Inchanga, Valley of 1000 Hills
Roughly halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg rests a darling station. It is a real example of Victorian architecture set in the typical, lush green hills of KwaZulu-Natal and a reason to visit the area. It's been here since 1895 actually and functioned as something of a halfway mark for travellers. In a sense it has always been a place to refresh oneself, and remains so even today.
There is a steam train that leaves Durban for Inchange once or twice a month over weekends. At Inchanga people set up craft and food stalls with pony rides for children at what is known as the Inchange Craft Market – fun for all.
Just up from the station, which rests just down the hill from the interesection of Thousand Hills Road and Inchange Drive, are a few shady lanes where people live. It isn't densely populated and the feeling is one of living in the country. Some people own small holdings with vegetable gardens, and other properties are rambling with typical sub-tropical gardens that appear to mushroom out of nowhere.
Aside from being a lovely space in which to stay, up outside of Durban, and away from the intense heat of the city, there is also the outdoor lifestyle that comes with staying in the countryside.
The Valley of 1000 Hills is right on Inchanga's doorstep and the area is riddled with walks, streams, hilltop views, farm stalls and an arts and crafts route. The Umgeni River wends its way through these hills and the Shongweni Resources Reserve, a Natural Heritage Site, provides hours of wildlife and bird viewing. Add to that both Springside Nature Reserve with its beautiful wetlands, and the Nagle Reserve, where you can fish, and you can understand why a stay in Inchanga is so very worth while.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Loved, loved, loved Inchanga! Beautiful, fun and plenty to do. Definitely recommend spending time in the countryside - so worth it!
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Hotels & other accommodation options
Nkutu River Lodge
The Nkutu River Lodge offers self-catering accommodation in picturesque Forest Hills in Kloof, with stunning views over the Krantzkloof Nature Re...
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...
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...
Judges Walk B&B
Judges Walk B&B offers comfortable accommodation in the lovely area of Kloof in Durban. Each room is equipped with a TV, DStv, a tea and coffee t...
York House B&B
York House is situated 1 km from the town of Hillcrest, which lies approximately 700 meters above sea level offering a more temperate climate, aw...
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...
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...
Fever Tree Cottage Six
Fever Tree Cottage Six is located at the Fever Tree Guesthouse. This self catering cottage offers Assagay accommodation overlooking the horse pad...
Things to do in the area
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 ...
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...
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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