Spring is a lovely time to explore the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The hills are green, flowers start appearing, and the countryside comes alive after winter.
Midlands meander in KwaZulu-Natal with many cottages, restaurants, B&B amongst the scenic farming community on a scenic route/By: COSMOS-120/
iStock
Spend 48 hours following the Midlands Meander, with stops for forest walks, waterfalls, farm food, gardens and small-town charm. The region is home to a mix of farms, restaurants, craft studios and outdoor activities, making it easy to build a relaxed weekend around the countryside.
Day one: Waterfalls and forests
Howick Falls waterfall on the Umgeni River in KZN Midlands Meander/By: Shams/iStock
Start in Howick
Begin your trip in Howick with a stop at Howick Falls. The Umgeni River drops into a deep gorge here, making the waterfall one of the Midlands’ best-known natural attractions. After taking in the view, continue towards Karkloof.
Explore Karkloof
Karkloof is a good place to get out of the car and into nature. The area is known for its forests, grasslands and waterfalls, with hiking routes ranging from short walks to longer trails.
For a more adventurous outing, the Karkloof Canopy Tour takes visitors through the forest canopy. If you’d rather keep things relaxed, choose a shorter forest walk instead.
Spring is a good time to explore this part of the Midlands, when the hills are green, and wildflowers begin adding colour to the landscape.
Stop for lunch
Head back towards the Midlands Meander for lunch.
There are plenty of places to stop for farm-style food, local produce and something sweet. The Meander is known for its food producers, cafés, restaurants and farm stalls, so there is no need to plan every meal too far ahead.
Piggly Wiggly near Lions River is one option, with food, shops and activities in a countryside setting.
Take the scenic route to Nottingham Road
Spend the afternoon driving through the smaller settlements around Lions River, Balgowan and Nottingham Road.
This is where the Midlands is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Stop at a farm stall, browse a craft shop or simply pull over to take in the views.
The Midlands Meander includes everything from pottery and weaving to food producers, gardens and galleries, so there are plenty of places to make an unplanned stop.
Stay overnight around Nottingham Road.
Day two: Gardens, food and small towns
Mooi River Falls near Rosetta/Roger O’Neill/Wikimedia Commons
Start with breakfast
Take your time over breakfast before heading back onto the Meander.
The Midlands is known for its country cafés, farm produce and relaxed restaurants, so make breakfast part of the experience rather than simply a stop before the day’s activities.
Explore Balgowan and Rosetta
Nottingham Road on the Midlands Meander, in KwaZulu-Natal with many cottages, restaurants, B&B amongst the scenic farming community on a scenic route/By: COSMOS-120/Getty Images
Spend the morning exploring the smaller towns and countryside around Balgowan, Rosetta and Nottingham Road.
Look out for local produce, gardens, galleries and craft studios along the way. You don’t need to visit them all. Pick a few that interest you and leave room for detours.
Take a short walk
Work in one final walk before lunch.
There are several trails around the Midlands, including forest and countryside routes. Choose something that suits your pace and spend an hour or two outdoors rather than trying to fit in another major attraction.
End with a long lunch
Finish the weekend with lunch overlooking the Midlands countryside.
Local cheese, baked goods, farm produce and other artisan products are part of what makes the region such a popular food stop.
If you have space in the car, make one last stop at a farm stall before heading home.
Take your time
The Midlands is not a destination that needs to be rushed.
Give yourself time to stop at a farm shop, wander through a garden or sit down for a long lunch. Spring is a particularly pretty time to visit, with green hills, flowers and fresh countryside making the drive between stops part of the experience.
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