Parts of the various Saunters follow the challenging Comrades Marathon Route: the ultra-marathon which links Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Along Saunter 3, we follow a large chunk of the route and you will see the wall of plaques to those who managed it 10 times or more.
The views get more dramatic here as you wind up towards Monteseel with one of South Africa’s most famous rock climbing cliffs. Stretching out into the distance is the stunning Valley of 1000 Hills and KwaZulu-Natal’s Table Mountain forms a backdrop to unspoilt bush further along. There is a wonderful loop to Byrne, a Scottish Settler Valley.
It is also the start of protected places for wildlife. There are bush lodges and game reserves and it is all malaria free. We pass and visit the historic iNchanga Station and Museum with its ghosts of young English soldiers, dreaming of victory against the Boers as they tumble from trains into ox wagons and returning with the tatters of shredded dreams and bodies.
An outstanding Community project is on this route. The crafters’ and artists’ studios include a ceramicist making small wildlife pieces, a puzzle maker, painters of rural scenes and South African landscape, candle makers and more. Each is so different and all make this a very pleasant saunter.
For those seeking some physical action: you can bum slide into a river in a beautiful picnic spot, canoe with wild life around you, go white water rafting and there are wonderful walks. Visit a rural community to experience rural life and pace. Or, simply settle down to watch the wildlife, exercise your right arm in lifting a drink and get pampered by the Spa team.
There are various activities on this route and they will be added through early January.
City and Country Tours of Battlefields and tailor made Wildlife Safaris
38 Horseshoe Crescent, Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Stylish upcycled accessories and furnishings using old tyres, tubes and waste
237 Old Main Road, Botha's Hill, Hillcrest, South Africa
Craft shop with range of goods made by locals following skill development
27 Old Main Road, Botha's Hill, Hillcrest, South Africa
Corporate conference and team building venue in scenic country surrounds
CATO RIDGE, 14 Killarney Valley Road, Camperdown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Game reserve with plentiful and varied wildlife without the malaria risk
Tala Private Game Reserve, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
A luxurious boutique Eco-Lodge, with an elegant and personal touch.
Duma Manzi Eco Lodge & Spa, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Traditional Zulu shield making and scenic wildlife Safari Park
190 Old Main Road, Outer West Durban, South Africa
21 D157 Road, Camperdown Rural, South Africa
Enjoy the crafts and visit this landmark historical station
Station Road, Inchanga, South Africa
14 Protea Hill Road, Drummond, South Africa
Unique hand painted ornamental Nguni, horse & wildlife figurines
15 Warwickshire Crescent, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, South Africa
Memorable wedding venue surrounded by natural beauty & sounds of African bush.
Tala Private Game Reserve, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Down a peaceful, country road, Emoyeni Country Lodge is a great escape to the country
D113 District Rd, Camperdown, 3720
61 Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, South Africa
Handcrafted wooden puzzles, brain teasers, crafts, toys and games.
168 Old Main Road, Outer West Durban, South Africa
Its country style thatched roof and stone walled buildings perfectly complement the hotel’s stunning gardens and large Koi pond.
27 Clement Stott Road, Botha's Hill, Outer West Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tented treehouse accomodation for Event or Garden Spa guests
61 Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, South Africa
Ideal for a weekend getaway, holidays, base for tourists, businessmen, cyclists, mx & enduro enthusiasts.
CATO RIDGE, 2 Killarney Valley Road, Camperdown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Treat Café is all about decadence in its simplest forms, an unadulterated homage to deliciousness.
61 Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, South Africa
168 Old Main Road, Outer West Durban, South Africa
1 Fredville Road, Inchanga Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Virginia Farm, eZimwini Road, Eston, KwaZulu Natal (at eZimwini turn off from the R603)
Mfula Store, Msunduzi Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
412 Lucky James Ndlovu Road, KwaNuyswa, Bothas Hill
Family run country hotel in the picturesque & historic Byrne valley
The Oaks Hotel at Byrne, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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