Sanibonani! Welcome to the Midlands Meander, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal

WIthin KwaZulu-Natal, the Midlands Meander is a perfect destination for the independent traveller and a place where you can truly recharge your batteries. Even though there is plenty to do, the countryside provides a peaceful atmosphere and a true getaway from the hustle of the big cities. The Meander has not only breathtakingly beautiful but also have the most gentle and friendly people with the ability to really make you feel at home, and stay longer... Order your free brochure from us here...

The famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, is a unique mix of cultural and historical attractions, locally made arts & crafts, restaurants, adventure activities, health hydros and no less than eight nature reserves!

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Accommodation on the Meander is unique ranging from affordable small bed and breakfast establishments and farmstays to upmarket boutique hotels. It's easy to find your accommodation in the Midlands Meander, part of KwaZulu-Natal, click on Midlands Meander Budget Hotels, Mid Range Hotels or Midlands Meander Luxury Hotels. If you prefer to choose your accommodation in KZN and Midlands Meander based on the hotel's location, click on our Midlands Meander Map first.

The Midlands Meander is home to the Karlkloof Blue Butterfly. Found nowhere else but in the moist Midlands mist belt, only five colonies of these butterflies have ever been recorded. Karkloof Blues are a globally red-listed species made vulnerable to extinction by specific habitat and feeding requirements. Read more about what the Midlands Meander Association is doing to conserve the Karlkloof Butterfly.

The area is also filled with many historical British and Zulu battlefield sites. The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is a scenic wildlife destination just past Pietermaritzburg. There are several self-drive or guided tours to key attractions such as the Howick Waterfalls and Midmar Dam and associated water scheme. The site where former President Nelson Mandela was captured in 1960 soon after his arrival back in South Africa is located near Howick on the R103 route. Read more about this fascinating story or book a tour…

This Midlands Meander Hotel Booking site is locally owned and operated by the Midlands Meander Association. The Midlands Meander was established in 1985, and is one of South Africa's best touring routes where visitors can explore everything that the KwaZulu-Natal countryside has to offer. We can help you plan your unique travel experience in the Midlands Meander.

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Mid-Range
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Villas & Apartments

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40 Fraser Street B&B

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Location: Howick

From: ZAR 250.00

Set in mature, spacious gardens. Old Oaks shade the boundary. Relax in a country atmosphere with the convenience of a country Town. ( 5 minutes to restaurants and Shops ). [more info]

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Beacon Vlei Luxury Guest Farm

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Location: Balgowan

From: ZAR 175.00

Nestled in the heart of the KZN Midlands, Beacon Vlei Guest Farm offers luxurious B&B and S/C accommodation with a touch of history. Our private 50-acre dam and the surrounding wetland area is home to hundreds of beautiful bird species as well as large trout and bass. [more info]

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Dargle Herigate Cottages

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Location: Dargle

From: ZAR 180.00

Dargle Heritage Cottages built in 1848 is an original settler home set in own garden with very old trees and excellent birdlife. Ideal for people who like the peace and quiet of the country and yet close to restaurants and Meander shops. [more info]

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Little Milton

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Location: Rosetta

From: ZAR 265.00

In the heart of the Meander, Little Milton is set above its own trout dam with wonderful water birds, meadows and views of the Drakensberg. Stylish bedrooms with television and fridge have underfloor heating and electric blankets for wintery nights. Self-catering cottages offer up to two double en suite bedrooms, loft bed, open fireplace, TV lounge and barbeque facilities. Good restaurants nearby. Visit Kamberg and Giant’s Castle, Bushman paintings and Meander arts and crafts route. TGCSA 4-Star Bed and Breakfast. [more info]

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Twin Pools Lodge

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Location: Balgowan

From: ZAR 250.00

Set in the heart of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, Twin Pools Lodge B&B offers you a tranquil Country setting in the picturesque Balgowan Valley. [more info]

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Fiddlewood Guest Farm

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Location: Curry\'s Post

From: ZAR 250.00

Only 5 minutes from Howick with its craft outlets, good eating places and the spectacular falls and 20 minutes from Pietermaritzburg, Fiddlewood offers warm hospitality in a truly beautiful setting. Centrally situated for access to the Midlands Meander, the Nelson Mandela monument, the Drakensburg, the coast and the Battlefields. [more info]

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Pleasant Places

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Location: Lidgetton

From: ZAR 355.00

...a place of tranquility, rest, comfortable accommodation, fluffy pillows, firm soft beds and fresh homemade country fare. [more info]

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Brookdale Cottages

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Location: Hilton

From: ZAR 280.00

Brookdale Cottages are charming cottages situated in the heart of the quaint village of Hilton, which is nestled in the hills above Pietermaritzburg. A warm welcome awaits our guests from your hosts, John and Lynne. [more info]

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Dunroamin' Guest House

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Location: Mooi River

From: ZAR 350.00

Indulge in country hospitality at its very best - your comfort is our first priority. Dunroamin' Country Guest House offers affordable, quality assured accommodation, and a restful night in one of our four spacious en-suite bedrooms, all with private entrances and patios, with the best country breakfasts and views for miles around. Dunroamin' is not difficult to find - situated 6km from both Mooi River and Rosetta, just 50m off the R103, with easy access to the N3 freeway. [more info]

»Click here for more mid-range accommodation

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Woodridge Country Hotel

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Location: Balgowan

From: ZAR 645.00

Woodridge Country Hotel is a luxury getaway destination for the discerning traveler. Guest facilities include a restaurant, luxury rooms, on site coffee shop and soap shop, heated 10 seater Jacuzzi, picnic site in the forest, health and beauty studio, chapel and wedding reception venue, conference facilities and small game reserve. [more info]

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Tamakwa Country Lodge

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Location: Rosetta

From: ZAR 370.00

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is renowned for its tranquil surroundings, which often provide a welcome respite from the hectic city environment. It is here just outside the small village of Rosetta that Tamakwa Country Lodge quietly rests overlooking the mystical Drakensberg. [more info]

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Fordoun

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Location: Nottingham Road

From: ZAR 1,520.00

Fordoun is an award winning 5 star boutique hotel and Spa with an A la carte restaurant, situated within 5 minutes of the main road between Johannesburg and Durban. The property has been in the Bates Family since the 1940s. The luxury hotel was contructed out of an old dairy farm, which dates back to the 1860s. [more info]

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Hartford House

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Location: Mooi River

From: ZAR 760.00

A 5 star Hartford experience includes fine dining in the award-winning restaurant (Dine Top 10: Deluxe Award/ Fedhasa East Coast Award for Best Small Restaurant/ American Express Fine Dining Programme) where a 5 course set dinner and wines from a 5 star wine list (Diners Club ‘Wine List of the Year Award') are served.

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»Click here for more top end accommodation

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San Paintings Tour

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Duration: 10 hour(s)

From: ZAR 980.00

Travel through the scenic Drakensberg and visit the exciting San Rock Art Museum in one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites.

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Midlands Meander Experience

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Duration: 5 hour(s)

From: ZAR 500.00

Experience the highlights of the Midlands Meander countryside and scenery.

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Fishing in the Clouds

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Duration: 4 day(s)

From: ZAR 3,225.00

Come and experience the majestic wild trout of Lesotho that live in the cold crystal clear waters of the Maletsunyane River! [more info]

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Treetops slide adventure

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Duration: 3 hour(s)

From: ZAR 395.00

Take an exciting kilometre long foefie slide divided into eight separate slides of varying lengths. These slides take you from wooden platforms hidden in the tree tops past a sheer cliff face and cascading waterfall. Sometimes you could be as high up as 35m above the forest canopy.

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Horse Trails - Half Day Outride

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Duration: 4 hour(s)

From: ZAR 175.00

Come and enjoy a day of fun and adventure! If you're looking for something different for an active family - then a half day horse outride in the Kamberg Reserve is just for you!

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Drakensberg Horse Ride Adventure

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Duration: 2 day(s)

From: ZAR 750.00

Take a 2 night horse ride package through the Drakensberg Mountains. A unique getaway for the adventurous!

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Villas & Apartments

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Aird Country House

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Location: Dargle

From: ZAR 35.00

Aird Country House has 5 two-bedroom cottages, fully equipped for self-catering or enjoy the option of breakfast in your own lounge. Each unit has a cosy fireplace, dining room and en-suite bathroom. [more info]

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Lions River Country Cottages

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Location: Lions River

From: ZAR 185.00

Lying on the banks of the Lions River, with peaceful views over the Dargle, we offer our guests the perfect setting to unwind, relax and re-discover life. With only 4 cottages on over 22 hectares of land, we have been able to position our quality self-catering cottages far apart to achieve maximum privacy, peace and quiet. [more info]

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Rockwood Forest Lodge

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Location: Karkloof

From: ZAR 320.00

The ambience and environment at each lodge is somewhat different. However, a magical experience is ensured at both! Each lodge comprises 3 bedrooms (1 king and 2 twin) and can comfortably sleep a maximum of 6 people. The lodges have 2 bathrooms each, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge area as well as beautiful viewing decks from which to enjoy the beauty of Nature. Although we are a self catering establishment, we do provide basic condiments, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, cooking oil, basic spices, linen, towels and braai equipment. Each lodge is fully serviced twice daily by our friendly and efficient staff. Upon arrival you will enjoy a complimentary box of biscuits, delicious chocolate thoughtfully placed on each guest’s bed and a bottle of outstanding red wine. [more info]

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Drakensberg Excursions

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Location: Kamberg

From: ZAR 150.00

A two hours' drive from Durban into the Kamberg Valley - 32kms from Rosetta in the foothills of the Drakensberg and 5kms from the Kamberg Nature Reserve - renowned for the some of the most spectacular Rock Art - Bushman paintings. This is for the active traveller! [more info]

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Otters Creek

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Location: Lidgetton

From: ZAR 175.00

Self-catering timber chalets mounted on stilts. Comfortable and serviced, nestling in the unique Caversham Valley, overlooking lush natural forest and the swift flowing Impafana River [more info]