The beautiful Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands region offers the visitor a vast array of experiences, both tranquil and exhilarating, arty and adventurous. An easy hour’s drive inland from Durban will bring you to the rolling green hills of the Natal Midlands, which extends from the city of Pietermaritzburg to the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain range in the north. The area is steeped in history; archaeological finds reveal that the region was settled in Stone Age times, while the gentle green hills were the site of bloody battles fought between King Shaka of the amaZulu, the British soldiers and the Boers. If history and battles are your passion, a tour of the battlefields is a must - either self-drive, or enlist the services of a knowledgeable tour guide.
The area includes picturesque little towns and breathtaking scenery. A leisurely day trip following one of the popular Midlands Meander routes will take in countryside farm stalls, art galleries and artists’ studios, herb growers and furniture makers. Of course, you can easily eat and drink your way en route through the Midlands which has a tempting array of establishments such as the decadent Florentines – The House of Chocolate and Swissland Cheese near Balgowan. Linger in the leafy vineyards of the Stables Wine Estate which produces international quality wines and enjoy some of KZN’s pioneering wines of origin. Families can head for the ever popular Piggly Wiggly where parents can indulge in traditional home made delicacies while the children run off some energy. Nestled in the leafy surrounds of the elegant Rawdons Hotel at Nottingham Road is the Nottingham Road Brewery. Dedicated beer lovers can quench their thirst here with such brews as a “Pickled Pig Porter” or a “Tiddly Toad Lager”.
If you have more time on your hands, a week’s exploration of the area is a nature- and sports-lover’s delight. There is a diverse choice of accommodation ranging from world-class boutique hotels offering fine cuisine and plenty of pampering, to quirky treehouses in the forest with sunset views of Giant’s Castle in the Drakensberg mountains.
The region is a fly-fishing paradise with myriad well-stocked trout dams and crystal clear rivers, providing both easy fishing for beginners and more challenging experiences for the serious fisherman. There is an extensive network of mountain bike trails for riders of all skills levels. Routes weave through indigenous forests, meander past sparkling waterfalls and emerge onto breathtaking mountain vistas. Hiking trails traverse rivers and vast grasslands, wander through fairy-tale mist-belt forests and secluded secret valleys sheltered by spectacular mountains. For the really adventurous Midlands meanderer, you can’t beat skimming through the treetops on the Karkloof Canopy Tour in Howick. Midmar Dam on the Umgeni River is a Mecca for watersport enthusiasts, and is host to the annual Midmar Mile, the largest open water swimming event in the world. Yachts, canoes, windsurfers and bicycles can be hired, and chalet accommodation caters for overnight visitors.
For more information:
- sa-venues.com
- midlandsmeander.co.za
- karkloofcanopytour.co.za
- midlandsreservations.co.za
