Drummond, Valley of 1000 Hills
Drummond is situated exactly halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the 1 000 Hills Road and is famous for the halfway mark of the Comrades Marathon.
Fewer than 200 years ago, the area that is now Drummond was the home of local tribes, whose way of life was steeped in tradition and rich in culture. However, when Captain Percy J Kingham and his soon-to-be wife, Elise, arrived in 1902, these ones were no longer in the region. The Kinghams established a farm for themselves, selling their produce to suppliers in Durban and eventually opening a butchery to supply the local farm workers with meat. As the population grew, so did the farm. Even when the Captain died, his wife was left responsible for the ever-expanding empire, proving herself to be an accomplished businesswoman.
Today, Drummond retains its rich heritage, and offers visitors a destination that is historically relevant, and quaint in its own rights, while still being close to major cities and attractions.
Visitors are invited to see the half-scale model of South Africa’s first ever steam train, built by Temple Mervyn Humphries in 1966. The train after which this is modelled made its first trip in 1860, and ran between Durban’s city centre and Durban Point.
Gelengele is a nearby mountain, which is not only aesthetically beautiful, but can also be explored by those who want to see, smell and feel the true African outdoors. There are several horse riding trails around Drummond. These are fantastic choices for visitors (or locals) that want to experience the splendour of KwaZulu-Natal from the elevated comfort of a well trained, responsive horse.
Drummond’s nearby towns include Botha's Hill, Inchanga Park, Hillcrest, Belvedere, and Hilldene, amongst many others. At only 45 kilometres from Durban, Drummond makes for a central, convenient base from which to experience the loveliness of this part of South Africa.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
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...
Things to do in the area
Umgeni Steam Train Trip
If you're running out of steam on your holiday, take it easy at a train window while still taking in the country, it's countryside and it's histo...
The Drum and Bell Country Pub and Restaurant
The Drum and Bell Country Pub and Restaurant may be a small eatery, but its charm, charisma and idyllic positioning certainly makes it one to be ...
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...
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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