Natal Midlands
The Natal Midlands is a tourism region of South Africa that includes the
Midlands Meander, the Battlefields and the Central Drakensberg
 The Natal Midlands offers interesting tourism opportunities amongs a myriad
of waterfalls, lakes, dams, Zulu cultural villages, game reserves and historical
battle sites and dramatic mountains. The Natal Midlands have some of the
most historic battle sites in South Africa. It was here that the Boer met
the British and the Zulu Impis met both.
The Natal Midlands climate is pleasant most of
the year; summers tend to be hot, while winters are very mild. Locations
include Albert Falls Nature Reserve, Estcourt, Howick, Notingham Road, Midmar
Nature Reserve and Mooi Rivier.
The Natal Midlands landscape is green and softly wavy, dominated by pastures
and pine forests. Numerous rivers of crystal-clear water from the Drakensberg
highlands make the Natal Midlands the South African destination of choice
for anglers. Particularly popular is the almost meditative art of fly-fishing.
Trout was introduced to the Natal Midlands back in 1889 by Scottish settlers.
 The Natal Midlands offer excellent hotels, guest houses, country lodges,
restaurants and tea-gardens. The Midlands Meander route which runs mainly
between Howick and Nottingham Road is a delightful shopping and browsing
side-trip, including numerous antique shops, art galleries and arts and crafts
studios
Accommodation in the Natal Midlands
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The Antbear Guest House - Guesthouse accommodation in
the Central Drakensberg near Giants Castle The view is perfect, the food
creative and delicious and the accommodation is unique but what really
makes this place is the hosts Conny and Andrew
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Sycamore Avenue - Romantic Treehouse Accommodation in
the Natal Midlands and perfectly situated for the Midlands Meander I
dont know when you last rediscovered the child within for me it was my
Midlands Meander stay at Sycamore Avenue
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Hartford House - Up Market deluxe accommodation in Mooi River in the
KwaZulu Natal Midlands Food is amazing.
Activities in the Natal Midlands
 Angling
The Albert Falls dam, completed in 1976, flooded the former Peatties lake
area, and is now the bass fisherman’s mecca of South Africa. The Albert
Falls Bass Tournament is the country’s premier inland competition and
the watchword in these waters is catch and release.
Boating and Skiing
The yacht club at Albert Falls Resort allows power boats. The dam is open
to the public, but boasts must be registered and possess the relevant safety
equipment. Satellite Dam is the home of the Natal Bare foot Ski Club.
Birdlife
Prolific in the area with many resident eagles, an abundance of waterbirds
and over 200 other species to view. The rare Blue Swallow is found here,
and has a trail named after it. Other bird trails are being developed and
the various habitats can be comfortably covered in a day’s drive.
Golf
Enthusiasts should visit the Noordsberg Club where there is a 9 hole course.
Cricket and polo is also played here.
Game Viewing
On foot, in your own vehicle or in safari
vehicles at various parks
Hikers
These are numerous hiking trails, ranging from short walks to overnight
trails.
4 x4 Trails
Are being developed. Land off the main road is private and permission should
be sought before entering
Picnic Sites
Within the Nature Reserve and on the dam shore and river banks. Veldfires
are dangerous and visitors are reminded it is illegal to make a fire in the
area unless it is specially demarcated.
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