A hundred reasons to visit the Valley of a Thousand Hills

TThe world-famous Comrades Marathon runs through here in June and the Amashova cycle race follows the same route in October. The raging Umgeni River in the valley below is the testing ground for participants in the gruelling Dusi Canoe Marathon every February.

This region is also home to the 1000 Hills Chefs School, one of the country's top culinary schools and training ground for a number of the world's top chefs; bespoke wooden furniture by Shelldon; the 1000 Hills Bird Park and the early Saturday morning Shongweni Farmers' Market in Assagay. There are activities from morning to noon – so make sure your energy levels are high and ready.

For generations, the Zulu people have lived in and around the valley, and no visit is complete without a trip to one of the Zulu cultural villages. Here you can gain insight into the culture and traditions of one of the largest of South Africa’s cultural groups. Traditional dancing and cultural shows are showcased at Phezulu Safari Park, while crafts and curios are sold at the 1000 Hills Arts and Crafts Village.

MMariannhill Monastery, established by Roman Catholic monks more than a century ago, boasts striking architecture and an art gallery, while the Umgeni Choo-Choo steam train departs from Kloof Station on the last Sunday of every month and winds through the Valley to Inchanga for lunch before returning home.

The nature reserves of Assagay, Springside and Krantzkloof Gorge offer respite from the bustle of the modern urban lifestyle, but the adventurous might prefer paragliding or rock climbing at Inchanga and Monteseel, or mountain biking at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park.

From the establishment of European settlers to the vibrant Zulu culture, which gives the area its distinctive identity, the Valley of a Thousand Hills has a rich heritage.