Take the time to travel along the wagon route of yesteryear from Durban into the hinterland. It is a leisurely wander that needs to be enjoyed in an unhurried manner. Surrounded by thousands of hills that literally roll as far as the eye can see, it is easy to ascertain how the route got its name. The views create a breathtaking backdrop to the wealth of creative talent in the area. On the 1000 Hills Experience you can visit an authentic Zulu cultural village, take in a host of interesting bric-a-brac shops, stop off at curio stalls, have lunch or simply sip tea in some of the magnificent tea gardens and restaurants overlooking those thousands of hills.

Traveling via Pinetown and the scenic route through Kloof and Botha's Hill we drive to the Valley of a 1000 hills. Africa-o-Africa Tours will introduce you to an awesome display of Zulu culture and heritage. Catch Zulu Dancing, learn about their customs and beliefs and visit "the Sangoma"(witch doctor) in her regalia. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. You could take an optional game drive into the valley

This old scenic road cannot be driven at speed. It is a leisurely wander for those who have the time to sightsee and is thoroughly worth the drive. On a clear day, the views into the great valley are breathtaking. First glimpse of the valley with it's literally thousands of hills is opposite Heidi's Farm Stall at Botha's Hill. As you near Cato Ridge, you will see KwaZulu-Natal's flat topped "Table Mountain" or Ikhambhatini which reaches a height of 960m. The Umgeni River flows into the Nagle Dam at the foot of Table Mountain. A vibrant Zulu cultural experience can be enjoyed at Izintaba Cultural Village (Rob Roy Hotel) and PheZulu Safari Park.
Route T1 runs alongside the railway line which visitors can travel with the 1000 Hills Choo Choo steam train. The Comrades Marathon halfway point and wall of honour is at Drummond just before the 1000 Hills Hotel. Visitors should make a point of stopping at the quaint village of Drummond where a faded road sign announces the midway point between Durban and Pietermaritzburg and shows the direction to Cape Town and Cairo. It is here that wagon drivers would camp for the night after gruelling days travelling from the old Port Natal (Durban) towards the hinterland.
Many pubs and small inns sprung up along the old wagon route to cater for the travellers. Cornellius Botha opened the wayside inn known as Botha's Halfway House in Botha's Hill around 1849 and Rob Roy Hotel opened in the early 1930's to cater for tired executives from the big city. Today locals are as hospitable and tourist minded as ever and visitors will find a wonderful range of pubs, tea gardens, hotels and restaurants dotted between the array of craft studios and art galleries.

Route T2 is a loop route running from Kloof Falls Road in Kloof and joining Inanda Road in Hillcrest. This pretty route winds through the scenic suburbs of Kloof, Forest Hills, Waterfall and Crestholme and takes travellers through the Krantzkloof Gorge with its spectacular cliff-top views, streams, waterfalls and picnic sites.
The name Kloof is derived from the deep 10km long cleft through the hills. The Molweni River (the place of high cliffs) flows into this cleft over a fine waterfall. The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve was established in 1950 and covers 532 hectares which is home to bush pig, red buck, bush buck, grey and blue duiker, vervet monkeys and serval cats, a myriad of bird species and trees and flowers of all varieties.
The 1000 Hills Choo Choo has end of month departures from Kloof Station set in the heart of Kloof Village.

Route T3 is starting at the foot of Bothas Hill and ending at the Assegay Hotel. Dotted with smallholdings, the road along Alverstone Hill provides lovely views over the valley. The old railway line runs through Assagay which was part of the old farm Assagay Kraal.

This scenic 16km drive descends to the floor of the Valley of a Thousand Hills - the deeply eroded and most majestic valley of the river known as the Mngeni (place of the acacia trees).
One of the more strenuous ways of travelling this route is by canoe! In January of each year, the Duzi River Canoe Marathon begins in the centre of Pietermaritzburg on the Msunduze River as far as its confluence with the Umgeni where it reaches the Valley of a Thousand Hills and from there to the sea at Durban.
A less gruelling way to experience the beauty of the valley floor is by road. The T4 is a loop route which starts at Cato Ridge Airfield and ends at Inchanga.

The Shongweni Shuffle starts along Kassier Road crossing the N3 where it forks leading to Shongweni Village along T5 and Shongweni Dam along T6. the name Shongweni is derived from Ntshongweni which means column of smoke referring to the spray of the waterfall on the Ugede River. The Shongweni dam lies in a deep depression formed by the Mlazi, Sterkfontein and Ugede rivers. The scenery of the area is dominated by spectacular sandstone cliffs, steep gorges and valleys

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