The Midlands Meander extends from Rietvlei and Currys Post in the east to the Dargle Valley and Fort Nottingham in the west. It has naturally beautiful panoramic views, cattle farms, rolling grasslands, quaint villages, horse studs, and welcoming communities. The Midlands Meander is not only renowned for its outstanding natural beauty but also of the exciting activities it has to offer. There is so much to explore in the Midlands Meander. There are weavers, wood-crafters, potters, artists, leather workers, cheese makers, metalworkers, beer brewers, box makers, herb growers, and much more. That is why Midlands Meander is known as the “arts and crafts route“.
The Midlands Meander was the brainchild of a small group of local potters, artists, and weavers who envisioned to promote their work to a wider audience. They decided to invite the public to visit and meet the artists in their countryside studios. Entrepreneurs then joined together in creating the route that showcases the very best the region has to offer. Over the years, the route now offers more than exceptional arts and crafts with more than 150 members. Because of the array of activities available, quite a large number of visitors visit in Midlands Meander every day.
Some of the Most Popular Attractions at Midlands Meander
Gowrie Farm Golf Course
The Gowrie Farm Golf Course is a 9-hole course with lush green pastel colored grasses, hilly landscapes, and friendly inhabitants. The views are quite breath-taking in the golf course and are exciting to play on. The course has been regarded as “the finest 9-hole course” and is quite a challenge to the beginners.
The Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
The Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve which is established in 1975 offers wonderful game viewing, boating, fishing and rock climbing opportunities. It is only a half-hour’s drive from both Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Located in the reserve is the Albert Falls Dam which is known to be one of the best bass fishing dams in the world. The area around the Albert Falls Dam is filled with secluded nature trails and picnic spots. Wildlife in the reserve includes zebra, red hartebeest, springbok, oribi, giraffe, and rhino.
The Howick Falls
The Howick Falls is just outside Pietermaritzburg. It is also known as KwaNogqaza which means the ‘place of the tall one’. This is because the waterfall is a 95-meter cascade into a broiling, restless pool. The falls is said to be the place of the spirits of ancestors. According to local legends, a giant snake-like creature Inkanyamba lived in the falls and that only sangomas are safe to close to the falls.
The Dargle Conservancy
The Dargle Conservancy lies in the midst of the unrivaled beauty and untouched countryside of the Natal Midlands. fauna and flora are abundant in the area. It is also home to rare animal species such as Cape Parrot, oribi, crane species, Cape leopard, dozens of frog species. There are more than 200 bird species, the most common are Cape batis, Knysna loerie, ground woodpecker, African grass owl, crowned eagle, southern black flycatcher, olive woodpecker, the colorful Narina trogon, emerald cuckoo, and African spoonbill. Because of these, visitors are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open and their cameras ready for some special encounters. The conservancy is devoted to the protection and conservation of the wonderful array of plants and animals found in the region. It aims to showcase the wildlife to local and international visitors. The Dargle Conservancy also aims to increase biodiversity and strengthen the food chain by caring for and upping the numbers of the wildlife in the area.
Swissland Cheese
The Swissland Cheese is one of a couple of cheeseries you can visit in Midlands Meander. Their products are predominantly goats milk cheeses in a Swiss-chalet style. Not only can the visitors taste the cheese, but also witness the daily goat milking and learn about the cheese-making practice. A visit to the Midlands wouldn’t be complete without a bit of cheese tasting at the family-run Swissland Cheese.