Top 8 attractions of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Category Advice
For many years, the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has been a sought after favourite for tourists looking to sample a few of the region’s many attractions. However, recently the Midlands has been drawing an increasing number of permanent residents who have succumbed to the leisurely lifestyle and spectacular countryside scenery. There are several benefits which come with choosing scenic farmlands and cosy towns over the hussle and bussle of the city. Therefore, here are some of the unique attractions that make the Midlands such an increasingly popular choice:
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The Midlands Meander
The famous Midlands Meander is a route cluttered with great activities ranging from rustic restaurants, to quaint art galleries and cheese makers. It follows along the N3 from Hilton, tracing along the main road and expands east towards KarKloof Nature Reserve and West into Craigie Burn Nature Reserve.
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The Dargle Valley Market
The Dargle Valley is a large stretch of wetlands, grasslands and forests and is also home to a number of small producers of various goods, comprising from: organic vegetables, trout, honey, cheese and eggs. The locals hold a market every sunday called the Dargle Valley Market where one can sample some of the local speciality food and homebrewed drinks, as well as do some grocery shopping.
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Butterflies for Africa
Butterflies for Africa is a tropical butterfly centre located in Pietermaritzburg and makes for a great outing. The main attraction of the centre is a walk-through butterfly house where butterflies are free to fly around as they would in the wild. Additionally, there is a small coffee shop and also monkey, iguana and stick insect enclosures.
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Nottingham Road Brewery
Nottingham Road is filled with an assortment of famous restaurants and hotels, one of which is the Rawdons Hotel which features the Nottingham Road Brewery. The Brewery independently produces naturally brewed ales and lagers using spring water, hops and malted barley. It is also located in the heart of the Midlands Meander, where visitors can stop and sample one of their popular beers and visit their gift shop filled with unique trinkets and beer related gifts.
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Swissland Cheese
A great example of one of the special places that one will come across on The Midlands Meander. This family-run cheesery produces primarily goat's milk cheeses in a Swiss-style chalet tasting room where one can sample goods and even witness a goat milking.
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Blueberry Hill
Blueberry Hill started out as a small coffee shop on Nottingham Road, which has since expanded into a complex of artisans and artists. Blueberry Hill boasts gorgeous views of the Midlands and is made up of two buildings, a gallery space for artists and a restaurant. The restaurant is famous for its blueberry cheesecake and contains a shop which sells a selection of goods such as: clothing, decor, jewellery and homeware.
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The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is committed to conserving indigenous birds of prey through ongoing research, breeding and rehabilitation. The sanctuary comprises of Eagle Valley, Hoot Hollow, Honeycomb habitats and a Vulture Hide. More so, it is privately run and all ticket costs go towards running expenses. Located inside the sanctuary, there is also a café, art gallery and curio shop which sell local African trinkets and artworks.
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KarKloof Canopy Tour
For those who are more adventurous and enjoy the natural outdoors, the canopy tour takes place and overlooks the beautiful Karkloof Forest Reserve. Swing amongst indigenous trees and spot various species of monkeys and birds for a full day of adrenaline and nature. The tour is also extremely safe as one is able to control their speed to match their comfort levels, whilst attached to a steel cables.
Therefore, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands make for the perfect spot to suit a leisurely lifestyle in the countryside yet it does not lack excitement, with a multitude of activities and attractions available to both residents and tourists alike.
Author: Dormehl Property Group
