THE UPPER HIGHWAY

There is nothing more appealing than the Upper Highway and its suburbs, comprising of Hillcrest, Waterfall, Kloof, Gillitts, Assagay and Bothas Hill. Located from 22km west of Durban in KwaZulu Natal, it is reputed to have one of the healthiest climates in the world. Located within the sub-tropical climatic zone, its elevation of approximately 650m above sea level and also its position, ensures a temperate climate all year round. There has been incredible growth in the Upper Highway over the past 8 years but even with its potential and beautiful climate, there still remains the significant ‘village vibe’. M13 highway runs parallel to it.

Attractions

Kloof Country Club

The Kloof Country Club offers a combination of dining, recreational and conference facilities, that are unequalled in the Upper Highway area, as well as several sporting facilities. Choose from an exhilarating game of tennis or squash, or take to the immaculate 18-hole golf course, then cool off in the sparkling pool - the perfect way to relax after a sporting day.

 

Kranzkloof Nature Reserve

The Kranzkloof Nature Reserve boasts an abundance of wildlife. It affords spectacular views across the well-forested gorge cut by the Molweni River. Most of the reserve's 532 hectares are covered by dense forest and vegetation. Its best known attraction is the delightful and well-developed picnic area adjacent to the dam at the head of the Kloof Falls.

The Valley of 1000 Hills

The 1000 Hills Experience - The pristine beauty and soothing tranquility of the Valley of a Thousand Hills has always wooed artists and crafters. The new 1000 Hills Experience Route features Zulu Cultural villages and stunning mountain vistas as the backdrop to a wealth of creative talent. This fascinating tourist experience, which follows the Comrades Marathon Route, is all about rolling hills, valleys, gorges, forests, rivers and scenic dams.

HILLCREST

Founded in 1895 as a farming settlement, Hillcrest was formerly a sleepy village on the outskirts of Durban that has now become a booming suburb incorporated into the greater Durban area known as the eThekwini Municipal Area (EMA). Hill Crest (as the town's name was variously spelt until 1969) was founded on a rise in the main road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in 1895 as a farming or "weekend" village, then a good distance from what was the emerging port of Port Natal. The village was laid out as leasehold sites on portion of the farm Albinia owned by William Gillitt, one of the main pioneer families of the area and after which the nearby suburb of Gillitts is named.

In 1903 the first school in the village was established in a wood and iron cottage in Hospital Road leased to a Mrs McMillian, the principal of the the first Highbury School, by Horace Acutt.

When the first Hillcrest Health Committee was established in 1943, the total all race population was 1135 persons and only the Main Road was hardened. Nkutu Road was hardened with klinker in 1947. This was followed in 1951 with the hardening of the first portion of Inanda Road. In 1962 blacktopping of selected roads in the central area began, followed by further roads in 1965. By 1971, when Town Board status was obtained, the total population had grown to 2799 persons.

The Hillcrest Waste Water Treatment Plant was finally established in the 1990s, then serving only the central commercial area of the village with phased extensions planned in time, with other areas continuing on septic tanks.

The town celebrated its centenary in 1995 and has since then seen an incredible increase in inhabitants migrating from more central areas in Durban

Hillcrest now hosts many new middle-income residential estates such as the renowned Plantations, due to the recent and rather swift expansion of the town.

The town centre has also undergone immense change since it's earlier days, with shopping centres literally at every corner. It boasts a very clean environment and an almost rustic vibe, with scenic views.

With an exciting night life of clubs, pubs and an ever increasing list of trendy restaurants. The town is situated close to the famous Valley of 1000 Hills which is in itself a popular tourist destination. Shongweni Dam provides visitors with decent fishing and picnic facilities, whilst the Game Reserve proves to be an amazing hiking and birdwatching venue. Other interests are the Shongweni Polo Grounds, Springside Nature Reserve for scenic trails, golf courses which include Augusta and Camelot and Inanda Dam.

PROPERTY

The South African property market, though still arguably undervalued has seen high growth since 2003 and most prime Kloof properties sell for between R2,000,000 and R3,000,000 which is well above the regional average (which is under R800,000.) The larger homes, rarely on the market, are sold for between R6,000,000 and R30,000,000. These are, however, still at a discount by international standards.

Although it is regarded as a mature suburb, with most of the Upper Highway Area's recent condominium developments taking place in neighbouring Hillcrest, rich residents and newcomers are still building large houses where land is available, though these are built in Tuscan, Tudorbethan and modern designs. Today one can find almost any style of architecture in Kloof.

Schools in the area:

Kloof Pre-Primary School

Physical Address 15 Old Main Road Kloof 3610
Contact Number 031 764 1577
Website http://www.kloofpp.org.za/

Hillcrest Primary School

Physical Address 17 Emoyeni Drive Hillcrest 3610
Contact Number 031 765 1214
Website http://www.hcps.co.za/

Kloof Junior Primary School

Physical Address 30 Abelia Rd Kloof 3610
Contact Number 031 764 3157
Website http://www.kloofjp.org.za/

Kloof Senior Primary School

Physical Address 1 Patrick Duncan Road Kloof 3610
Contact Number 031 764 0211
Website http://www.kloofsp.org.za/

Hillcrest High School

Physical Address 40 Ridge Road Hillcrest 3610
Contact Number 031 765 1215
Website http://www.hhs.co.za

Kearsney College

Physical Address Old Main Road Bothas Hill Hillcrest 3610
Contact Number 031 765 9600
Website http://www.kearsney.com/

Kloof High School

Physical Address 34 Emolweni Road Kloof 3610
Contact Number 031 764 0451
Website http://www.kloof-high.co.za/

Thomas More College

Physical Address 15 Sykes Road Kloof 3610
Contact Number 031 764 5115
Website http://www.thomasmore.co.za/


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