Things to Do in Hillcrest: A Guide to the Upper Highway

The Upper Highway corridor between Kloof and Botha's Hill is one of the most underrated day-trip destinations in KZN. Forested gorges, craft markets, small-batch breweries and wildlife parks sit within twenty minutes of each other, and most locals have only tried half of them. Here are ten reasons to spend a Saturday exploring.

Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

A 590-hectare reserve straddling the Molweni River gorge between Kloof and Waterfall. The Nkutu Falls Trail is the headline walk: about 6 km return with a 200-metre descent to the gorge floor and a waterfall at the bottom. Vervet monkeys, crowned eagles and the occasional bushbuck. Allow three to four hours and bring water. Entry is free.

Kloof · Open in Google Maps

Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market

Every Saturday morning from 6am to 11am, the Shongweni grounds fill with over 200 stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, biltong, baked goods, plants and crafts. It is the biggest outdoor market in KZN and one of the most social mornings you can have on the Upper Highway. Arrive before 8am if you want parking close to the entrance.

Shongweni · Open in Google Maps

PheZulu Safari Park

A Valley of 1000 Hills institution. The park combines a Zulu cultural village, a crocodile and snake park, and game drives with giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and other plains game. The cultural dance performance runs daily and the views across the valley from the park entrance are worth the drive alone. Popular with school groups but not overcrowded on weekday mornings.

Old Main Road, Botha's Hill · Open in Google Maps

Valley of 1000 Hills Scenic Drive

The R103 between Hillcrest and Drummond follows the ridge above the Umgeni River valley. Pull over at any of the marked viewpoints and the landscape drops away into a green, folded carpet of hills. On a clear day you can see from the Nagle Dam to the coast. Stop at the roadside stalls for avocados, macadamias and locally made jam.

R103, between Hillcrest and Drummond · Open in Google Maps

Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park

Over 40 km of single track through indigenous bush, graded from green (family-friendly) to black (technical descents and rock gardens). Trail running is equally popular. The onsite cafe is good, the atmosphere is relaxed, and Sunday mornings have a club ride feel. Hire bikes are available for visitors who want to try without committing.

Near Pinetown · Open in Google Maps

Springside Nature Reserve

A small, accessible reserve on the edge of Hillcrest with easy walking trails through grassland and forest patches. The loop trail takes about an hour and is flat enough for families with young children. Birdwatching is excellent in the early morning: look for the Knysna turaco in the forest canopy. No entry fee.

Old Main Road, Hillcrest · Open in Google Maps

Shongweni Dam

Bass fishing, canoeing, bird hides and picnic spots along the dam shore. The dam is stocked and popular with fly fishers, while the surrounding bushveld supports a healthy bird list. It is quieter than Albert Falls and closer to Hillcrest, making it a genuine midweek escape for anyone who needs water and silence without the drive.

Shongweni · Open in Google Maps

Green Belt Walks in Kloof

Kloof's suburban green belt connects parks, stream corridors and forest patches through a network of walking routes. The trails are well-marked, free to use, and quiet enough to hear birdsong ten minutes from the M13. It is the kind of walk you can do in running shoes after work without needing to drive anywhere first.

Various access points, Kloof · Open in Google Maps

Assagay Village

A small cluster of garden nurseries, farm stalls and artisan food shops just off the N3. The area is known for its nurseries, some of the best indigenous plant collections in KZN, and a Saturday morning spent browsing, picking up fresh herbs and stopping for coffee is one of the Upper Highway's most reliable low-key days out.

Assagay, off the N3 · Open in Google Maps

Tala Game Reserve

A private game reserve 30 minutes from Hillcrest with self-drive game viewing, horseback safaris and picnic areas. The reserve has rhino, giraffe, zebra, hippo and over 300 bird species. No big cats, but the proximity to Hillcrest and the relaxed pace make it one of the best family game drives close to Durban.

Umbumbulu Road, Tala Valley · Open in Google Maps