Natal Midlands
Description
The Natal Midlands is a scenic region of farmlands that lies between Pietermaritzburg and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. With unmatched natural beauty, charming villages dotted about, and a wonderful arts and crafts route to explore, the Natal Midlands is a welcome country retreat. Experience a relaxed way of life at one of our delightful accommodations in the Natal Midlands.
The rich landscape of the Natal Midlands is characterised by rolling hills, green pastures, forests, and an abundance of rivers, dams, and waterfalls. It stretches to the foothills of the Drakensberg, an awe-inspiring 243,000 hectare mountain range that forms a formidable barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The mountains make for terrific sheer rock and ice- climbing, hiking, abseiling, white water rafting, and helicopter rides. Boasting 290 species of birds, 48 species of animals, rare varieties of plants, and over 4,000 ancient San rock paintings, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site.
The Natal Midlands is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic Kamberg Nature Reserve is an excellent place for walks and picnics; Loteni Nature Reserve is excellent for trout fishing; and Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve offers bass fishing, nature trails, bird watching, and picnic spots. A visit to Howick isn’t complete without attempting the Karkloof Canopy Tour and seeing Howick Falls. Also known as KwaNogqaza (“place of the tall oneâ€), the 95m waterfall is regarded by Zulus as the place of the spirit of the ancestors. The Gorge Walk offers some of the most spectacular views of the falls. Midmar Dam can also be found nearby. The dam hosts the annual Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open water swimming event.
The Midlands Meander is a popular collection of driving routes that was started by group of artists and crafters who wanted to lure travellers off the N3. A number of villages along the route offer over 100 outstanding accommodations, top class restaurants and cafés, adventure sports, trout farms, rural country activities, wildlife reserves, historical landmarks, and a multitude of arts and crafts.
Spoil yourself with handcrafted clothing and accessories; view antiques, arts, and crafts; and indulge in luxurious spas treatments. Try the challenging mountain bike trails at Karkloof Country Club, go cheese tasting at the Swissland Cheese Farm, and have a tasty lunch while admiring the waterfall at Caversham Mill. A number of golf courses can be found in the region, including Sakabula Golf Course, Victoria Country Club, and Bosch Hoek Golf Course.
As the largest town in the Midlands, Pietermaritzburg has a host of attractions like the Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens, Butterflies for Africa, Natal Zoological Gardens, the Old Colonial Building, Basani Art and Craft Centre, Alexandra Park, Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg City Hall, and the Burger Street Jail.
Durban is roughly an hour away, so whether you’re looking to explore the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, Drakensberg Mountains, tropical shoreline, or game reserves along the Dolphin Coast, a meander through the Midlands is a must.
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