Pinetown
Description
Pinetown is a small town between Kloof and Westville, just 16km west of Durban. Home to one of the oldest cricket clubs in KwaZulu-Natal, a number of museums, shopping malls, nature reserves, and close to 15km of golden beaches, Pinetown is fast becoming a popular holiday destination.
Named after the governor of Natal, Sir Benjamin Pine, Pinetown was established on the route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in the mid-19th century. Pinetown officially stretches from Caversham Glen to Manors, and is situated at the foot of Field’s Hill, within easy access of the M13 and other major routes.
Pinetown has plenty of historical sites of interest, including the Pinetown Museum, Maritime Museum, Local History Museum, Durban Natural Science Museum, Kwa Muhle Museum, Old Court House, Old House Museum, Bergtheil Museum, City Hall, and Cato Manor Heritage Centre.
Marianhill Monastery is located on the outskirts of Pinetown. Founded by Trappist monks in 1882 as a Catholic Mission, it boasts impressive architecture and design, from stunning frescos on the cathedral ceiling to stained glass windows. Today the monastery is known for its organic produce which can be enjoyed in the tea room. The Trappist Trail starts at Marianhill Monastery and visits 10 mission stations built by Trappist monks in the southern Midlands.
Nature lovers will enjoy hanging out at Umgeni River Bird Park or Mitchell Park with picnic and braai spots and a small zoo with tortoises, monkeys, raccoons, and a walk-through aviary. The New Germany Nature Reserve has picnic and braai areas, hiking trails, and a hide at a waterhole where you can spot nyala, impala, zebra, and samango monkeys. Paradise Valley Nature Reserve has an easy walk to a waterfall where you can spot dassies, bushbuck, and blue duiker.
Just 13km from Pinetown, you’ll find 15km of beaches known as the Golden Mile, stretching from Suncoast Casino to uShaka Marine World. These beaches are excellent for swimming, surfing, sun tanning, paddling, and boogey boarding. The coastline is fantastic for diving and snorkelling. Both Vetch’s Reef (5m) and the wreck of the Odd (7m) are easily reached by swimming from the shore. The water temperature ranges from 18 - 26 ?C and visibility can be anything from 3 - 30m.
There are great sports facilities in and around Pinetown such as Pinetown Cricket Club, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and King’s Park Stadium. Play a round of golf at Durban Country Club, Amanzimtoti Golf Club, Zimbali Country Club, Kloof Country Club, Mt Edgecombe Golf Club, and Umhlali Golf Club.
Shopping enthusiasts will love Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the Heritage Market, or Pavilion Shopping Centre. Other activities include fishing, horse riding, cycling, and mountain biking at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park.
Pinetown offers a great selection of adventure and leisure activities that make it an ideal holiday destination close to Durban.