Hi, I’m Jo-Anne from Eagle Wind Manor Guest House in Botha’s Hill in Durban in KwaZulu Natal.
Botha’s Hill IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the start of the Midlands Meander.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Eagle Wind Manor in our gorgeous tree garden with the beauty of the guest house as your backdrop.
THE BEST daytime PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT on the brink of our doorstep at the breath taking Valley of 1000 Hills.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD you can swim in our sparkling pool, or for those wishing to visit places further afield, there are many attractions in the greater Durban / eThekwini area and KwaZulu Natal which are within easy reach, such as the beautiful beaches, fascinating Dive Sites, the Sharks Board, uShaka Marine World, and many others.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD you can visit The Pavilion Shopping Mall, a mere 20 minutes’ drive away, with Umhlanga’s famous Gateway Theatre of Shopping about 40 minutes away. The Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is also within reach.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS anytime, BECAUSE we lack the humidity of the coastal regions and the winters are sunny, fresh and crisp!
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Eagle Wind Manor as we serve a full buffet and an English breakfast every day!
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST five minute trip to Hillcrest where you are spoilt for choice, or a picnic in our garden.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Olive and Oil (Old Main Road Hillcrest), or Stretza and Butcher Boys (both found in the Heritage Market).
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM McDonald’s on Old Main Road.
MY FAVOURITE cultural SPOT IS Pre Zulu which not only offers light snacks overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills but also 4×4 game drives, live Crocodile shows and a variety of indigenous snakes.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Franky Banana’s, Station Masters Arms (Inanada Road) or Stockers (in Kloof).
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Farmers Market held every Sat. morning from 6.30am – 10.30am.
Botha’s Hill’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS The View Pancake Café with spectacular views of the Valley of 1000 Hillls.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to have lunch with friends at Bellevue Café in Kloof and take a stroll through Fat Tuesday, which is attached to the Café and it’s amazing selection of goodies including many locally made items.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO enjoy The Camp Orchard Spa or Bridget Filmer (Kloof).
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY The Spirit of Adventure located in the Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve. Activities include Rock climbing, abseiling / ramp jumping, a wide range of water activities as well as obstacle courses.
MY FAVOURITE WALK / HIKE IS at the Makaranga Lodge located in Kloof – stroll through the beautiful gardens with many sculptures on display. Drive through to Tala Game Reserve which is a Wildlife Sanctuary which spans over 3000 Hectares of natural plains. As there are no predatory game the game rides are relaxed and fun for all family members.
MY FAVOURITE clothes boutique SHOP IS Scoop (found in the Hillcrest Corner Shopping Centre).
MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Kloof Gorge (Krantzkloof Nature reserve) where birdlife and wildlife is abundant.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN June, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Comrades Marathon as runners pass the Guest House either up to Pietermaritzburg or on their way down to Durban. This alternates each year.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS NSA gallery in Glenwood (30 minute drive). CHECK OUT THE craft shop and relax in the coffee shop while the kids are entertained on the jungle gym.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS The Oyster Box Hotel, FOR ITS Mediterranean / Colonial look and feel.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Giba Gorge, which offers bike tracks, off road mountain bike routes, a huge play area and a coffee shop for Mom! For younger kids you can’t go wrong with the Duck ‘n Deck with their assortment of animals, animal feeding, pony rides, jungle gyms and a coffee shop, or The Lucky Bean with dress up for kids and lots of other activities undercover for inclement weather.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a meander through 1000 Hills.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO spoil myself at one of the many spas in the area.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS at Creatures and Critters next door with their unusual and exotic reptiles and insects.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Eagle Wind Manor just soaking up the tranquillity and gorgeous surroundings.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I recycle and help with charities.
I Love Bothas Hill BECAUSE it is in the countryside without being too far from the city life!
Bothas Hill Info
- Botha’s Hill Attractions
- Botha’s Hill Accommodation
- KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
- KwaZulu Natal Hotels
- Accommodation South Africa
Desirable Digits
Natal Sharks Board: +27 (0)31 566-0499
uShaka Marine World: +27 (0)31 328-8000
The Pavilion Shopping Mall: +27 (0)31 275-9800
Gateway Theatre of Shopping: +27 (0)31 566-2332
Olive and Oil: +27 (0)31 201-6146
Butcher Boys: +27 (0)33 342-5700
Franky Banana’s: +27 (0)31 765-8395
Station Masters Arms: +27 (0)31 765-6647
Stockers: +27 (0)31 764-6706
Farmer’s Market: +27 (0)83 777-1674
Bellevue Café: +27 (0)31 717-2780
Bridget Filmer: +27 (0)31 767-1668
The Spirit of Adventure: +27 (086 133-3919
Giba Gorge: +27 (0)31 769-1527
Duck ‘n Deck: +27 (0)31 768-1029
The Lucky Bean: +27 (0)82 216-3892
Creatures and Critters: +27 (0)31 765-6338
