The Midlands Meander in South Africa are known for their picturesque landscapes, handmade products, numerous farms, and culinary delights. We were keen to check out this region and were pleasantly surprised. A wealth of activities await you here, including great cafés and restaurants, unique handicrafts, plenty of galleries, and a beautiful hilly landscape.
But action and adrenaline are also guaranteed. Adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, paragliding, and horseback riding are offered locally. The Midlands Meander region is an oasis for art lovers and for anyone who appreciates local, handmade products and, above all, enjoys peace and serenity. In the following article, we present some sights and highlights of the region. Enjoy browsing!
- Midlands Meander Sights
- 1. Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains
- 2. Mandela Capture Site
- 3. Howick Falls
- 4. Nottingham Road
- 5. The Junction
- 6. Piggly Wiggly
- 7. Blueberry Café & Restaurant
- 8. The Barn Owl Midlands
- 9. Pietermaritzburg
- 10. Battlefields
- 11. Karkloof Nature Reserve
- Our great accommodation
- Conclusion on the Midlands Meander region in South Africa
Midlands Meander Sights
The Midlands Meander in South Africa offers some cool sights and activities. We have marked the most important sights and highlights for you on the following map. There is certainly so much more to discover, but this map should be helpful for you to get a first impression. If you are driving from Johannesburg towards Durban, be sure to plan 2 – 3 days for the Midlands Meander region.
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1. Hiking in the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is a majestic mountain range in South Africa that stretches along the border between the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern part of Lesotho. The name “Drakensberg” means “Dragon Mountains” in Afrikaans and refers to the bizarre mountain peaks that resemble the teeth of a dragon.
Here you can expect peaks over 3,000 meters high, lush valleys and rivers, impressive gorges, waterfalls, and vast plains. The highest elevation is Thabana Ntlenyana, which, at 3,482 meters, is the highest peak in South Africa.
The region is also known for its rock art left behind by the region’s indigenous people, the San. These rock paintings are among the oldest and most significant archaeological finds in South Africa and offer insight into the life and culture of the San, who lived in the region thousands of years ago.
You can book an interesting tour here, among others: World Heritage Tour*. Most recently, we were in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and in the breathtaking Champagne Valley on the Sphinx Trail. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
Popular Hikes in the Drakensberg
Amphitheatre Heritage Trail: The Amphitheatre Route is a popular hike that starts from the Royal Natal National Park. The trail leads along the mountain range to the Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The tour through the gorge is also said to be spectacular (Tugela Gorge Trail).
Cathedral Peak Trail: The Cathedral Peak Route is a challenging 17.7 km hike that starts from the Cathedral Peak Wilderness Area. The trail leads through mountain meadows, over mountain passes, along rivers, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve: The Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve offers several hiking trails, including the popular 10 km Giant’s Castle Hike. The trail leads through rocky slopes, past petroglyphs, through dense forests, and offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.
Sentinel Peak Route: The Sentinel Peak Hike is a challenging 12 km hike starting from Witsieshoek. The trail leads through a breathtaking gorge and up a steep climb to the summit of Sentinel Peak, from where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Drakensberg Grand Traverse: The Drakensberg Traverse is a challenging multi-day hike that traverses the entire length of the Drakensberg Mountains (approximately 200 km). The trail offers spectacular views of the landscape and leads through remote valleys, over mountain passes, and along rivers.
2. Mandela Capture Site
The Mandela Capture Site is an important historical site in South Africa that commemorates the arrest of Nelson Mandela on August 5, 1962. He was arrested while traveling illegally from South Africa to Lesotho to gather supporters for the fight against apartheid. After his arrest, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and spent 27 years in prison before his final release in 1990.
The Capture Site is located near Howick. There you can visit a monument up to 9.5 meters high, which consists of 50 steel rods and is composed of an image of Nelson Mandela. The idea for the memorial came from South African artist Marco Cianfanelli, who is known for his public artworks and installations, which often address political and social issues.
He wanted to create a work of art near Howick that would subtly commemorate Nelson Mandela’s arrest. If you look at the memorial from the right perspective, you can see Mandela’s face. On the way there (“long walk to freedom”) you will pass 27 event panels , which represent the 27 individual years that Mandela spent in prison.
A place of South African history
Don’t miss the great exhibition, where you can learn all about the life and work of Nelson Mandela as well as the history of South Africa. It also shows moving and very private photographs of Nelson. This museum also has restrooms and a small snack bar next door, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entire complex is beautifully presented and, for us, definitely a highlight in the Midlands Meander region.
- Address: Mandela Capture Site, R103, Howick, 3290, South Africa
- Opening hours: Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Admission prices: Adults R100, children R30, and children under 12 free
3. Howick Falls
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Howick Falls. The waterfall is about 119 meters high and plunges into a pool at the base of the rock. There are several hiking trails and viewpoints from which you can explore the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. There are also a few souvenir stands, free parking, and a small tourist information center where you can pick up some brochures and information material.
4. Nottingham Road
Nottingham Road is a charming little village in the heart of the Midlands Meander and is a popular destination for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoying a relaxed, rural atmosphere. Here, you can explore orchards, wineries, a brewery (Nottingham Road Brewing Company), and dairy farms, and experience country life firsthand. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and fishing are also easily possible in the area.
5. The Junction
The Junction is a popular spot on Nottingham Road. It’s a foodie hub that houses a variety of restaurants, cafes, and delis. The building that houses The Junction is a historic building that was once an old dairy factory. It has been converted and modernized while retaining its original character. And to ensure that the little ones don’t get bored, there’s a large playground on site.
The local restaurants offer a wide range of delicacies, from traditional to international dishes. There are also a few cafes where you can order coffee, tea, and homemade food. In the delicatessens, you can purchase local specialties and artisanal products. Be sure to stop by the colorful “The Ugly Duckling Shop.” There you’ll find cool furniture, arts and crafts, rugs, clothing, blankets, jewelry, musical instruments, and much more.
You can get good coffee at the Seattle Coffee Company, and if you’re still looking for a breakfast spot, stop by The Daily Bagel. The bakery offers freshly baked bagels, breads, pizzas, cakes, and much more. Next door is the small Chocolate Heaven shop, where you can get the finest Belgian chocolate and fresh waffles. Mmm, delicious!
6. Piggly Wiggly
“Piggly Wiggly” is a popular outdoor shopping paradise located near Nottingham Road, directly off the R103. A variety of shops, restaurants, and activities await you here. The building that houses Piggly Wiggly was originally an old barn, which was converted into a shopping center in 1994. We particularly like the rustic atmosphere, which has been preserved despite the renovations.
The place is similar to “The Junction”, but in our opinion is more beautifully decorated. Here, too, you can find handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, clothing, books, furniture, and good food. At the Piggy Wiggly restaurant, you can order homemade cakes, hot meals, and drinks. A wine tasting at Highgate Wine Estate is also recommended, as is the delicious coffee at the Coffeesmiths.
7. Blueberry Café & Restaurant
Now we have a very special treat for you. The Blueberry Café is a charming café and restaurant located on a hill in the heart of the Midlands Meander. It is known for its excellent homemade food and its beautiful location.
Particularly noteworthy is the view of the surrounding countryside from the terrace. You should definitely plan a stop here, because not only the food tastes fantastic but also the location itself is an eye-catcher.
The café offers a menu with a variety of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon options, including homemade jams and pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, and much more. The menu highlights, however, are definitely the blueberry pancakes and blueberry cheesecake. We also recommend the eggs Benedict and the delicious flapjacks. Please note: The restrooms all overlook the pasture where the animals graze and drink. Really cool job!
8. The Barn Owl Midlands
We have another special insider tip for you. If, like us, you enjoy excellent coffee and delicious cakes, you should stop by “The Barn Owl.” This extremely charming café is located near Curry’s Post and boasts a cozy atmosphere, homemade cakes, and incredibly good coffee. This great café is located in an old stone building that was formerly used as a barn. It has been renovated with great attention to detail and transformed into a cozy café with rustic charm.
The interior consists of cool wooden furniture, comfortable sofas, and antique decorative items, which give the café a truly cozy atmosphere. You can also sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the view with a delicious slice of cheesecake. The café is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Thursdays only until 2 p.m.). On the way there, you’ll pass the Terbodore Coffee Roasters, where you can get freshly baked bread.
9. Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is the second largest city in the province after Durban. The city has a rich history dating back to 1838, when it was founded as a Boer stronghold during the Voortrekker Campaign. Pietermaritzburg is also known for its role in South Africa’s struggle for independence against apartheid, as the city was a key hub for the resistance and anti-apartheid movement during this time.
Today, Pietermaritzburg is a diverse city with a mix of modern buildings and historical monuments. For a quick culinary break, we recommend the cool Sagewood Cafe and the Planted Coffee Shop. If you have some time, you can take a closer look at the following sights:
- Alexandra Park and the Botanical Gardens
- Voortrekker Museum
- Comrades Marathon House
- KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts Gallery
- Tatham Art Gallery
- Pietermaritzburg City Hall
- Macrorie House Museum
- Old Colonial Building
- African Arts and Craft Centre
- Railway Station on Railway Street
10. Battlefields
Have you ever heard of the “Battlefields” in South Africa? They are an important place in South African history and have given rise to a wealth of stories and legends. Numerous battles took place here during the Anglo-Zulu War (1879) and the Second Boer War (1899-1902). You can still visit over 80 battlefields today.
The most important historical sites include the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, where the British fought the Zulu warriors, as well as the Spioenkop Valley, where the Second Boer War took place. Many of the historical sites have been carefully restored and offer a unique experience. You can find out more about the Battlefields Route, the tours offered, and attractions here: Battlefields South Africa.
11. Karkloof Nature Reserve
Also located in the Midlands Meander region is the Karkloof Nature Reserve, a private nature reserve. It extends over more than 3,000 hectares and awaits you not only with breathtaking scenery, but also with dense forests, green hills, waterfalls, and rivers.
The Karkloof Nature Reserve is also an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, antelopes, and various monkey species. With a bit of luck, you might even spot rare bird species, such as the orange-fronted ground thrush or the crowned hornbill. If you like being active, a trip to the Karkloof Nature Reserve could be just the thing for you.
On site, you can hike, mountain bike, bird and wildlife watch, or even experience an exciting zipline tour. The Karkloof Canopy Tour allows you to float through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape. You can book your tour in advance here: Canopy Tour. Cost: R750 pp (approx. €38).
Our great accommodation
We stayed for two nights at Yellowwoods Farm in the fantastic Pool Cottage. The farm boasts a beautiful location amidst green hills and forests, as well as its historic architecture.
The main building of Yellowwoods Farm dates back to 1896 and has been lovingly restored and renovated. The rooms are all individually decorated and feature antique furniture, traditional artwork, and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and TV. You can book the cottage here*.
Our Pool We really liked the cottage and enjoyed the peace and quiet to the fullest. We were able to easily cater for ourselves in the fully equipped kitchen. The huge garden with its impressive trees, the pool, and the five dogs that live there with the owners were also particularly beautiful. You know, we love dogs and cats! You can book the Pool Cottage here*
Conclusion on the Midlands Meander Region in South Africa
The Midlands Meander Region in South Africa is a beautiful and diverse travel destination known for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and abundance of outdoor activities. We particularly enjoyed the rural charm and the many great cafés and unique shops. To be honest, we didn’t expect to like this region so much before our trip. We highly recommend you visit the Midlands Meander. It’s worth it!