping centre, Pinetown and the centre of Durban and its wonderful swimming beaches. Hillcrest, which offers interesting farm stalls, nurseries, country pubs including the Heritage centre and theatre and The Colony, is moments away.

The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, just up Fields Hill near the neighbouring suburb of Kloof, offers a wonderful escape amidst waterfalls and the mist belt of Kloof in an indigenous forest.