ACTIVITIES IN THE MIDLANDS
Self catering and B and B accommodation, KZN Midlands
Are you wondering what there is to do in the KZN Midlands while staying at Midlands Forest Lodge? The Midlands Meander offers you many activities. For those not familiar with the Meander, it is a cluster of organised scenic routes in KwaZulu Natal that stretch from Mooi River in the north, Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west.
Visitors to the Meander can look forward to beautiful views, mouth-watering cuisine, outdoor activities, health spa’s, art and ceramic work, music events and historic sites.
Some would describe it as a “little piece of heaven” or “a taste of paradise”. It’s a wonder that every South African should try to experience at least once in their life.
A Sneak Peak At The Midlands Meander
1. Canopy Tours
Experience the Midlands countryside and all its spectacular views from a zip line. Karkloof Canopy Tours offer you the opportunity to glide through the trees and take in all levels of the valley. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a few endangered Cape Parrots. Glide gently on a steel cable and view the impressive giant ferns below you. Are you staying at Midlands Forest Lodge and want to experience this tour? Take a leisurely drive to Karkloof Canopy Tours and get ready to fly.
2. Relaxing Spas
Reach new heights of relaxation at a spa in the lush Midlands. Make the day all about you. Experience new levels of pampering designed to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed from your head down to your toes. Unwind in a Jacuzzi or get a full body massage or scrub that will energise your body and soothe your soul. Indigo Fields African Bush Spa offer all this and more. Situated around 18 minutes from Midlands Forest Lodge, it is well worth the short trip.
3. Arts And Crafts
Purchase some local masterpieces from world renowned artists. There is so much to choose from that you will find it hard to make up your mind. We would suggest taking a short drive via the R103 from Midlands Forest Lodge to Shuttleworth Weavers at Nottingham Road and view their range of truly beautiful carpets and rugs. If that is not what you had in mind, why not pop 3km down the road and visit Ardmore for amazing ceramics. You can view the museum, artists at work and the gallery.
4. Culinary Experiences
Give your taste buds an adventure right here at Caversham Mill Restaurant. We will give you an unforgettable culinary experience. Our child-friendly facilities are the ideal setting for birthday parties, company functions, or even fun family get-togethers.
This well known restaurant is a landmark in the area. It is a first class, well priced establishment offering comfort food with a few interesting twists. Dishes are freshly prepared and served in a settling only the Midlands can offer. Peruse our á-la-carte menu while listening to the Lion’s River tumbling down the waterfall.
Neresh and Alveera operate the restaurant from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunches, and from Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
5. Vineyards
Unique visual & tasting experiences are what you will experience when you visit any of the wine estates on the Meander. Indulge in a glass or bottle of wine at Abingdon Wine Estate around 10 minutes from Midlands Forest Lodge. Situated in Lions River, they are KZN’s premier wine estate offering heavenly wines by the glass or bottle. This idyllic spot in the Midlands has wines that are on par with anything the Cape has to offer.
6. Beer And Gin Tasting
A unique selection of quality, authentic beers await you within a 15 minute drive to the Nottingham Road Brewing Company. Locals and tourists alike have been delighted by Notties range of ales and lagers.
7. Farmers Markets
These are critical components in rebuilding local food economies in the Midlands. Buy fresh local produce and support family businesses all while connecting with the community. The Karkloof Farmers Market in Howick is just over half an hour from Midlands Forest Lodge and offers reasonably priced goods and a friendly atmosphere. Take the family over on a Saturday morning for superb food and fresh farm produce.
8. Horse Riding
Navigate the mountains and trails of the Midlands on horseback. Guide your horse through the magnificent scenery of the Meander and explore the surrounding countryside. Karkloof Horse Adventures offers trail options through the scenic Karkloof Valley, including one, two and three hour rides with opportunities to see wilflife like zebra and antelope. Bookings are essential and weight limit applies.
9. Michaelhouse School
Nestled in the unspoilt beauty of Balgowan in the KZN Midlands, is the prestigious Michaelhouse boarding school for senior boys. This elite school has a long and rich history and is among the top and most unique private boys’ boarding schools in South Africa.
Parents of Michaelhouse boys often head down to visit them or watch a rugby or cricket game on weekends. For a quiet and stress-free getaway, why not head over to Michaelhouse School and enjoy an excellent game of school boys’ rugby, or visit the stunning chappel with its renowned stain glass window.
Forest lodge is situated a mere 6 minutes drive from Michaelhouse School
10. Piggly Wiggly
This well-known venue in the Midlands is situated a few minutes away from Midlands Forest Lodge. It offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy candle dipping, mini golf and the Piggy Zip canopy tour. Shop ‘til you drop at one of the many retail outlets and finish off your day at Piggly Wiggly coffee shop.
11. The Capture Site
A landmark along the Midlands Meander, this unique, internationally recognisable sculpture is a short drive away. It marks the spot where Nelson Mandela was captured by Apartheid security forces in 1962.