Top 10 Amazing Facts about Valley of a Thousand Hills

KwaZulu-Natal landscape near Mdloti River by Michael Wittwer from Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Valley of a Thousand Hills

Every year, the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon is held in the Valley of Thousand Hills. The valley is distinguished by the scenic beauty created by the Mngeni River and its tributes. The valley of 1000 hills, located between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, is known for its breathtaking scenery of greenery and the clearest blue sky that South Africa has to offer.

The valley provides an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best with a complete backdrop for some memorable photographs. The Valley of Thousand Hills is also a palace for experiencing and celebrating South Africa’s untainted beauty. It’s a great place to visit if you want to immerse in both nature and Zulu culture.

Here are the top 10 intriguing truths about the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

1. The Valley of a Thousand Hills lies in KwaZulu-Natal province

KwaZulu-Natal landscape near Mdloti River by Michael Wittwer from Wikimedia Commons

The scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills is twenty miles from Durban’s beautiful beaches, at the entrance to KwaZulu-Midlands. Natal’s valley is situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the provincial capital.

2. The Valley of a Thousand Hills’ geological area cuts across a vast landscape

The valley’s geological area extends from Cato Ridge in the west to Kloof in the east. It coincides with the boundaries of the Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s outer west region.

Cato Ridge, Inchanga, Hammarsdale, Drummond, Peacevale, Botha’s Hill, Assagay, Hillcrest, and Winston Park are within the valley. Waterfall, Ngcolosi, Crestholme, Gillitts, Everton, and Kloof zones are also located in the valley. The valley is divided into wealthier regions found on higher ground and lower ground with low-income households.

3. The Valley of a Thousand Hills has outstanding scenery

This site is a popular tourist attraction. It has many faultless vistas of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The area is best explored by car, as there are scenic roads that run through the heart of the valley and provide breathtaking views.

4. Zulu culture and heritage are evident in the valley

Zulu Culture show at KwaZulu-Natal by South African Tourism from Wikimedia Commons

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is well-known for its rich Zulu culture. The province was once home to powerful Zulu tribes and villages. There was a lot of fighting in this area to keep it from being taken over by the powerful British and Boers.

It now serves as a history of the price paid to reserve this area and its Zulu heritage, which visitors enjoy today. The region contains many cultural villages that are still in use today. Visiting these villages allows you to learn about the traditional lives of the South Africans who live in these parts.

5. The Valley’s Arts and Crafts community has unique creations

A Thousand Hills valley has served as an inspiration to some of South Africa’s most creative and talented artists. It is home to crafters who work in a variety of media, including wood, metal, and clay, as well as glass beads, wax, and fabrics.

When you get the chance to visit, the valley has a strong influence on sophisticated handmade works of interesting styles of art and crafts that will blow your mind. Consider ethnic décor, jewelry, paintings, and ornaments that you would normally see in a craft store.

6. Shongweni Game Reserve and Dam are top landmarks

It is the valley’s most peaceful and prominent reserve. They offer a variety of activities, including hiking trails through the stunning thorn bush vegetation and the chance to see the wild game, like bushbuck, wildebeest, rhinos, and giraffes.

Bird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the shy pygmy kingfisher and the magnificent African fish eagle. It’s also a great place for some rock climbing cliffs in the country, and adrenaline junkies will enjoy the rap jump down the dam wall. The dam is also a great place to go fishing and canoeing.

There are several other fantastic nature reserves in the valley to visit, such as the Assagay, Springside, and Krantzkloof George nature reserves that provide ideal accommodation and experience. Making them worth a shot.

7. You can tour the Umgeni and Shongweni valleys

Umgeni river in the Valley of a Thousand Hills by NRJ from Wikimedia Commons

Many locals in the Umgeni and Shongweni valleys have retained their traditional ways of life. This gives the area a powerful history to explore and learn more about the culture. Expand your knowledge about the Zulu culture by taking a guided tour of the tribal lands. During the excursion, you will be able to witness authentic Zulu ceremonies and customs.

8. PheZulu Safari Park is packed with adventure

The PheZulu Safari Park is headlined for its Zulu dancing and cultural shows, as well as game drives, trips to see local curios, and visits to crocodile and snake parks. Those with adventurous taste buds can also try crocodile steak at PheZulu’s crocodilian restaurant.

9. Shongweni Farmer’s market offers a perfect food trip

On weekends, the Shongweni Farmer’s Market in the valley is a good place to go. It was once a rustic and basic farmer’s market that was later upgraded to permanent premises and is now one of the valley’s most promising places. It offers fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as freshly baked goods, and is worth a visit early in the morning. It is open every Saturday during the morning hours.

10. Ride the Umgeni Steam Railway Train

Umgeni Steam Railway, locomotive by Simian from Wikimedia Commons

The Umgeni Steam Railway Train is one of the valley’s oldest attractions. Enjoy the 1912 locomotive steam puff on the wonderful journey that runs on railway lines dating back to the early 1800s, making it the oldest operating track in history.

When the colonial station is on, the Inchaga has a local craft market. Before returning through the magnificent valley, passengers can buy some crafts and homemade food.

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is a highlight for those interested in both scenery and untouched cultural South African history. The Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean can be seen from here. The weather is always great, making it a classic location for a car ride through the valley roads as you take in spectacular views.