Discover this serene green pocket of KZN’s capital. It’s most famous for the train trips that depart from the old station, so we asked railway enthusiast Ashley Pete to give us a local’s tour.
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Chairman of Umgeni Steam Railway
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‘I’m a founder member of USR, so I’ve been a volunteer for all of its 35 years of existence. I keep an eye on proceedings whenever the trains run. I usually also perform the duties of train guard, so you will probably see me shouting “all aboard”, blowing whistles and waving flags about. Durban is a great city, but when the humidity gets a bit too much, take a short drive up to Kloof – it’s drier here. It’s a leafy and quiet suburb, with no industrial activity and surrounded by undisturbed indigenous bush and forest. There are tremendous views over the nearby gorge towards the north, while the city and ocean can be seen below in the distance to the east.’ Kloof Station, Old Main Road
Have a drink
‘Stokers Arms is a popular watering hole in the old train station (built 1912), known for its selection of craft beers. USR’s members often wind down here. The food is hearty and affordable too.’ Old Main Road, 0317646706
Dining out
‘Bellevue Café is modern and family-friendly. Chef Chris Black is known for his consistently superb dishes. The pasta is excellent and I can’t resist the mouthwatering liquid-centred chocolate puddings.’ 5 Bellevue Road, 0317172780
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A night out
‘Tina’s Hotel, formerly the Beryldene dating from the 1940s, has a warm and cosy bar. There’s also a small theatre – an extension of the Rhumbelow in Umbilo. It often hosts local musicians and comedians, which I enjoy going to.’ 14 Beryldene Road, 0317647843
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Great outdoors
‘Makaranga Lodge has Zimbabwean stone art and Italian sculptures in a magnificent garden setting. Sometimes there are music concerts here.’ 1 Igwababa Road, 0317646616 ‘Krantzkloof Reserve has picnic sites, guided nature trails and breathtaking views across Kloof Gorge.’ 152 Kloof Falls Road
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Take a ride
‘Umgeni Steam Railway has developed over the years into a favourite outing for Durban families. Running on the last Sunday of every month (and certain special weekends), if offers a genuine, old-time steam train experience, with a 1938 Class 19D locomotive and wooden carriages from the same era, making the 50km round trip from Kloof Station via the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Inchanga. The train spends at least an hour at Inchanga, where there’s a craft market, shady picnic areas, fun activities for kids and model trains at the station. Just up the stairs is the old Station Master’s House, dating from 1895, which has been turned into a museum.’ Bookings 0823536003.
