Westville is the first western borough of "Greater Durban", between the suburb of Sherwood and the industrial areas of Pinetown. Although west of Durban, Westville was actually named after Sir Martin West, Lieutenant-Governor of Natal in the mid-19th Century. His farm was transformed into this upmarket residential area. Recently Westville has become a business centre with prestigious office parks springing up and attracting major companies and professional firms.

Keen shoppers are provided for with shopping centres like the stylish Pavilion which draws shoppers from all over the province and beyond. Then there is the new Westwood shopping mall situated on the edge of Westville, boasting a variety of new and exciting stores; not forgetting the two smaller centers Westville Mall and the Village Market. Westville is also somewhat of an academic centre, boasting its own University at the Westville Campus of University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Nature lovers are catered for with the Palmiet Nature Reserve. The reserve spans along the length of the valley, and has numerous trails which lead hikers to various interesting sites which include waterfalls, cliffs, a grassy mountain ridge and picnic sites. Palmiet Nature Reserve is also a bird watchers paradise with a multitude of various species to be spotted. Although on the edge of Westville, just Past the Pavillion, the umkhumbane market is also worth taking a look at. Operating on Sundays, the market often has a variety of musicians and dancers performing there, adding to its own vibe. Visitors are able to take a leisurely stroll while browsing at stalls selling traditional ethnic wear, funky clothing, rich and vibrant textiles, African ornaments, curios and carvings, jewellery, and ceramics. There is also a jumping castle, and pony rides which provide some fun for smaller kids. Bounded by the N3 and M19 freeways, with the N2 and M7 nearby plus the M13 running through it, Westville offers easy access to all points of the compass. The M13 is in fact on the route of the world-famous Comrades Marathon which takes place annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Although Westville boasts many excellent B&B guesthouses and self-catering lodges, it is advised that visitors hoping to find accommodation for the race should make bookings early in advance.