Cato Ridge Area Profile

Cato Ridge at a glance

Cato Ridge is a town situated about 30 km south-east of Pietermaritzburg and 50 km north-west of Durban. 

Known as Durban's 'dry port', the town is a growing industrial area. Large distribution and logistics companies have set up warehouses in the town to store their goods before distributing to other parts of the country. 

Cato Ridge is a vast developing residential area. Its beautiful countryside, lovely scenic spots, and easy access to the Valley of 1000 Hills make it a top choice for homebuyers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

The town is a doorway to the Midlands and lies just south of the Midlands Mistbelt. 

A brief history of the area

Cato Ridge was named after George Christopher Cato (1814-1893). He was the first mayor of Durban from 1854 to 1856. Georgedale, which is part of Cato Ridge, was the birthplace of James Mpanza who became known as the 'Father of Soweto'.

Climate

Delightfully cool evenings are a way of life for residents of Cato Ridge. Even during the hottest summer months, which tend to be between January and March, temperatures are likely to drop below the 20°C mark after the sun goes down, while regularly reaching high 20s or low 30s during the heat of the day. Winter weather is temperate in Cato Ridge, with the mercury rising to the low-to-mid 20s on an average day and dropping below 10°C during a typical evening.

Schools in the area

George Cato Primary School and Hillcrest High School are top schooling facilities available for scholars in Cato Ridge.

Healthcare in the area

The Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital is just a 15-minute drive from Cato Ridge. Other renowned medical facilities include the Midlands Medical Centre, St Annes Medical Centre, Life Healthcare, Life Hilton Private Hospital, Grey's Hospital, Edendale Hospital, and Northdale Hospital. 

Shopping centres

Residents in Cato Ridge have a wide variety of shopping facilities to choose from. Hammarsdale Junction Mall, Watercrest Mall, Hillgate Shopping Centre, Hayfields Mall, and the Kloof Village Mall are some of the most loved shopping places near Cato Ridge accessible from all our motorways. 

Distance from key points 

The King Shaka International Airport is 76 km away from Cato Ridge. This journey will take a 51-minute drive via the N3 and N2. The Pietermaritzburg Airport is a closer 27 km (24 minutes) away via the N3.

Restaurants

There is a wide range of restaurants in Cato Ridge that both residents and travellers are fond of. Places such as O Nassa Café, The Lapa at Huntersfield, Mr Browns BBQ & Smoked Food, The Clubhouse at the Cato Ridge Golf Club, and Intaba View Restaurant are fantastic eateries in the area. 

Special attractions

Cato Ridge is known for its great attractions. From the adventurer to the bookworm, residents in the town are never short of entertainment facilities. 

1. Cato Ridge Golf Club

Designed in 1969, the Cato Ridge Golf Club is situated in open grassland where wonderful wildlife roams free. The 18-hole golf course brags medium-to-fast greens and mostly flat fairways as it offers an excellent round for beginner golfers, and ensures a great thrill for more accomplished players. There is also a clubhouse that provides a full range of scrumptious meals and refreshments for guests. 

2. The Indlondlo Cultural Village

The Indlondlo Cultural Village is a fantastic place to visit if you are intrigued by the Zulu heritage of South Africa. Established in 2010 by Msizeni Mngadi, it is a multi-faceted attraction for the whole family. The Indlondlo Zulu dancers perform traditional song and dance routines, including traditional Zulu dances, Zulu songs, and drumming. Stick fighting demonstrations, interactive beadwork, and craft demonstrations can also be experienced at the village. 

3.  Assagay Coffee Farm 

Assagay Coffee Farm is a much-loved spot for coffee enthusiasts. The family-run business, which was established in Assagay, relocated to a 100-acre farm in the Harrison Valley in 2002. 

Their coffee is renowned as they use only organic fertilisers and foliar sprays in the farming of 100% Pure Arabica coffee. More so, everything involved in creating the coffee is done on the farm by a trained team of local ladies. Visitors can go on fascinating guided tours. These tours are educational and highlight everything to do with coffee farming from the trees growing in the fields through to the various processes such as milling and roasting. The tour ends with a coffee tasting at the Coffee House.

Make Cato Ridge your home. Let it be your story.

Cato Ridge is a town filled with a rich heritage, lovely homes, and friendly neighbours. Contact Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof today and make this beautiful place your sanctuary.