With its gentle stretch of English-style hills and meadows, it’s hard not to be bewitched by the lush generosity of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, whether as a day-tripper or as a guest at a luxurious resort.
Snuggled between the mighty Drakensberg and the picturesque South Coast, the Midlands is abundant in water – streams cascade into ponds, and rivers wind through verdant valleys into tranquil dams and lakes. Here you’ll be held hostage by history as you trail through the battlefields or Zulu cultural villages.
Guaranteed to take your breath away with its splendour and charm, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands stands out for its beautiful verdant scenery and the sense of peace you have when all around you is nothing but tranquil prettiness.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands includes Greytown, Howick, Mooi River, Nottingham Road and Pietermaritzburg. It also features the picturesque Midmar Nature Reserve and the Albert Falls Nature Reserve.
This is the ideal destination for art lovers, handicrafts, food fundies and farm holidays – it is a retreat for holidaymakers with many cafes, beautiful guesthouses, cheese farms, wine-tasting, trout farms and many adventurous activities.
Visitors may enjoy the weather in this area of South Africa where it is more pleasant all year round – summers are usually warm, autumn produces red and gold leaves and winters are quite chilly sometimes with snow and frost.
Numerous crystal-clear rivers from the Drakensberg highlands make the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands the top South African fly-fishing destination. It is home to many excellent hotels, comfortable guestrooms and holiday homes as well as restaurants and tea gardens.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands boasts scenic views, astounding cuisines, and amazing hospitality. Visitors can enjoy horse-riding, go for a hike, or get cosy in a country lodge next to a fireplace.
Tee off at one of the lush golf courses such as Bosch Hoek Golf Course & Country Estate, Gowrie Farm Golf Course and Sakabula Golf Course.
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ main attraction is the Midlands Meander stretching from Howick to Nottingham Road offering its visitors a delectable shopping experience and where you can detour to antique stores, art galleries and art and crafts studios.
The microbrewery called Nottingham Road Brewery is not to be missed. Nottingham Road is also a great base for activities ranging from adventure sports to historic sights, wildlife, arts and crafts. It also has a packed calendar of events that draws crowds at different times of the year.
History enthusiasts can explore the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, adventure seekers can zip-line through the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa at Karkloof Canopy Tour, and visitors can relax and unwind at Highgate Wine Estate swirling the crisp wine through your palate with a variety of Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to choose from.
If you are feeling famished stroll down to Piggly Wiggly which offers visitors a variety of lifestyle destination shops, more than five eating establishments and plenty of activities for young and old to enjoy.
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