Midlands Accommodation
The Midlands refers to scenic area in the heart of KwaZulu Natal, lying between the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in the west and the Indian Ocean in the east. Accommodation in the Midlands is a good call owing to the array of activities in the area as well as its accessibility to both Durban and Pietermaritzburg via the N3 highway. The midlands, with its warm, wet summers and cool dry winters make a pleasant getaway in any season.
The Midlands are a particularly beautiful part of KwaZulu Natal comprising rolling farmlands, undulating hills and tracts of indigenous forest. The towns in the area are quaint and pretty and include settlements such as Hilton, Howick, Belgowan, Nottingham Road, Karkloof and Curry’s Post. One of the main draw cards for visitors to the Midlands is the bucolic atmosphere. Country life is showcased at its best here and a weekend break to this region will simultaneously energise and relax you.
One of the main attractions in the area is the Midlands Meander, an 80 kilometre tourist route taking in a variety of arts, crafts, restaurants and country-style accommodation. Along the route you can visit studios and shops of metal workers, potters, weavers, painters, glass-blowers. Foodies will be delighted by the array of cheese producers, craft-beer breweries, delightful bakeries and delis as well as highly acclaimed restaurants.
The scenery and terrain in the Midlands lends itself to outdoor activities like walking, hiking, horse-riding and picnicking. These activities are best pursued in some of the area’s conservancies and nature reserves such as the Midmar Nature Reserve (close to the Midmar Dam – a water-sport and fishing hub), Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve and Karkloof Nature Reserve. Karkloof is the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa and those with a real taste for adventure can take one of the canopy tours offered there.
If you are looking for a place to relax for a while, accommodation in the Midlands will certainly tick that box. Have a look at our varied Midlands accommodation options.