Westville is a leafy residential, educational and commercial suburb in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, approximately 10 kilometres west of central Durban. It lies among rolling hills between Durban, Pinetown, Reservoir Hills and the Upper Highway area, with convenient access to the N3, M13 and other major urban routes. Established gardens, wooded valleys and the Palmiet River give parts of Westville a noticeably green character despite its position within the greater Durban metropolitan area.
The settlement began developing during the 1840s and was named in honour of Martin West, the first lieutenant-governor of the British Colony of Natal. Jonas Bergtheil brought German settlers to the district in 1848 through the Natal Cotton Company. Although early cotton-growing efforts were unsuccessful, the settlers established farms producing vegetables, maize and other crops for the growing Durban market.
Bergtheil Museum, housed in one of Westville’s oldest surviving residences, preserves the story of the German settlers and the wider community’s development. Its collections reflect domestic life, agriculture, cultural traditions and the contributions of different communities to the area. Westville later became an independent borough before being incorporated into the larger eThekwini municipal area.
Westville’s modern economy is supported by retail, education, healthcare, professional services, offices, property, hospitality and construction. The suburb contains schools, medical facilities and business parks, while The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Westville Mall and smaller shopping areas provide extensive retail, dining and entertainment facilities. Its central position between Durban and Pinetown also makes Westville convenient for business travellers and commuters.
Westville has a warm subtropical climate moderated by its elevated inland position. Summers are generally warm to hot, humid, green and rainy, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Winters are usually mild, sunnier and considerably drier, although mornings and evenings can be cool. Mist and rapidly changing weather may occasionally occur over the wooded hills and river valleys.
Palmiet Nature Reserve protects riverine forest, grassland, rocky cliffs and sections of the Palmiet River within Westville. Visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, birdwatching and nature photography along designated routes, subject to current access conditions and reserve guidance. The reserve also contains places of archaeological interest, while its forest and river habitats support monkeys, mongooses, small antelope, reptiles and varied birdlife. Wildlife sightings naturally vary according to the season and environmental conditions.
Accommodation in Westville includes Westville Bed and Breakfast, Avillahouse Guest House, Edens Guesthouse, Imvubu Guest House and Loeriebos Bed and Breakfast. Further choices include Serenity Place, The Whitehouse Bed and Breakfast and 29 on St James Guest Lodge. Visitors can enjoy meals at Tiger’s Milk Pavilion, RocoMamas Pavilion and Elephant & Co at The Pavilion, while Westville Mall and the suburb’s smaller commercial centres provide additional coffee shops, restaurants and casual dining options.
Nearby attractions include Palmiet Nature Reserve, Bergtheil Museum, The Pavilion Shopping Centre and the neighbouring commercial and natural areas of Pinetown, Kloof and Reservoir Hills. Longer outings can include Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Durban Botanic Gardens, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban’s beaches and uShaka Marine World. Whether you are exploring its history, enjoying its natural surroundings or simply relaxing, Westville offers a memorable KwaZulu-Natal experience. Discover accommodation, restaurants, local businesses, historical places, outdoor activities and nearby attractions through BlyLekker, and experience the distinctive character of Westville.