Between Durban's subtropical coastline and the craggy peaks of the Drakensberg, lies a stretch 200 km wide, called the Kwazulu/Natal midlands.Take the N3 from Durban to get to Pietermaritzburg, the main city in the Midlands.

Tourist opportunities, unequalled in South Africa, lie in this fertile cradle of land. These include waterfalls, lakes, dams, zulu villages and crafts, game reserves and mountain resorts. Many historical battle sites where Boer, Briton and Zulu fought it out are in this area.

WHEN TO GO

The Midlands climate is pleasant most of the year. This is summer rainfall region. The months January to March can be very hot with temperatures of 35-40 degrees Celsius. In winter the days are generally mild to warm, the nights crisp to cold (0 degrees Celsius). The wettest months are January, February and March and the driest, June, July. 

THE MIDLANDS MEANDER

Three lovely art and crafts routes ramble their way through the Kwazulu/Natal midlands. The most popular is the Midlands Meander, which winds through 100 km of rolling farmlands and cosy country villages. It is a roughly circular route, stretching from Hilton to Mooi River, and from the Dargle Valley in the west to Rietvlei in the east.

The meander began in the mid-1980's, when a handful of potters, painters and weavers, who had opted out of city life, opened their studios and workshops to the public. Today an estimated R3 million is spent every month by visitors to the hotels, eateries and craft outlets. You can buy anything from leather bible covers, picnic baskets, teak furniture and fresh cheese to ceramics, restored pianos, smoked trout and wool duvets. 

Highlights of the meander are visits to Hillford Pottery, the Birdman Gallery, Shuttleworth Weaving and Dargle Pottery. The Meander is enjoyed best at a leisurely pace. There is plenty of accomodation ranging from - ultra sophisticated country house hotels to beautiful camping sites. Adding to the relaxed ambiance is the wholesome generosity and friendliness of the people.

LOCATION

The Midlands Meander route is situated between the city of Pietermaritzburg in the East and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range (a World Heritage Site) in the West mainly on the R103 covering Midmar, Lion's River, Balgowan, Nottingham Road, Rosetta and Mooi River.

OFFICE

Tel: 033 330 8195
Email: info@midlandsmeander.co.za