Hillcrest, Valley of 1000 Hills
Literally on a hill on a crest someway above Durban, Hillcrest was once a little hamlet that bordered on the Valley of a Thousand Hills, surrounded by green pastures and farmland. It was a retreat away from the hub of the city, somewhere one could escape to cooler air and guaranteed peace and quiet.
And then the property boom occurred, and Hillcrest was jolted out of its former drowsy insignificance to become, almost overnight, a boom town that now serves as a suburb to Durban, where people seek a safer, less crowded country lifestyle far from the madding crowd. Hillcrest’s Main Road, once a cosy residential idle, is now rezoned for office and commercial use.
Vacant land has been given over to retirement villages, equestrian estates, gated security communities and golf estates. There’s little in the way of heavy industry out in Hillcrest, which, despite the boom, means that Hillcrest manages to retain its country village feel.
There’s also plenty to do. Durban is a mere 20 minutes’ drive, the Shongweni Farmers market every Saturday morning provides a wonderful place to buy organic and fresh produce, and contributes even further to the feeling of country living, and the plethora of farm stalls, nurseries, country pubs and artists’ havens mean that one doesn’t have to leave the charm of country living or head off to malls to shop.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Hillcrest is the best place to be if you need to beat the heat and humidity of the summer months. Make sure you visit the Shongweni Farmers Market - you wont be disappointed!
Helen (Stanger)
Verified review
You can't fault Hillcrest - it's attractive, busy, has plenty to do, but also has that holiday feel about it. It's an all-rounder.
Paul (Midrand)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Khululeka Backpackers Lodge
Khululeka Backpackers Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in Hillcrest. Guests can enjoy clean, spacious accommodation in this peaceful spot. ...

Shenindor B&B
Set on the crest of a hill, just outside Hillcrest, Shenindor is a lovely country guesthouse, on 4 acres, with a breathtaking view across the Ass...

Rest Assured B&B
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest one finds Rest Assured B&B, offering its guests 4 en-suite bedrooms, all with their own private entrances and a...

Fawncastle Estate
Graded four star, each room is individually appointed, full air conditioned, each fitted with their own DStv decoder, flat screen television, fri...

Warrens Guest House
Warrens Guest House was established in the late ‘80s and was the first bed and breakfast in the area at the time. Guests are invited to unwind at...

Whitehouse B&B
Whitehouse B&B is centrally situated in Hillcrest within easy access to all main roads. Five double en-suite rooms and one three bedded room are ...

Branley Lodge
At Branley Lodge, we offer our guests executive accommodation in a relaxed and homely environment, with your comfort and peace of mind, our prior...

Rivendell Bed & Breakfast
Rivendell Bed & Breakfast, in the heart of the 1000 Hills Experience is a must for the discerning businessperson looking for a safe and exception...

Rambling Rose Self Catering Accommodation
Located in Hillcrest, Rambling Rose Self Catering Accommodation offers convenience, comfort and security to businessman and travelers alike. Ramb...

Chillifields B&B
On arrival at Chillifields B&B the first thing that will strike you is the tranquility of this picturesque farm with the Bed & Breakfast surround...

Cybele Lodge
Set in eight acres of beautiful, indigenous gardens, Cybele Lodge offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Hillcrest. Rates include a full gourm...

Warrens Guest House
Warrens Guest House was established in the late ‘80s and was the first bed and breakfast in the area at the time. Guests are invited to unwind at...

Bryrain Farm Cottages
BryRain Farm offers three separate self-catering cottages situated in a beautiful country setting surrounded by mostly horse farms. The cottages ...

Brackens Guest House
The Brackens Guesthouse offers warm hospitality in the heart of Hillcrest. Situated in the one of the healthiest climates in the world, Hillcrest...

1000 Hills Luxury Cabin
Set on a hilltop overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills and bordering a safari park, the 1000 Hills Luxury Cabin is fully equipped with everything ...

Valley Lodge
Whether you’re lingering a little longer, to experience the world famous Valley of a Thousand Hills and experience true Zulu hospitality or en ro...
Things to do in the area

Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park is located in Giba Gorge and offers riders various clearly marked trails for riding and an obstacle course with ram...

Oxford Village Shopping Centre
Visit the charming Oxford Village for one of the most fun-filled family outings in Durban. The Heritage Market is easy to find as it’s right on ...

Monthly Heritage Market
The Hillcrest Heritage Market (also known as the Heritage Market), is held on the last Sunday of each month. This craft market, found on the 100...

Second Treasures Décor
Take a visit to the Second Treasures Décor and you will find beautiful décor products to fill your home created from old and recycled items. Seco...

Giba Gorge Horse Trails
Giba Gorge Horse Trails is a Horse Riding and Trail Centre in the Giba Gorge Valley. We have been doing horse trails for the past 10 years and ou...

Ludwig's Star Roses
Taking advantage of the lush semi-tropical conditions of KwaZulu-Natal, Ludwig’s Star Roses is a nursery that boasts a fabulous variety of exquis...

Shongweni Farmers Market
The Shongweni Farmers Market is on the N3, 30kms towards Pietermaritzburg from Durban and if you live in this area you would be silly not to get ...

Monteseel Rock Climbing Routes
Monteseel is a rocky crag just beyond Botha's Hill, outside the village of Hillcrest, on the edge of the Valley of 1000 Hills; with views to matc...

Treat Cafe at Talloula
The Treat Café is all about decadence in its simplest forms, an unadulterated homage to deliciousness. This little retreat is located in Botha’s ...
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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