Weaving its way between Pietermaritzburg and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range, which has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site, the Midlands Meander is a popular route with a modest beginning. It started as a group of artists and crafters trying to lure travellers off the N3 to see their wares. Today the meander is a collection of various driving routes and a regular detour for road trips.
The Midlands Meander is rich in natural and historical attractions. A number of villages along the route offer travellers an assortment of over 100 outstanding accommodations, top class restaurants and cafés, adventure sports, rural country activities, wildlife reserves, historical landmarks, and a multitude of unique arts and crafts. Durban is only an hour away, so whether you’re looking to explore the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields, the Drakensberg Mountains, tropical shoreline, or game reserves along the Dolphin Coast, a meander through the Midlands is a must.
10 Things to do on the Midlands Meander:
- Spoil yourself with a handcrafted handbag from Groundcover Leather Company
- Watch Gill create beautiful beadwork at Glass Cuttings
- Have a tasty lunch and admire the waterfall at Caversham Mill
- Indulge in pizza at The Corner Post
- Admire the antiques (and take one home) at Renaissance Antique and Décor
- Visit Karkloof Country Club and go mountain biking on some of the best single tracks
- Play a round at the 9-hole Bosch Hoek Golf Club
- Enjoy delicious cheese tasting at the Swissland Cheese Farm
- Laze about in a hammock from Heavenly Hammocks
- Sooth your mind, body, and soul at the Brookdale Health Hydro
Where to stay?
Whether you visit the Midlands on a family holiday, business trip, weekend break, romantic getaway, or a student road trip, The Windmills is always ready to welcome you with a smile. Based on Nottingham Road, The Windmills is a 3-star boutique hotel, conference, and wedding venue that offers exceptional personal service and old-world charm, combined with modern conveniences and a view to match. The region is rich in natural beauty, with rolling panoramas of forested mountains and lush green pastures, and an abundance of wildlife.
Accommodation is offered in 30 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms. The understated rooms sleep 2 – 3 people and are comfortably furnished with a combination of queen and twin beds that are dressed with crisp, white percale linen. Facilities include a heating system, flat screen TV, electric blankets, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary soaps and shampoos, and daily room servicing.
With a private chef at your service, plus your own sizzling Jacuzzi and wooden deck, you can enjoy self-catering at The Windmills Cottages in style. Set in the heart of the Blue Crane Private Game Reserve, the three self-catering cottages are about 5km from the main lodge and offer the perfect mix of modern comfort and convenience with rustic charm. Each fully-equipped cottage has three bedrooms (two en-suite), a kitchen, dining room, and lounge with full DStv and a cosy fireplace. The private braai area offers uninterrupted views and is ideal for outdoor cooking. With a shop virtually on your doorstep, stocking up on essentials and splurging on special treats has never been easier.
What is your favourite road trip meander?
Image 1 courtesy of Peter Baker (Flickr)
Image 2 courtesy of jumblejet (Flickr)
