Giants Castle - Arts and Crafts
The Midlands Meander includes Giants Castle as part of the best arts and
craft route in South Africa
The
Midlands Meander is an arts and crafts route through the Natal Midlands and
Drakensberg, joining art and craft outlets located in this region. Today
there is a network of roads that link over 60 artists and crafters resinging
in this beautiful part of South Africa.
Expect all four seasons in a day! The Drakensberg and Natal Midlands
is known for its cool mists that are burnt away by our warm South African
sun in summer, and at the enslaught of spring that also goes well into summer
- spectacular thunderstorms come rolling in from the berg and bring us greener
grass. It's autumn leaves that remind you
to get out during the day-light hours. It is this season that is enjoyed
the most by our more romantic guests who explore the region and pack as many
activities and places of interest they can possibly frequent between dawn
and dusk and snuggle up at night when the temperatures start dropping in
preparation for the winter.
There is ice still hanging on the fence when
the sun rises and on occasion snow blankets the then brown pastures and trees.
Winter is a time to make time for each other and the family, enjoy the warmth
of friendship, fireplaces, good wine, fantastic venues, and finally have
an excuse to turn up the heat! Originating with the arrival of the first
settlers in the early 1800's the area boasts many wonderful homes and barns,
an attraction to lovers of architecture. As you tour the Midlands
Meander you will also notice that this area is home to a number of the country's
most famous schools.
The route is also filled with various activities, from the thrilling Karkloof
Canopy Tours, exhilirating horse riding, golf, fishing, awesome hiking, historical
rock art, spas, to inspiring township tours, cheese tasting, wine tasting
and chocklate dipping. There are so many scenic spots to visit and things
to do, yet simply enjoying the sights and sounds, not doing anything but
relaxing and allowing nature to restore your soul and mind is enough reason
to make time to stay here...
The Midlands Meander has also grown to offer much more
than Arts and Crafts, but also now boasts a vast number of top-class hospitality
establishments. Converted from classic old farmhouses or outbuildings, they
cater for the full spectrum of guests' needs, ranging from luxury to rustic.
Partake of fine dining, informal cuisine, or simply self-cater. The choice
is yours.
The geographic boundaries of the Midlands Meander extend from Hilton in the south to Giants Castle in the north and span from the Dargle Valley
in the west to Curry's Post & the Karkloof in the east. An hour's drive
from Durban and less than five hours from Johannesburg, the Midlands Meander
is within easy reach. All the tours are easily accessible from the N3 and
all fly-offs are clearly marked with the Midlands Meander signage.
The Midlands
is predominantly summer grassland with indigenous semi-evergreen yellowwood
forests in protected habitats. Commercial timber growing has dramatically
increased pine and gum forest plantations. The region produces nearly 50%
of the farming income for the province, and boasts abundant grazing and water
to support dairy farms, beef studs and a stable of top race horse breeding
and training establishments.
Idealy situated accommodation options to experience the arts and crafts
of the namtal midlands and Drakensberg
Antbear
Guest House - Indeed a special find. One of those places
you wished you would have stayed longer where the accommodation, view,
location, service and food are just perfect. This is the nearest private
accommodation option near to Giants Castle and also offers one of the
best deals available.
Drakensberg
Luxury cave lodge Experience something different and stay
in the only fully catered luxury cave in the Drakensberg Mountains. And
the luxury cave comes with a few special romantic options like a jacuzzi
spa bath and fireplace both in the bedroom. Whats more it opens onto
a deck with hammock chairs and a panoramic view not often experienced.
Ardmore
Guest Farm - While this guest house is a little further away
in the Champagne Valley it still a great option to stay when you visit
Giants Castle. Also centrally situated this guest house makes for a special
few days in the Drakensberg. Ardmore is especially suited to families
with units that can accommodate 6 persons.
Wild
Berry Guest Farm - A simple B&B situated on the Mooi River
/ Giants Castle road They only provide breakfast and there are not to
many good options where dinner is easily available. So cook your own
dinner when you stay at Wild Berry Guest Farm
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