Upmarket homes, leafy gardens and trendy malls overlook an evergreen forested ravine flanked by steep cliffs. This describes the suburb of Kloof in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Kloof is a well-established suburb, accommodating some of the finest schools and colleges in the country. The suburb encompasses the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and the Molweni and Nkutu river catchment areas.
Kloof lies in a subtropical zone, however, it is 550m above sea level and has lower humidity levels than the coastal towns. It’s the kind of place that will have you wondering whether you would like to make your stay a permanent one.
Things to do
The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is on your doorstep. Visit the 584ha reserve to walk the dense forest for possible encounters with zebras, various buck and mongoose species, vervet monkeys, crowned eagles and the shy genet. There are viewing sites opposite the 90m high Kloof waterfall and picnic areas in the gorge.
The exclusive Kloof Country Club allows visitors to enjoy a game of golf on their USGA standard 18-hole golf course. The restaurant provides superb meals and you can expect a warm welcome from members at the bar.
The Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve nearby offers a host of activities such as hiking, game drives, fishing and rock climbing. A bat safari is available to view the various bats that roost in the old dam wall. The reserve is a national heritage site.
Catch the steam train leaving from Kloof station through the breath-taking Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga’s historic station and return. The train leaves every Sunday.
If you are pressed for time, the best way to see the city of Durban is on a Ricksha Bus. A three hour tour of the city includes the Golden Mile (beachfront extending from the Point to the Blue Lagoon), the uShaka Marine World theme park, Victoria Street Market where east meets west, and many other interesting sites.
Where to Eat
Deborah’s is a small bistro tucked away in Kloof offering residents (and alert visitors) divine homemade light meals and super fresh bakes.
Sprigs restaurant at the Fields Shopping Centre offers a seasonal menu, their terrific dishes determined by the fresh produce available from local suppliers. Order one of their fantastic picnic baskets for adults and children, perfect for a beach outing!
Set in the magnificent Makaranga Park, Nonna’s Restaurant is fairly pricey but offers nicely presented and tasty meals.
La Pizza Pazza Restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine popular with the crowds. Keep an eye out for the brilliant specials on offer.
Night Life
Tina’s Hotel has regular evening events that include quiz nights, curry evenings, comedy shows and locals showcasing their musical talent.
Where to Stay
A sunny climate, boundless nature and golden beaches and warm seas nearby. Now add excellent accommodation and friendly owners and staff to the mix and you have a recipe for the perfect holiday destination in Kloof.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, 50km from Kloof.
Car There many car rental agencies in Durban city centre and at King Shaka airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Several metered taxis and shuttle service companies operate out of Durban and the airport for travel to and from Kloof.
Did you know?
The Kloof Conservancy was established by a group of volunteers in 1993 with the aim of protecting and preserving the biodiversity found in the Kloof area. Kloof is located in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots of which there are only 34. The volunteers also educate and involve schools and the community to try and raise awareness.
A local physiotherapist offers holistic treatments to humans and small animals, the treatments include onsite visits to equine and small animal hospitals. Evaluating an animal’s symptoms is done through Clinical Reasoning and is based on the physiotherapist’s expertise of anatomy and bio-mechanics.
