Introducing Natal Midlands

Towards the inland of Durban, between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg mountain range, is a beautiful region which is filled with stretches of farmland, charming little towns, a wonderful arts and crafts route and picturesque scenery known as the Natal Midlands.

The Natal Midlands in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province comprise the towns of Greytown, Howick, Mooi River, Nottingham Road as well as Pietermaritzburg.  The Natal Midlands are also home to the scenic Midmar Nature Reserve and the Albert Falls Nature Reserve.

The Natal Midlands are characterised by magnificent waterfalls, lakes, dams, Zulu cultural villages, game reserves and historical battlefields.  It was here where the Boer, the British and the Zulu warriors fought their battlesThese sites have become the most historic and important battlefields in South Africa.

• Greytown
• Howick
• Mooi River
• Nottingham Road
• Pietermaritzburg
• Midlands Meander
• Howick Falls
• Horse Riding
• Beer and Wine
• Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
• Craigie Burn Nature Reserve
• Kamberg Nature Reserve

The climate in this region of South Africa is pleasant most year round. The summers tend to be hot while the winters are very mild.  The landscape of the Natal Midlands in South Africa is lush and green covered with 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 fly fishing.  Trout was introduced to this area in 1889 by Scottish settlers.The Natal Midlands is home to many excellent hotels, cozy guest houses and country lodges as well as inviting restaurants and tea-gardens.  The Midlands Meander route which runs between Howick and Nottingham Road is a delightful shopping and browsing side-trip where antique shops, art galleries and arts and crafts studios can be found.

Nature Reserves in the Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

The magnificent Natal Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are home to several scenic nature reserves where wildlife and fauna are abundant.

• Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
• Craigie Burn Nature Reserve
• Kamberg Nature Reserve
• Midlands Meander
• Midmar Dam Nature Reserve

Places of interest in Pietermaritzburg, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

KwaZulu-Natal's city of Pietermaritzburg features interesting and historic attractions amongst which are:

• Butterflies for Africa, Pietermaritzburg
• Basani Art and Craft Centre, Pietermaritzburg
• Burger Street Jail
• Golden Horse Casino
• Natal Museum
• Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens
• Pietermaritzburg City Hall

Golf Courses and Country Estates in the Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

Numerous challenging golf courses can be found in South Africa's Natal Midlands which include:

• Bosch Hoek Golf Course & Country Estate
• Gowrie Farm Golf Course
• Maritzburg Country Club
• Victoria Country Club
• Sakabula Golf Course

Activities available in the Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

• Karkloof Canopy Tour, Howick
• Granny Mouse Country House Spa, Howick
• Rejuvenate at Brookdale Day Spa, Nottingham Road
• Fly-fishing in the Midlands at Fordoun, Nottingham Road

Towns and suburbs in the Natal Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)

• Balgowan
• Boston
• Camperdown
• Currys Post
• Dargle
• Estcourt
• Eston
• Greytown
• Hilton
• Howick
• Ixopo
• Karkloof
• Lidgetton
• Lions River
• Mooi River
• Nottingham Road
• Pietermaritzburg
• Rosetta
• Wartburg