Location: Pinetown
Top Things to do in Pinetown
What to do and see in Pinetown, South Africa: The Best Places and Tips
Pinetown is a town that is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, just inland from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Pinetown is situated 16 km west of Durban at an elevation of 1,000 to 1,300 feet (305 to 395 m).
Restaurants in Pinetown
1. Makaranga Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Jeffthehangman - Ballito, South Africa
Visited the Makaranga Botanical Gardens in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal with friends. Walking around in this lush expertly maintained Gardens gives one an appreciation of life.
I found myself relaxed and carefree.
Accommodation available with various rooms to choose from, on sire restaurant and amble security.
2. Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 2016msm - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Paradise Valley Reserve is one of nature’s gems tucked away in KwaZulu-Natal near Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg. The lush coastal forest and grasslands have local history including “80 mysterious burial mounds” and the remains of The Umbilo Waterworks. Built in 1887, The Waterworks is a South African national monument.
History
“In the late 19th Century, Durbanites caught the train to Pinetown Bridge and walked down to The Waterworks for a day's picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking. In 1905, came the flood that put an end to Durban's Umbilo Dam. In just 15 hours almost 16 inches of rain fell, and logs, bamboo, and other debris blocked the river at Pinetown Bridge. The railway bridge gave way, and the ensuing tidal wave killed hundreds of people and destroyed countless homes on the lower Umbilo riverbanks. By then, Durban had alternative water supplies, so the dam wasn't rebuilt.”
Hiking Trails
There are four hiking trails in the Reserve - Duiker, Bushbuck, Waterfall, and Dormouse. They begin at the Interpretive Centre and head down through the picnic area. The start of the Waterfall Trail is about a 30-minute walk over old wooden Bridges on the other side of the Umbilo River. The Waterfall Trail leads through thick jungle-like terrain with large strelitzias - wild banana trees - and then over beautiful flat river rock.
Waterfalls
The waterfall’s spectacular viewing platform is at the bottom of Umbilo Falls just beyond the turn off to the Duiker trail. There’s a large pool below the falls, but the water quality is poor and swimming in the Umbilo River isn’t recommended. The trail passes yellowwood trees, small ponds, and the historical waterworks slipway.
3. Bonana Tours & Transfers
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Richard M - UK
We visited Durban on a cruise and had only a day available to us. We contacted Tezz via the internet and she showed great flexibility in proposing a day that fitted our interests and covered most of the key places worth seeing in and around...MoreThank you so much for taking the time to do a review for me. I loved giving you a snap-shot of Durban and its surrounds, and hope you will visit again one day!
4. Aqua Wild Africa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Come learn to dive with our Scuba diving courses - Various packages on offer. We also cater for all dive enthusiasts. Dive at all the top dive sites in KZN. Cater for those who want to see the beautiful colourful reef fish or those who want to hunt for the Giant Brindle Bass or the Adrenaline Junkie who wants to dive with the Tiger Sharks (no cage). Reef and wreck dives are most popular.
Reviewed By Nolan G
I recently dived Aliwal Shoal with Aqua Wild. I had a fantastic experience and as result I highly recommend Aqua Wild. Daniele from Aqua Wild is passionate about marine species, extremely knowledgeable and one of, if not the best dive instructor I have dived with....MoreThanks Nolan. It was a great pleasure. Look forward to your visit again. Or better yet come and do your Advance with us!
5. Shongweni Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
This market oozes with stereotypical country charm. It's almost mandatory to pack up the family and dog, take a sturdy basket and arrive early. Treat yourself with breakfast and, from your vantage point on a hay bale, decide your method of attack. Peruse stalls at a leisurely place as hands-on producers passionately talk you through their wares from traditional English sausages to decadent baked goods, handcrafted organic cheeses, breads and rustic French staples like terrines and rillettes. You'll also find Middle Eastern and Mediterranean specialities from baklava to falafel. If you're shopping with a conscience you can buy organic veg or a pre-installed, irrigated system to grow your own organic vegetables.
Reviewed By Thuli Z - Johannesburg, South Africa
Went on Sunday 7 January 2018 after two year hiatus. Great to see the growth in crafts and food stalls. Particularly enjoyed the new patterns at Ento Ceramics and great coffee at Caffe Mobile. It was an exceptionally busy Sunday due to a dedicated market train from Durban. Food stalls were tricky to get to. I agree with previous comments to try beat the crowds and be there early. We got there at 8:00 it was busy, after 9:30 it was tricky to navigate.
6. Watercrest Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Justin B
Watercrest is a modern, clean, well sized mall, with an excellent movie house, good array of cheap, family restaurants and coffee shops, as well as all the usual South African retail stores. There is ample free parking and visible security in the mall, making for a consistently good experience
7. Umgeni Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Melanie B - Durban South Africa
We did the Christmas Train ride which was very special, nothing like a Steam Train as a treat for the Children. Father Christmas made his way through the train - we managed to get some lovely photos for the Grandchildren. The Picnic spot was extremely hot on the day so there was a mad scramble for the shade. Flea-market was very nice with lots to cater for everyone. Well worth it.
8. Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Jocelyn S - Durban, South Africa
This is a well maintained Nature Reserve with interesting scarp forest and grassland. There are guided walks lead by honoury Parks Board officers on the first and third Sunday morning every month. Good for bird lovers, with an easy to view crowned eagle nest. Attractive picnic sites with toilets.
9. Deborahs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A vintage, vibey upmarket coffee shop in central Kloof. Safe secure parking, wheelchair friendly. Owner run so personal attention to customers. Home baked food and delicious cakes. Come sit back, relax and unwind whilst listening to music that will take you back in time.
Reviewed By dacabs - Durban
So glad Deborahs has reopened. Perfect for tea /coffee with friends, lunch or now can enjoy dinner and breakfast on certain days. Good coffee and cakes are delicious! High teas are recommended. Decor is olde worlde but charming. There is in and outdoor Seating. Many...MoreThankyou for the review!
10. Boot Camp Durban
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Boot Camp SA offers team building, school excursions and kids parties and family activities with obstacle courses, paintball and archery. Situated near Durban in Giba Gorge.
Reviewed By Rho511 - Durban, South Africa
Boot camp in the most amazing setting...trees, free flowing river, and real war camp set up. Instructors are pleasant and knowledgeable guys, with a passion for their jobs. Loved every moment of it and we have been back quite a few times yet they make it interesting and new each time.
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