ShowMe South Africa

The Natal Midlands lies between the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensberg Mountain Range in the west of the province. The city of Pietermaritzburg is the gateway to the Midlands but the character of this beautiful part of South Africa is defined by rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls, dams, lakes and verdant farmlands with towering peaks forming the backdrop in the west. The world -famous Midlands Meander will take you on a picturesque journey through many charming villages and towns where you will find arts and crafts, galleries, restaurants and a full range of accommodation establishments.

Experience the magnificent scenery from the superb roads as they wind their way over hill and dale. The natural diversity of the area has created many outdoor opportunities for nature lovers and the more active – trout and bass fishing, kayaking and canoeing, hiking and mountain biking, paragliding, bird watching and game viewing, yachting and boating – you name it and you’ll find it in the Midlands. Mountain climbing and hiking in the Drakensberg is always a stone’s throw away. There are a number of nature and game reserves in the area including the Midmar Dam and Nature Reserve, The Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve and the Natal Lion Park. The Midlands is a fly-fisherman’s paradise and there are a number of lodges specializing in this most relaxing of sports.

The Midlands is also rich in cultural heritage. In fact, Nelson Mandela was captured near the town of Howick and there is now a sculpture and on the site. The Burger Street Jail in Pietermaritzburg, built by the British in 1862 was used to imprison anti-apartheid activists and the Richmond Museum in the village of the same name depicts the turbulent history of the area. There are many historical buildings in the area, particularly in Pietermaritzburg and the oldest settlers’ building can be found in Richmond. The Battlefield area is adjacent to the Midlands – if your interest is in the history of the Zulu and Boer Wars, the Battlefields Route is well worth considering.

The Midlands is well known for the fact that it has some of the best private schools in South Africa. Schools such as Hilton College, Michaelhouse, Kearsney and many others, attracting students from all over the world. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has its major campus in Pietermaritzburg. Cedara Agricultural College, probably the best in the country is situated near the town of Howick. The college was founded in 1905.

All told, the beautiful landscapes, variety of activities, quaint villages, art galleries, some of the best crafts in the country, charming guest lodges, country houses and top hotels and restaurants, make this area of South Africa an absolute must see for visitors to KwaZulu-Natal.