Have you ever been to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands? This beautiful region is renowned for its stretches of farmland, charming little towns, a wonderful arts and crafts route and picturesque scenery. It is rich with rivers, dams and waterfalls, the landscape boasts green pastures, hills and forests, and the northern part is dominated by the mountains of the Drakensberg. But if you’re not keen on being out and about in nature, the Midlands Meander will surely tickle your fancy — from many coffee shops, art galleries, and cheese and trout farms, to potters, weavers and painters!
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, and you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in this breathtaking part of South Africa, then look no further than the quaint self-catering stays TravelGround have on offer. From cosy cottages to luxurious villas, we have something for everyone.
Belvidere Country Estate, Karkloof Valley
Situated in the pristine Karkloof Valley, 24.6 kilometres from Howick, Belvidere Country Estate offers a comfortable stay in self-catering units on a working farm with lovely views of the Karkloof Reserve and grazing farmland.
Accommodation comprises five self-catering units accommodating couples, families and groups. Each villa boasts an outdoor pizza oven and braai facilities. The Loft Villa also has a hot tub and the riverfront Tented River Camp has a hot tub, outdoor sauna, fire pit, and a children’s play area in the loft! The farm is ideal for exploring mountain-biking trails and trying your hand at fishing, so bring Bruno along to this pet-friendly farm stay for a well-deserved break!
Crompton Cottage, Rosetta
This self-catering four-bedroom farmhouse is situated on a dairy farm just outside Rosetta in Mooi River and offers comfortable accommodation overlooking a picturesque garden and farmland. The house has a family room with DStv channels, a fireplace for the winter, a well-equipped kitchen and a patio that stretches along the length of the house, where you can spend time as a family around the braai and dine outside.
Spend some time exploring the farm by foot, travel to the quaint town of Nottingham Road, or drive about 40 kilometres to the Kamberg Nature Reserve where you can enjoy hiking, fishing and birdwatching.
Miracle Mountain Cottage, Howick
Surrounded by a forest of gum trees, the spacious and pet-friendly Miracle Mountain Cottage comprises three bedrooms and opens onto a covered patio overlooking the beautiful surroundings. Next to the well-equipped open-plan kitchen is a cosy lounge with a TV with selected DStv channels and Netflix, and it opens onto a patio where you can light the fire and enjoy a braai while admiring the views.
Cycling and fishing are extremely popular in this area, but if it’s not your style, you can head to Midmar Dam close by for some watersports, or you can drive about 10 minutes to see the breathtaking Howick Falls.
Oakvlei Farm, Mooi River
Oakvlei Farm is a beautiful farmhouse in Mooi River and a part of a working dairy farm, Niekerksfontein Farm. Whether you want to overnight en route to your destination, explore the Midlands Meander, or just unwind in tranquil surroundings, this place is ideal. The four-bedroom farmhouse offers a fully-equipped kitchen, fireplaces, comfortable couches, a TV and free Wi-Fi. Outside, there is a sunny patio, braai facilities and a fenced garden with beautiful views of the extended greenlands.
You’re welcome to explore the mountain biking trails and a strenuous hiking trail through the gorge, try your hand at fishing in the dam in front of the house, or attend the milking and calf feeding that takes place twice a day.
The Croft, Hilton
The Croft offers a sophisticated solar stay in four self-catering cottages in a flowery garden in the village of Hilton. The cottages are eco-friendly and located on a property that is home to rescue donkeys, free-range chickens, Nigerian dwarf goats, and rescue dogs.
Each cottage sleeps two to four guests and has a Smart TV with Netflix, free Wi-Fi, a fireplace, and a private braai area in the beautiful garden. The Crofters Loft and Hayloft Cottages are each equipped with a fridge, microwave and gas hob, and The Shepherds Loft and Farriers Cabin are semi-self-catering with the necessary heat-and-eat appliances.
Firefly Boutique Country Retreat, Umgeni
Firefly Boutique Country Retreat is a ranch-style home with three en-suite bedrooms offering a romantic escape or a memorable family getaway in Umgeni. The kitchen is fully equipped and the living area is furnished with comfortable couches and features a cosy fireplace, Wi-Fi to keep you connected and breathtaking views of the valley.
This retreat is located in the heart of the Dargle Conservancy with interesting plant and animal species. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open, and your camera close, for some unexpected encounters.
No 1 Dicks Street Apartment, Howick
Accommodation is offered in two self-catering units, within walking distance of shopping centres, coffee shops, restaurants and fuel stations. Each unit has a bedroom with a king-size bed and a bunk bed, as well as a bathroom with a shower, or a bath and shower. The living area features a fully-equipped kitchen, dining space, and lounge area with a TV and Wi-Fi.
Through the sliding doors, you have access to the private outdoor patio that boasts a lovely braai area, a pizza oven, and outdoor furniture. Both units are pet-friendly if arranged in advance, and they’re located on the same premises as a coffee shop and a restaurant — how convenient!
Springvale Farm Cottages, Rosetta
Make this homely self-catering cottage on a working dairy farm in the picturesque Natal Midlands your holiday home. Ouhout Cottage is a pet-friendly, authentic farm-style cottage with three en-suite bedrooms set in a gorgeous, peaceful environment. There is a spacious open-plan living area with a fully-equipped kitchen and a separate scullery, and the undercover patio is the perfect place for a braai and it leads onto a large enclosed garden with a hot tub.
When you’re not relaxing in the hot tub or tucking into the host’s freshly-baked bread, there are a number of trail runs and biking routes on the farm for you to explore. And be sure to keep an eye out for bushbuck, reedbuck, blesbuck and oribi while you’re at it!
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There you have it! Did you know there were so many lovely and homely farm-style accommodations available in the Natal Midlands? Next time you’re in the area, make sure to head to this part of our beautiful country — you won’t be sorry!
