Valley of 1000 Hills

Description

The Valley of 1000 Hills is a scenic and historic region between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal; named after the thousands of hills that tumble down towards the Umgeni River, which flows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean. It is here that the annual 3-day Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, covering 120 kilometres along the Msunduzi River.

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in the country, stretching from Botha’s Hill through to Drummond, Assegay and Shongweni, and offering plenty of fun, entertainment, and leisure opportunities for young and old.

The arts, crafts, galleries, coffee shops, candle makers and antiques that are available along the route will ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy, while the dense forests, plunging waterfalls and abundance of unspoilt nature attracts plentiful birdlife and wildlife to the area.

However, don’t let the beauty of the area fool you, as the hills hide the blood soaked drama that occurred here around two centuries ago with the arrival of King Shaka’s regiments.

Today, visitors can discover the ethnic customs and beliefs of the Zulu people that still live in the area, and view the welcoming beehive villages that have unmistakably ethnic motifs, while learning about the fascinating Zulu culture.