For many up country families, Durban beach holidays have been tainted by problems resulting from a neglectful Municipality. We ask you to re-look at Durban and we show you ways of enjoying the area and re-kindling those wonderful holidays you used to have.
Just 20 minutes from the beach is an area called the Upper Highway. These are the up market towns and residential areas which straddle the highway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, specifically as the road rises high above Durban and leaves industrial Pinetown behind and below. The towns are Kloof, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Shongweni, Bothas Hill and their surrounds. Hillcrest is 650m above sea level. The mugginess of Durban is seldom here and the evenings are cooler There are summer mists and it has been described as having the best climate in the country. Holidays in winter are as good as the summer ones and beach days are possible even in July as the Indian Ocean coastal waters are warm.
The Upper Highway is scenically lovely. Lush vegetation gives way to savannah and game rich areas as you move towards Pietermaritzburg. The gardens are beautiful. Older ones are full of wonderful trees and many have enormous azaleas which put on a fantastic show when in flower. Birdlife is prolific… as are the Vervet monkeys. There are lovely places to hike, bike, saunter at a leisurely pace or trail run.
In many ways, this area competes with the Midlands as there is a wealth of creative talent here. There is no obligation to buy when you visit our open art and craft studios… just book ahead. Most are scenic trips in themselves as they are in lovely settings. You can also find small pieces for unique gifts as well as that to die for piece that will make your home. With craft workshops, quilting classes and pottery lessons, there is plenty to bring out creativity.
If you are searching for antiques and collectibles, the area is a treasure hunter’s delight. You will find vintage clothing and fabric, gorgeous pieces of furniture, record collections and Art Deco jewellery. Good food, fabulous gorges and waterfalls, one of South Africa’s top markets, the stunning Valley of 1000 Hills… the area has it all. PLUS, you can, in 20 minutes, be cycling along the marine promenade in Durban or visiting the excellent uShaka Marine World. It is just 40 minutes to the North Coast Blue Flag beaches and to buzzy Umhlanga Rocks.
The Saunter has divided the Upper Highway into 4 routes, making exploring easier. See the Itinerary section on our website for maps and details. Every option is hand -picked from high recommendations. The beauty of this area is that nothing is a huge distance away, making it a cost effective area to explore. As summer approaches and Cape prices rise with the influx of foreign tourists on their stronger currencies… the areas around Durban become increasingly attractive. For those from other countries, you get to explore the most ethnically mixed area in South Africa, making this a true South African experience.
Enjoy the photos… they are a tiny sample of what is available in the area. Click on each for more details. Very happy Sauntering!
