Shongweni is a beautiful lush green country area, known as Durban’s equestrian region.
Made up of a range of homes, from smallholdings to duplex-style homes and even environmentally friendly housing in a new eco-estate. The Upper Highway area, which includes Shongweni, has both young growing families and those that have lived in the area for many years. Among the many attractive qualities of this neighbourhood are the number of top class schools just minutes away.
This charming country town creates the perfect lifestyle for those who live in and around it. One of the most popular attractions is the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market, which had humble beginnings but has now grown into a must-see events in the area. “At Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market, you’ll find something to suit every taste or curiosity. Going to the Shongweni Market is like taking a vacation away from city life,” says Melissa Roux, administrator, Shongweni Farmers Market.
Boasting an equestrian lifestyle, Shongweni’s green hills and dirt roads also allow for an adventurous outdoor lifestyle. There is so much in the area that will keep you occupied, such as mountain bike trails, walking and running paths, horse riding, abseiling, rock climbing and dam fishing, just to name a few.
This scenic region is close to popular amenities and has easy access to the major highways within KwaZulu-Natal, like the M13 and N3. There are also trendy restaurants and coffee shops scattered all around that cater to families. On either side of the highway, residents have the The Pavilion shopping centre, Hillcrest Corner, Life Westville Hospital and Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital.
Top schools nearby:
- Shongweni Hall
- Little Seedlings Pre-Primary
- Kloof Junior Primary School
- Highbury Preparatory School
- Thomas More College
Area attractions:
- The Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
- Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve
- Killarney 4x4
- Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
- Horse riding
Best in food:
- Enjoy a day of equestrian splendour at the Durban Shongweni Club.
- Delight in scenic views while eating at Summerveld Country Lodge.
- Taste a bit if the local flavour at Shongweni Brewery.
Take a beautiful trip through Hillcrest and surrounds here:
Estate agent insight to Shongweni
How would you describe the type of property you would find in the Shongweni/Summerveld area?
Properties in the Shongweni/Summerveld area range from lock-up-and-go simplex/duplex-type sectional-title units, through to 2ha smallholdings. Summerveld is characterised by predominantly high-value smallholding properties. Shongweni and Assagay are relatively new urban growth nodes, with a number of developments recently completed and in progress, including the new Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, Shongweni Eco Estate, Hillcrest Retirement Village and Silver Oaks, to name a few.
James Arnott: Arnott Consulting
What lifestyle could someone expect if they lived within the Shongweni/Summerveld area?
This is the equestrian centre of the Upper Highway. It offers a luxurious, country lifestyle just 30 minutes from Durban. Tree-lined lanes and grassy paddocks, views, space for out rides and all sorts of equestrian facilities. Enjoy crisp mornings watching the race horses in training or visit the popular Shongweni Farmers Market on a Saturday for delicious breakfasts and home-made goods. Nearby Hillcrest, Waterfall or Kloof have all the shopping amenities and excellent schools.
What makes Shongweni/Summerveld area, as a location, such an attractive place to reside in/near?
I lived in Summerveld for four years and although I moved to Kloof two years ago, I still keep my horses stabled there. I love this area because it’s an equestrian paradise, a place with a friendly community and a spectacular outlook.
Gillian Erskine: RE/MAX Address
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
