Friday 30 December 2011

Valley of a thousand hills.

One of the places Jane and I visited while I was in Durban for Christmas, was the small village of Botha's Hill, overlooking the Valley of a thousand hills. The valley, and there are literally a thousand hills, starts just outside of Durban and stretches almost to Pietermaritzburg, about 80km to the west.


The reason we went there, was to have lunch at a restaurant that overlooked the valley. A real tourist place but the food was excellent. Not your average fast food joint.


Click on pictures to enlarge.




Khoi pond on the terrace bellow the restaurant. It seems there must be some kind of law that states that every place that caters to tourist must have a Khoi pond. Not that I mind, I can watch fish swimming around all day. Just wish I had one of my fly rods with me.




A general view across part of the valley. This area is traditional Zulu territory, and very rural right on the edge of a big city.


  
All the little villages in the area are built right on top of the hills, the sides are too steep.




A very hazy view of another part of the valley.




Tetatively identified as a Cape rock thrush. Maybe my sister Jo at memorablemeanders.blogspot.com could confirm this for me.




Just another tourist enjoying the view. Vervet monkeys have thrived in and around Durban and can be quite a nuisance, living happily among their human "cousins".

8 comments:

OneStonedCrow said...

I'd love to spend some time in your part of the world - as a kid we journeyed from Jhb to the South Coast (2 adults and five kids in a Consul) but I don't remember much about the area ...

Best wishes for the New Year.

Pumice said...

I am sure you have heard it before but your pictures are giving me a totally different view of Africa. Intellectually I know it is more than desert and jungle but seeing it brings home the variety.

Fish ponds are required? Don't say that too loud or we might have some enterprising presidential candidate adopt that as part of their campaign platform.

Grace and peace.

Jo said...

Oh wow, Phillip, I really am homesick now, for KZN and the sixties when we travelled so often along the old road between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Your photos of the valley are really good. And spot on with the ID of the Cape Rock Thrush. (it's the male) Hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday today. Blessings and love and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Jo xxx

Mark Kautz said...

More beautiful country. Always a pleasure to tag along on your adventures, even if it is by photo.

Mark

Pat Tillett said...

What a beautiful place! The vista goes on forever. I'm sitting on top of a mountain at this very moment. Thanks for your nice comment earlier Phillip. I appreciate it.

Phillip said...

To Old Stoned Crow, I remember the Consul well. My dad had an old Zephyr, sort of big brother to the Consul. If you're ever come this way let me know. My cottage is small but always place for one more. Much like our mini bus taxi's.

Pumice, we all have our preconceived ideas. Mine of America are Tough Cowboys and beautiful women.

Jo glad you agreed with my bird Id.

Mark, always happy to share my "adventures".

Pat, I'm just happy you won your fight!

Gorges Smythe said...

Interesting territory!

Joyful said...

Beautiful. I especially like photos of the valley (stunning) and the little bird.