Durban- Outer West-Valley of a 1000 Hills

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Geography and history

The Valley of a 1000 Hills is this region’s most remarkable natural feature; it spreads from the Umgeni River for 65 km, from the flat-topped sandstone hill east of Pietermaritzburg nicknamed, Natal Table Mountain, to the Indian Ocean.

Summer temperatures in the valley can get very high, but those courageous enough to climb to the Peak of Natal Table Mountain are rewarded with awesome views, extending all the way to the ocean in the east and to the Drakensberg Mountains in the west.

Midway between the beaches of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal and overlooking the world-famous Valley of 1000, is Botha’s Hill, which enjoys the most impressive views on the coastal side of the Drakensberg. At about 800m above sea level, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the berg and the ships on the Indian Ocean. Botha's Hill is on the route of the Comrades Marathon and Dusi Canoe Race. This area was named after Carolina Botha who opened the first inn there in 1849 to cater to wagoners, Botha's Hill has upheld this spirit of generosity. Comfortable B&B guesthouses in Botha's Hill also offer self-catering facilities, and there is a well-resourced backpackers' lodge for the more adventurous. Shongweni Dam, Game Reserve and Polo Grounds are close by, as are Inanda and Nagle Dams as well as Tala Game Reserve. A word of caution - if you want to stay in Botha's Hill during the Comrades or Dusi races, book well ahead!

Then there are the shopping centres such as the ever popular Hillcrest Heritage Market with its attractive rose gardens - a perfect place for a Sunday breakfast with the family, or after your mountain bike ride through Giba Gorge!

Accommodation

Places to stay with Accommodation in A Valley of a Thousand Hills, includes hotels, self catering accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfast, lodges etc