Meet Us in the Middle

How often do you visit Hillcrest? It’s kind of an in-between area – a middle place if you will – and is often overshadowed by other spots around the KZN countryside and coastlines. It’s time to give this area some love and share a few great places that you must visit during your next Hillcrest trip!

 

Before we do anything, let’s start with food. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market’s main attraction is their incredible food offering. You can get a taste of the world right here with Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Msanzi magic, Mexican, Taiwanese, Thai, Turkish and vegan dishes. The market also caters to Muslim visitors by serving Halaal meals from certain vendors. The Standing Room in the main hall serves the market’s refreshing craft beer and gin. With free entrance, the market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is fully wheelchair accessible and pets are welcome too!

 

If you would like a more intimate setting for your lunch in Hillcrest, Bona Terra Café is a family-style restaurant that offers a ‘home away from home’. Their menu caters to a variety of tastes, from hearty pizzas and burgers to delicious quiches and salads filled with locally grown produce. There are also freshly baked cakes, decadent milkshakes and a selection of cocktails expertly made by the café’s mixologists.

 

Photo by Graham Gillett

There are a few fun gems nestled in the area, and the kiddies will just love this one! Umngeni Steam Railway does a 75-minute train trip from Inchanga Railway Station to Botha’s Hill Railway Station. The train will take you through lush green landscapes with scenery of the Valley of a 1000 Hills and one of the oldest operating tunnels in South Africa. The train is known as “Wesley”, a Class 19D locomotive that was built in 1938!

 

For something more creative, The Flower Farm is a speciality cut flower farm that is open for flower-picking mornings every weekend. It’s a perfect stop for flower enthusiasts or anyone who loves the beautiful outdoors! Visitors can walk through the fields of flowers and take their pick, forming their customised bouquets. This allows for a full sensory experience and connecting with the natural environment.

 

If you would like to stay a night or two in Hillcrest, here are two unique places to give a try. Valley Lodge is a guesthouse accommodating leisure and business stays with ten individually themed and beautifully decorated garden loft suites, which have a private lounge (some of these have a sleeper couch), a fully-equipped kitchen, a bedroom and two bathrooms. There are also standard or deluxe rooms to choose from. Indulge in delicious meals in the comfort of your own suite or dine in their elegant dining room. You can also unwind and relax by the swimming pool, surrounded by a lush tropical garden.

 

Another option is Fawn Castle. This spot provides four-star upmarket accommodation, sporting 12 suites that are all en-suite with air conditioning, microwaves, DSTV and Netflix. There are conference facilities for guests who stay for business trips, a swimming pool and peaceful gardens. You can also sip on a coffee in the Manor House’s lounge and terraced area while admiring the tranquil surroundings.

 

While there is still so much to cover in Hillcrest, this is just a taster. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend away, meet us in the middle and enjoy all that Hillcrest offers!

 

www.shongwenimarket.co.za

Facebook: @nolbonaterracafe

www.umgenisteamrailway.com

Facebook: @theflowerfarmdurban

www.valleylodge.net

www.fawncastle.co.za

Opening image: Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market by Stuart Quierpel