Midlands Meander
Midlands Meander
4.5
About
The Midlands Meander in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, is a collection of arranged routes that offer visitors hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all "shop-till-you-drop" unique arts and crafts. An easy one-hour drive from Durban and four and a half hours on the N3 highway from Johannesburg, there is much to explore and do in the Midlands.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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4.5
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111TWIGAMINHAAFRIKA
Bristol, UK7 783 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
The Midlands Meander from the Mood River, Rosetta, to Nottingham Road, Lidgetton, Dargle a, Lions River and Howick, we had a fantastic time exploring so many arts/craft shops, art galleries, a variety of eateries, wine estate/brewery, and all set in the most beautiful countryside.
The most overwhelming aspect of travelling in this area was the people. The true community spirit, where genuine good safe advice, must places to visit was forthcoming and no pressure or expectation to purchase when shopping.
Special mention to Margaret at the Wine Farm shop- Rosetta, Culamoya Chimes, the Nelson Mandela capture Site, all the staff at St.Ives Lodge(our accommodation for 3 nights), a fantastic meal/evening at The Snooty Fox restaurant, Dragonfire Beads and everything at the Piggly Wriggly.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicoleen N
Monteseel, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
Lovely place for a weekend getaway - just around the corner - lovely views and lots to see and do. Great way to spend the weekend especially if it is raining and you do not want to get stuck inside the house. Take a nice slow drive and enjoy the scenery. Have to stop at the petrol station on the N3 and try out there home made pies
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pat L
Cambridge, UK4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We stayed at rawdons country estate. It was like staying in a country estate in England. The boars head pub with its roaring fires reminded us of staying in Scotland. The whole area is a combination of Scotland Devon and Cornwall. The various craftsmen enroute was inspirational. We will definitely visit again but hopefully in a more settled climate.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marina S
Pretoria, South Africa22 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Route signs not visible and a bit unclear as to where to go. Tourism office in Mooi River was closed when we wanted to enquire about it.

We were a little bit disappointed with the Midlands Meander as it felt like a shopping spree and nothing else. The prices are also ridiculously high.

We would prefer visiting the manufacturing processes and tours rather than just shopping.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LindaH475
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa454 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2016
We live on the Birnamwood Road and we always take our frequent guests on a Meander.
There is so much to do and see but our favourite trip is a loop from the Howick Tweedie R103 turnoff with our first stop at Florentines Belgian chocolates. If you only have time for a lazy luncheon and wine tasting then Abingdon is a definite winner. Ian Smorthwaite is an excellent host and his wife Jane is a great chef. The Nelom Mandela Museum is a new highlight. Take a walk down to view the awesome metal structure depicting Madiba behind bars. Our next stop is always Piggly Wiggly which is a shoppers delight with crafts, decoy, art and gourmet delis spread around a circle with plenty of kiddie entertainment as well. If you're in the mood for craft beer then Rawdon's would be your next stop. Also good for a casual pub lunch or tea.There are some interesting collectible, antique and decor shops in the Nottingham Road area to browse around looking for treasures and we then head back to the N3 towards Howick. Turn left to Howick and again left onto the Curry's Post Road for our favourite current Midlands restaurant, Terbadore for a tasty lunch and excellent coffee and we've made a full circle and back home via Midmar to Birnamwood.
Written 10 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gauldi V
London102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2012 • Family
For me the "Midlands Meander" has to be one of South Africa's greatest attractions for many and quite different reasons which I will explain. I visited last year over Christmas.

I visit South Africa primarily for the stunning game reserves and scenery particularly those found In Kwa Zulu Natal a part of Africa which has always captivated my heart and imagination. Its very different to the Cape Town region which tends to be less "African" and very much more mass tourist orientated possibly just a bit predictable, the truly ice cold cold sea and yes attractive mountain it still all feels like you haven't quite arrived in Africa. The beaches however in Natal are warm and the sun African with brief summer rains, fabulous game reserves (National Parks). The parks are very special uncrowded and rewarding for the top five game species but even more so for the flora and smaller fauna, there is also variety in the countryside and people mostly Zulu.

A hot spot area of our planet of truly remarkable bio diversity and indeed parts are now World Heritage sites. From the mighty towering snow capped mountains of the Drakensburg (Dragon mountains) that include the Cathedral Peak home of the mighty Martial African eagle to the warm fine sandy beaches of the blue Indian ocean where giant turtles lay their eggs in the soft white sandy bays, the "Midlands meander" lies nestled in this in the middle of gently rolling hills.

We began this wonderful trip by arriving at Durban's King Shaka airport a short hour or so flight from where we arrived in South Africa Johannesburg. The airport itself is very welcoming modern and new and renting a good car was absolutely no problem no international drivers license was asked for. There were no automatics and this was a relief as Im rather fond of a shift gear drive.

From Durban we drove inland through "The Meander" going out through the Karkloof back towards the coast to the Hluhluwe game reserve in Northern Kwa Zulu Natal and back to Durban. A trip of ten days. Mostly the roads are excellent but the part from Karkloof to quite far towards the bit where you join the coastal road is not surfaced for a long stretch, which I and the kids like very much but if you are not used to them they can be a challenge. There are alternative routes on better roads. Pot holes are a problem on the Meander itself in many areas so it pays not to drive fast or at night, many of the smaller roads are also not surfaced in this area. Don't be put off the rewards can be worth a little bit of a bumpy drive.

To reach the Meander and our first place of stay was a mere few hours drive inland on a very good highway from Durban.

At the very beginning of The Meander and our trip just after Hilton village is probably one of the few most poignant and important spots in the history of human liberation. This is of course where Nelson Mandela was apprehended and began his almost life long incarceration. The place the exact place police took him from a car and arrested him. He was full with hope ideas and plans his heart and soul brimming with the possibilities of the future freedom his country could take, to be home at last his home his beloved country. After having been away in distant lands to gain support for the countries liberation there by the side of the otherwise unremarkable small country road is the place that would start 27 years of his imprisonment. We silently got out the car and stood for a few moments taking in the magnitude of what had happened on that spot. A small railway line goes off through the long grass dotted with wild flowers some poor villages beyond a few feral looking dogs briefly barked at us and in the distance the wonderful mountains and blue skies.

It's a big relief that nothing has been done by the locals to turn the spot into some kind of tourist trap so one can still feel almost exactly what it must have been like as he looked around wildly for the last time before beginning a life of almost incomprehensible torture to most of us, to be trapped behind bars your lovely country just beyond the sea for years and years and years of your life. A small bird with a long train of tail feathers behind it floated undulating over the tips of tall grass bending in the breeze cheeping to its mate in the sunshine, otherwise it was incredibly silent. There is a very lovely small artistic installation depicting him. Through this louvered image you can see the great country beyond. A place of intense contemplation and spirituality for anyone who stops highly recommended.

From here the road winds up and through The Midlands Meander. The whole area has a rather incongruous "English" country feel to it for Africa from the "Granny Mouse" hotel with its tasteful floral and comfortable Chinz rooms where we stayed (the children insisted) to the stud farms and meadows of fat Herefordshire bulls, smart hotels and Pub lunches. In fact you could be in Herefordshire midlands even the people who mostly own the farms, hotels, bed and breakfasts and various attractions here have a particularly clean crisp spoken home counties English accent. The people are all very friendly and like nothing better than a chat.

There are plenty of places to eat and stay mostly very good some excellent. We also stayed a night at Rawdon's Hotel and were delighted, the food at the restaurant looked very good but we ate at the pub which was excellent.

Many people just drive through the area sampling the delights and scenery taking in the delicious air stopping for cream tea of buying a few curios, and this is fun for a long afternoon. But what we enjoyed most were the walks and hikes through the "veld" and mist belt forests looking at the wild flowers, fauna including good bird life and setting. Staying a few nights is the best way to do this.

The weather when we were there felt like a perennial Spring with a little high summer thrown in in the afternoons for good measure. Absolutely heavenly though I believe in winter it can get quite cold when snow blankets the high peaks in the background. Worth taking a warm something light anytime as the evening and night can be a bit chilly which is lovely for sleeping. There were a few thunderstorms too which were thrilling if not a little dangerous, it pays to look into the sky to see if anything is coming. Mostly this happens in the later part of a very hot afternoon.

I would recommend taking guides of the flora and particularly the birds with you so you can look them up. Many of the places where you can stay have walks through their farm lands and gardens you can do completely on your own after breakfast or in the evening. But the best bet is contacting and looking at the "Midlands Conservancies" site and forum before you leave as there are organised and fascinating walks and hikes guided by various people on different days of the week almost every day, they have a lot of knowledge about the fauna and flora. This activity is very rewarding and highly recommended.

There are many streams and rivers some for swimming and cooling down we had a fantastic day out swimming in the Karkloof Yarrow falls area with a walk and picnic lunch we bought in Howick (a small village nearby at the remarkable Howick falls) at a very good supermarket . The water is clean and cool absolutely refreshing. Watch where others swim or take just ordinary sensible precautions as you don't want to actually fall off the falls which are a little up stream anyway. Snakes can be encountered but generally vanish when they hear your footstep but it pays to keep an eye out and take good hiking boots.

The meander is also a good warm up for the Drakensburg where hiking is much more serious and spectacular you also should get permission to walk onto someone's farm though its not always possible to tell where one begins and another ends, but the National Parks areas are the place to hike on your own anyway and the paths are well used. Many parts of the Midlands are high density floral treasure troves and you will often also encounter some of the wild life which is a real treat. Obviously don't walk where you will damage anything and don't remove anything .

We had a lovely couple of days here on the Midlands meander and promised ourselves we would return but as with so many journeys and trips its just a dream but the very African memories will definitely remain forever.

Small word of caution, crime is known to be a problem all over South Africa. Its best not to stop the car in isolated areas of road for very long and always leave your car where it will be safe i.e. near others or a home or designated area like at a restaurant car park or Inn. Personal safety didn't for us feel for one moment threatened on our whole trip but you do need to exercise just ordinary sensible caution. Don't stop and ask for directions but wait to get to a filling station or village shop etc. Plan your trip well and get some maps or use your Ipad, best to plan before leaving everyday. Try not to look like and behave like a tourist. Don't think to stop and pick up anyone walking along the side of the road even children, if they look like they are in trouble call someone. And lastly it's a very good idea to get a local sim card from the airport and have a fully loaded phone at all times. Check your spare tyre when you pick upyour rental, make sure its full of air and sound.
Written 8 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Gauldi, Thank you for your excellent and detailed review - all the way from London! We agree that the Midlands Meander has so much to offer - from idyllic scenery, to country hospitality, country critters, smart hotels, pub lunches, hiking through the countryside and the friendly people. You say that you promised you would return... the Midlands Meander is eagerly awaiting :) . Please visit our website and Like us on Facebook to whet your appetite for your next trip.
Written 8 December 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

trin442
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Friends
If you have not yet taken a meander along the Midlands Meander, I urge you to do so. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful conglomeration of artisanal foods and crafts along such pretty countryside. Even now in the midst of a drought it’s still a lovely drive. There are a couple of routes to choose from and plenty of sign posts so you can easily get around, however if it is your first time along the meander, I suggest you either get a meander booklet, which I believe you now have to pay about R5 for or you can go online to the meander website and plan your route and stops you would like to make. Every stop is noteworthy but the more popular ones have to be the Nelson Mandela Capture site which has the Truth Café, without a doubt Florentines, Piggly Wiggly, Steampunks, Rawdons, Caversham Mill, The Ugly Duckling and the junction which has Chocolate Heaven (this one has to be my favourite with their chocolate dippingz experience, an absolute must for all the chocolate lovers out there) and the list goes on. There are tons of little hidden gems to be discovered along the way so don’t feel shy to stop as often as you like. Do note that most places close around 4pm and some places are not open on certain days, also there is a fair amount of driving involved along winding country roads (which I love but might not be for everyone) and some places are along dirt roads. I suggest wearing comfortable shoes as you may end up doing a bit of walking at some sites, also, a cap and jacket may be handy, the weather in the midlands can be unpredictable at times. Happy exploring. I myself, look forward to my next trip out there.
Written 29 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Itumeleng
Johannesburg, South Africa77 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014 • Solo
There is no arguing with the beautiful hills and mountains of the Midlands. The scenery is lush, greenery everywhere, horses and cattle grazing. It's a beautiful drive with very narrow roads, not well maintained, and lots "to do" along the route. It really is an anti-climax. The little shops along the Meander are a travesty. The shopping was an incredible letdown, including the antique stores that are highly over priced with nothing interesting to see. There was one antique store in Howick, I think it's called Old things, which had interesting silver and other interesting small antiques. Thabos's antiques was really disappointing, equally so was The Ugly Duckling. It really is as it's name suggests, ugly. It needs a magical kiss to turn it into something beautiful. As for the Junction, nice, but a rip-off. I saw an exact old looking wall clock at one of the stores going for double what I paid in Johannesburg - and they say Johannesburg is expensive. It appears to have become more about the dollars and euros than it is about small stores in small towns sharing their interests and things unique to the area. A real let down! The small town mentality of shop assistants whispering, talking about customers at the homeware store at the Junction, does not help. No hidden gem, do the drive and enjoy the scenery, maybe a horse ride or two. Have some local cheese and save the shopping for the cities. You can probably get it cheaper in the city.
Written 5 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Itumeleng, Thanks for your feedback and input. The scenery really is something. We are very blessed! The roads are narrow, and yes, unfortunately not always well-maintained. But such is country living sometimes! Not all the establishments you mentioned are Midlands Meander members. Did you have a chance to pick up a Midlands Meander Guide? This has a map as well as a directory at the back to help you plan to visit the shops that will interest you. You are also welcome to give us a call on 033 330 8195 or email info@midlandsmeander.co.za. We will be more than happy to suggest some shops that sell items unique to the area. We even have a special name for them - our "Butterfly Crafters" are establishments where 80% of the products are made within the bounds of the Midlands Meander.
Written 3 December 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

zerwickrenatevictor
Centurion, South Africa2 343 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Couples
My husband and I had the absolute pleasure and privilege to discover the Midlands meander during a long weekend mid July 2015.

We decided to make Nottingham Road our base for the weekend and stayed at Loxley House (see my review), which was an excellent choice!

We made The Junction Complex in Nottingham Road our first stop. Expect interesting and high quality merchandise on display. Inside the Dirt Road Trader’s shop they have the most beautiful interior home ware on display. Do not miss the delicious Belgian chocolates at Chocolate Heaven (see my review).

Opposite The Junction Complex is Monsoon Moon where we browsed through interesting items on display (see my review). Aladdin’s Delight is situated just up the road from the Spar store and petrol station and well worth a visit for beautiful stained glass items and pottery.

From there we headed to the Rawdons Hotel and the famous Nottingham Road Brewery to have a tester of the craft beer. We enjoyed sipping on the beer testers and could not decide which one is our favourite. We will be back later this year to taste again (see my review).

From there we meandered along the R103 and made a stop at the famous Michael House School (the Spud movies was made there). The buildings and school grounds are magnificent and a sight to behold.

Further along the R103 you will come across a smaller branch of the Ugly Duckling opposite the Peter’s Gate Herbal Centre. Here you can browse through interesting and quirky little gems (see my review).

Not far from there we stumbled upon Piggly Wiggly which is a real gem with an array of small shops, a restaurant, restroom facilities etc. Piggly Wiggly is the perfect place to spend a lazy few hours (see my review).

We continued on the R103 towards Howick and were in awe to see the Nelson Mandela Capture site just around the corner (see my review).

On Saturday, 18 July we decided to head to the legendary Nottingham Road Hotel and Restaurant for lunch, and of course the rugby game. This was indeed a real treat and not to be missed when in the area (see my review).

It is well worth to do some research about the Midlands Meander beforehand to learn about the hidden gems this magical area has to offer. The Midlands Meander guide is available at most stores (at a mere R5.00) and contains all the treasures to be found while meandering as well as a handy map of the area.

To quote the Midlands Meander’s website: “Two roads diverged in a wood – and I took the one less travelled by” – Robert Frost. We certainly did and fell head over heels in love with the magical and special Midlands Meander and will be back later this year to explore more of its magnificent gems!
Written 4 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write such an interesting review. We're so glad you enjoyed your time on the Midlands Meander. You'll have to come back again soon! We are so lucky to have so much variety - something for everyone!
Written 7 August 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kay M
Newbury, UK88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Friends
What a fantastic weekend in the Midlands Meander! My son's wedding at relaxing Bellwood, which is situated in the most awesome of settings. Their is a wonderful chapel, reception hall, lake, comfy accommodation and a great enclosed play area for the children. Who could beat that? On the way up to the venue we stopped for coffee at the friendly Coffee Smiths, browsing at the Junction and Monsoon. On the way back to the coast we just had to stop at Douchka - for beautiful ladies fashionwear! Heather, the owner was fabulous - wonderfully warm & welcoming! Nothing was too much trouble and everything I purchased at her shop went down at real treat back at home in the UK. My friends & family thank you Heather! :)
This part of the Midlands Meander - The Junction, Nottingham Road is full character, has some unique shops managed by friendly staff & owners. Loved it!
Written 9 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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