With its location high above Durban and an array of schools and amenities, Hillcrest is benefiting from the major development it has seen in the past 2 decades.
About the area
Hillcrest has seen major development over the past 20 years or so and what was once a sleepy village has been transformed into one of Durban’s most popular suburbs with an array of great schools and a wealth of shopping facilities.
Set high above Durban, Hillcrest enjoys a far more temperate climate than do the suburbs on the coast, and although temperatures don’t actually reach freezing point during the winter months, there’s often a need for a fire or heater when the mercury does begin to drop.
It’s a great place to live and boasts a number of amenities aimed at those who enjoy the great outdoors, including the rather delightfully named Groovy Balls Lifestyle Adventures, which offers the extreme sport of Zorbing. Ideal for adrenalin junkies, Zorbing involves being enclosed inside a large plastic ball and then being rolled down a hill.
The area is also famous for its Heritage Market, a shopping centre that houses a wide range of interesting shops and restaurants in quaint Victorian-style buildings. It’s also ideally placed for those who want to visit the nearby Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market that takes place every Saturday. Famed for the fresh produce it sells, this market opens early and those who wish to take advantage of the goodies on offer (including organic home-made cheeses and a decadent array of baked goods) should plan accordingly and be sure to beat the crowds.
Hillcrest features a number of schools, including Hillcrest High School, Hillcrest Primary School, Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy (preprimary and primary) and Curro Hillcrest (high school). There are also a number of highly regarded private schools in neighbouring suburbs including Kearsney College and Highbury Preparatory School.
In my opinion, it doesn't matter how big Hillcrest becomes, it will always retain a village feel where everyone knows everyone.
Nicole Botha, resident
Medical facilities:
- Hillcrest Private Hospital
- Hillcrest Medicross
Top schools:
- Hillcrest High School
- Highbury Preparatory School
- Hillcrest Primary School
- Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy
Best in food:
- Papa Giovanni’s restaurant
- Stretta Cafe
- Lupa Osteria restaurant
- Punjabi’s Authentic North Indian Restaurant & Take Away
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a spectacular journey through the Upper Highway area here:
