
Best attractions of the Midlands Meander
The beauty of the Midlands Meander will take your breath away. The Midlands Meander is South Africa’s most famous tourism routes. The Meander is known for its high standard of ‘arts and crafts’ beautiful countryside. If you’re passing through the Natal Midlands for any reason take some time to stop and enjoy the attractions. Whatever you do don’t miss out on these attractions along the Midlands Meander.
- Karkloof Canopy Tours Located just of Howick in the Karkloof Forest Reserve, Karkloof Canopy Tours is a must for all of with a taste for a little excitement. The canopy tour includes long swooping slides over the forest canopy, stops below a 15-metre-high waterfall and takes in wider views across the beautiful Karkloof valley. Sliding along ziplines is a thrilling way to take in the magical Midlands scenery
- Nelson Mandela Capture Memorial One of South Africa’s more interesting historical sites, the Nelson Mandela Capture Memorial on the R301 just outside of Howick is worth a visit. Unveiled by President Jacob Zuma in 2012, the unique sculpture by artist Marco Cianfanelli, is made up of 50 steel column constructions between 6.5 metres and 9.5 metres tall that come into alignment to form a portrait of Nelson Mandela against a backdrop of rolling hills and valleys of the Natal midlands. The columns are meant to represent Mandela’s imprisonment at the very place he was captured before being exiled to Robben Island. The site also features a museum where the capture of Madiba in 1962 is documented along with more information about South Africa’s political history.
- Howick Falls are located on the Umgeni River and are a popular tourist attraction on the Midlands Meander. At 95 metres high the Howick Falls are certainly worth a stop. The waterfall viewing point includes a restaurant and the usual stalls selling curios and other souvenirs.
- Zulu Mpophomeni Tourism Experience is a non-profit organisation drawing its members from broad segments of the Mpophomeni Township and surrounding rural areas. Tours of this picturesque township illustrate the history of the area and a visit to the Nokulunga Gumede Wall of Reconciliation. You have the opportunity to visit a Sangoma and spend a night or two in one of the township’s B&Bs.
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. Most of the Ungeni Valley Nature reserve is located in the picturesque gorge below the Howick Falls and the greater reserve is home to giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope as well as over 270 species of bird, including the elusive Nerina Trogon or the Crowned Eagle, making it a bird-lover’s paradise. A great tip is to start your walk from car park no 4.
- Cheese and Chocolate tasting A visit to the Natal Midlands wouldn’t be complete without a bit of cheese tasting at the family-run Swissland Cheesery and Marakesh Cheese.
- Michaelhouse One of South Africa’s most famous schools, receiving more attention in the last few years due to the Spud novels by John van der Ruit, who was also schooled here, Michaelhouse was founded in 1896 and in situated on a secure estate in the picturesque midlands. The beautiful and distinctive architecture is worth seeing in person.
- Nottingham Road The quaint little town of Nottingham Road is so tiny that if you blink you might miss it. The picturesque town on the R301 features a cosy pub at the Legendary Nottingham Road Hotel. While you’re in town, visit the Nottingham Road Brewery, located on at Rawdon’s Hotel. This microbrewery has developed quite a reputation with names like Pickled Pig Porter, Whistling Weasel Pale Ale, Pye-Eyed Possum Pilsner, and Tiddly Toad Lager you may have a hard time deciding while ale to taste first. Either way, you better try them all!
- Drakensberg The Drakensberg Mountains are right on your doorstep. Even though they’re not technically in the midlands, it would be a sin not to visit these famous peaks while you’re on your way. Boasting the conservation of endemic and threatened species and masterpieces of human creative genius in the form of 35,000 San rock art images as well as rolling, high-altitude grasslands, pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges, it’s definitely not to be missed.
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