Picture this: fields of swaying grasslands, slowly ambling cattle chewing the cud, undulating green hills that stretch as far as the eye can see, farmlands – sand roads curving just out of sight, country lanes lined with hedgerows, beautiful mountains off in the distance.
No, this enticing description isnโt the British Midlands, despite the essential similarity (and an almost permanent state of sunshine!).
This is the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Country stays at their best.
Best explored along the five routes of the Midlands Meander – a well-mapped network of routes that explore a whole selection of arts and crafts stores, outdoor activities, restaurants, artistsโ studios, potteries, coffee roasters, activities and family friendly farms – the Natal Midlands is a fantastic couple of days for any visitor to KwaZulu-Natal…
You could spend a week or a weekend on the Midlands Meander and not cover everything. But whilst you mull over what to do when, we can help you with places to stay!
Here are our favourites
Best Places to stay on the Midlands Meander…
Bosch Hoek Lodge in Balgowa
Chic, modern, hotel luxury in a converted farmstead with sundowners on wooden decks, and views out over water, grassy paddocks, the golf course and great old shade trees.
Bosch Hoek Lodge offers bent-grass golf greens in park-like surrounds that not only afford a breath of fresh country air but an escape from it all.
Springholm Cottages in Nottingham Road
Springholm Cottages offers self catering accommodation in Nottingham Road in a selction of cottages that are all equipped with a TV with hotel package DStv as well as a complimentary tea / coffee station.
Fishing, rowing boats, picnics and lovely walks are just some of activities you can enjoy during your stay. The Midlands Meander includes fabulous shops, breweries, eateries and activities; a wonderful way to spend a day.
Nottingham Road Hotel
The legendary hotel in Nottigham Road, Notties, may have been here since 1854 but this is a thoroughly modern hotel in every other sense.
So, Cape Dutch architecture it might be, but the rooms are beautifully furnished and fresh, the gardens gently overhung with trees, and the town quaint and evocative of country life.
Old Haliwell Country Inn in Curry’s Post
Built in the 1830’s and set on 250 acres of rolling lawns and forests overlooking the Karkloof Valley, Old Halliwell captures the charms and traditions of a more gracious age.
Experience expansive rooms that overlook the spectacular Karkloof Valley from a private patio. Each room caters to your every need – from the fireplace to heated towel rails to spa-baths.
Originally built as a fortified farmhouse the main building now houses a library and games room, lounge, cosy bar with snug and cigar lounge, wrap around verandah and the Lemon and Lavender restaurant for all your culinary needs.
With breathtaking views of the Karkloof Valley surrounding the restaurant, it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a scrumptious meal.
Copperleigh Trout Cottages in Dargle
Situated on a working sheep and cattle farm in upper Dargle, Copperleigh boasts two beautifully decorated modern self-catering holiday homes, overlooking the calm waters of Mavela Dam.
The dam is stocked with trout by the NFFC (Natal Fly Fishers Club) on an annual basis and is a fly fisherman’s delight.
Guests have free access to the 10ha Mavela Dam. Please remember to bring your own fly fishing rods and equipment to fish for trout. No additional catch fees if using your own equipment.
There are some short walks you can take on the farm, with amazing views of Inhlosane Mountain and the upper Dargle countryside to be seen.
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley in Balgowan
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley offers Balgowan accommodation in boutique tents on the Gowan Valley Guest Farm. An enchanting farm with rolling green hills and fields, Nguni cattle and Golden Kiwi are farmed here. The farm has beautiful gardens dotted with roses.
The five self catering tents each comfortably sleep five guests. These tents are all about boutique camping (or glamping), with two bedrooms, one with an extra length Queen-size bed and the other contains an extra length Queen-size bed with a single extra length bunk above it.
There is a large comfortable couch, coffee table and a large dining table and chairs. The floors are wooden throughout the tent.
Each tent has an outside deck with table and chairs and beautiful views. Braai facilities are provided and a wood fired hot tub / splash pool.
Granny Mouse Country House in Howick
The Granny Mouse hotel in Howick is virtually an institution itโs so well regarded by travellers to the Midlands. The thatched country retreat is set on an outcrop overlooking the bush and the Lions River.
It recently had an overhaul and its spacious suites in their rustic colours offer a charming, quirky stay in amongst beautiful gardens and mountain views.
The food is excellent. Remember to stoop going through doorways.
Star Dam Lodges in Dargle
Star Dam Lodges offers a selection of lodges tucked away in a quiet corner of the Dargle Valley, in close proximity to the iconic Inhlosane hill.
Each lodge has a sense of privacy, exclusivity and spectacular views over a unique, star-shaped dam. Lodges boast a private jetty facilitating access to the water so why not hire one of our fishing boats for the day or bring your canoe or ski along.
Escape from the world and enjoy our sanctuary at Star Dam Estate.
Curry’s Post Bed & Breakfast in Howick
The inviting Curry’s Post Bed & Breakfast in Howick is conveniently perched right in the Midlands Meander, making it a prime spot for visits to the Midlands.
It is close to a number of other attractions and the focus is on a warm welcome, exquisite surrounds, and elegant suites. Enjoy friendly service, plenty of safe parking, a safety deposit box and a private check-in.
The elegant King Rooms are tastefully appointed. They are air-conditioned and each suite has a flat-screen TV, DSTV, free Wi-Fi, and a luxurious bathroom. They are serviced daily to ensure that guests are always as comfortable as possible.
Brahman Hills in Nottingham Road
Brahman Hills offers luxury Nottingham Road accommodation in a choice of bed & breakfast rooms or self catering cottages. Located in the Natal Midlands, you can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife on your doorstep and are promised a tranquil stay with outstanding service.
Check out our stylish and well equipped hotel rooms if youโre looking for the ease of a fully-catered holiday. In close proximity to our restaurants and bars, the only finger youโll have to lift is to signal the bartender.
If youโre more interested in seclusion and independence, then you canโt go wrong with our self catering cottages. Stocked with all the creature comforts, including a jacuzzi and a cozy fireplace, itโs country charm at its finest.
The Boathouse at Beacon Vlein in Balgowan
The Boathouse at Beacon Vlei offers comfortable accommodation in Balgowan with panoramic views over our 23 hectare private dam and the surrounding wetland area, which is home to hundreds of beautiful bird species.
The Boathouse sleeps four guests in one bedroom. It has a fully equipped kitchen, a large open plan living/ dining room which has a big Jetmaster fireplace and Dstv. The cottage comes equipped with a braai. Small pets allowed for a fee per pet per night, one pet per cottage.
Zulu Waters Game Reserve in Mooi River
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountain range, lies a true celebration of African wildlife โ ZuluWaters a malaria free 3000-hectare private game reserve.
Offering a unique exclusive safari holiday experience in one of the luxury, award-winning units alongside a plethora of experiences. These experiences combined with our warm African hospitality will undoubtedly leave you with life-lasting memories.
Whichever of the venues you stay in, a unique African experience awaits โ in one of the most beautiful settings that the country has to offer.
Rockwood Farmhouse in Karkloof
Rockwood Farm House is a four bedroom luxurious, contemporary and spacious holiday home in Karkloof (sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms).
The private Karkloof Nature Reserve is a short drive away. Explore the weirs, dams, birds, fish, hike or mountain bike.
The house lets the sights and sounds of nature in through large frameless glass doors in the living areas and offers stunning views of the indigenous forest and farmlands.
The kitchen is fully equipped and the living area has a fireplace and there is a 32โณ Flat Screen TV with a selected range of DSTV channels.
Relax on comfy sun loungers, splash in the dam or walk in the beautifully landscaped country garden. Unwind in front of fireplaces or play ping-pong and games in the attic!
Explore More
Have you stayed at any of these? We’d love to hear about your favourite places to stay in the Natal Midlands!
