Along the N3, halfway between Pietermaritzburg and Hillcrest, Camperdown has recently grown for a number of fairly obvious reasons. Its proximity to Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along with the fact that some of its municipality is located within the Valley of 1000 Hills, make it an attractive destination for tourists. Additionally, because of its location away from the major cities, it has access to a good number of game and nature reserves.
Among the many highlights of a visit to Camperdown are the Nagle Dam, the Valley of 1000 Hills, the Msunduzi (Duzi) River’s accessibility, strawberry picking in season, and a plethora of outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and microlight flying. Additionally, it is a part of the Midlands Mistbelt, one of the few places where the Karkloof butterfly may be found. Camperdown lies close on the other side of Pietermaritzburg from the Karkloof Nature Reserve.
It’s interesting that the region has its very own Table Mountain. Under “Table Mountain,” in the Valley of 1000 Hills, is where Nagle Dam and a game reserve are located. Although it hardly resembles Cape Town’s tabletop mountain, it is nonetheless a beautiful mountain with a dam at its foot that offers picnic areas, excellent fishing, hiking routes, and animal viewing.
The Valley of 1000 Hills, where a drive along the 1000 Hills Experience Route will bring you into contact with a variety of artists, crafters, and cultural villages, is also conveniently accessible from Camperdown. Other attractions nearby include the Natal Lion Park, Shongweni Dam Nature Reserve, and, of course, the Valley of 1000 Hills.