Midlands & Battlefields
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Midlands & Battlefields, KwaZulu Natal © Azhar Khan, Copyright![]()
Reverse! Reverse! Reverse! © Azhar Khan, Copyright![]()
At Nambiti Hills Game Reserve © Gerry Zambonini, Copyright![]()
Howick Falls © Darren Glanville, Copyright
Midlands & Battlefields
The enchanting KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander has always been home to artists and crafts-people. In 1985 local artists, potters and weavers joined forces to create an arts and crafts route. Six studios opened their doors to the public and the KZN Midlands Meander was born.
The aim of the Midlands Meander was to encourage the public to take to the country, and to give visitors a chance to find interesting accommodation in the Natal Midlands and see crafts-people at work. By selling directly to visitors, the studios were able to keep prices down, and with the active support of hospitality establishments in the area, such as Midlands Bed and Breakfasts and Natal Midlands self catering accommodation, a unique route was formed. Other artists and crafts-people were encouraged to move to the area and today the Midlands Meander is a stimulating arts and crafts route with quaint and exciting Natal Midlands accommodation options.
The Natal Midlands Meander reaches from the N3 freeway to well into the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Holiday Travellers between Johannesburg and Durban would benefit from an overnight stay in one or two of the Natal Midlands accommodation bed and breakfast or Guest House options.
Scenic beauty and picturesque villages
The Natal Midlands can boast an excellent road infrastructure, which takes travellers through scenic beauty while linking Midlands Meander outlets and picturesque villages along with some of South Africa's leading hotel accommodation and Midlands guest houses, and a host of delightful Drakensberg or Midlands bed and breakfast establishments. Bird watchers and fishermen will enjoy a visit to the Chelmsford Nature Reserve just south of Newcastle, which also forms a part of the Midlands Meander route.
There are many historical buildings in the Natal Midlands, several of which date back to the 1880's. A number have been declared National Monuments including some well preserved Settler Churches.
Whether you're a Natal Midlands local discovering the doorstep experiences of the region for the first time, an overseas traveller exploring this enchanting Midlands Meander countryside, or a holidaymaker en route to the coast, the Midlands Meander has something for everyone - all year round.
The National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg is a very pleasant place to take a stroll under the shade of beautiful magnolias, some dating from the Victorian era. The Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg has impressive collections of insects and moluscs, as well as excellent exhibits of dinosaurs and early human habitation, all adding to the interesting activities dotted around the Midlands Meander.
THE BATTLEFIELDS Accommodation and activities
It is difficult to imagine that the scenic and tranquil landscape of central and northern KwaZulu-Natal was once the focal point of major military clashes; where over a time span of 70 years, one historical drama after another unfolded in the Natal Battlefields / Midlands region, and all of this against the backdrop of the African veld and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This region can get quite cold in Summer and scorching hot in Winter which calls for comfortable accommodation in this Battlefields Region. Air conditioned accommodation or adequate heating should be considered when booking into a Natal Battlefields bed and breakfast or Guest House. Battlefields Self Catering accommodation which is generally more cost-effective should also be considered, for larger parties. If you are uncertain about comfortable midlands accommodation options, then check out the star-graded properties on Where to Stay.
Largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa
The Natal Battlefields Region boasts the largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa drawing visitors from all over the world, especially British holiday makers who take advantage of a healthy exchange rate and book into some of the wonderful Battlefields accommodation guest houses and Midlands bed and breakfasts. In these Midlands Battlefields military engagements were to shape the course of South African and world history, and rock the pedestal of the British Empire. Battles raged over the green hills and sweeping grasslands of the Natal Midlands.
Every town, historical building, battle site and memorial has a fascinating tale to tell, an event to commemorate, a poignant memory to recall.
But don't let the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields description mislead you into thinking you are going to spend your time in the past. The region has the climate, scenery, wildlife, cultural diversity, cuisine and Midlands accommodation hospitality to make your visit unique and memorable.
Although the towns of Colenso forms a part of the Natal Midlands Battlefields Route, accommodation options are very limited.
Estcourt, Ladysmith, Newcastle and Dundee bed and breakfast or Guest Houses form the "bigger town" options, not to say that you should not visit some of the smaller, historic Midlands accommodation options on Where to Stay.
Duvet & Crumpets Self Catering
Self Catering Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
Midlands & Battlefields
Duvet & Crumpets offers various self-catering accommodation options. There are double/twin en-suite units as well as garden cottages. The garden cottages are ideal for "relocation" purposes and long-term stays are available. For larger groups, ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fish Eagles Lair
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Albert Falls Dam
Midlands & Battlefields
Comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people in a self catering cottage. There is a Gas stove and freezer, hot and cold running water and lights, with braai facilities in your own secluded spot on the banks of one of the best bass dams in South Africa. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Old Kilgobbin Farm
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Dargle
Midlands & Battlefields
The main cottage, Gobbins' Cottage, is a spacious double storey one bedroom home with a large open plan kitchen leading onto a cosy lounge with underfloor heating for those cold Dargle winters. The kitchen is well equipped with large fridge, oven... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lincoln Cottages Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
Midlands & Battlefields
Lincoln Cottages is nestled amongst indigenous Acacia trees in the tranquil suburb of Lincoln Meade, Pietermaritzburg. We offer an ideal base from which both the business man and holiday maker can operate from …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Clifton Stud
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Rosetta
Midlands & Battlefields
Clifton stud offers you a single, privately situated cottage on the banks of a picturesque two hectare trout dam. The quaint cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate up to six guests …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hillhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Dargle
Midlands & Battlefields
Hillhouse Accommodation was featured in Elle Decoration - The Country Issue June/July 2013. Also in House and Leisure - The Travel Issue, 101 Dream escapes in May 2015. Again in Getaway mag 2015 and Midlands life in 2008. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thorner Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camperdown
Midlands & Battlefields
Thorner Cottage is situated on our sugarcane farm, overlooking a lovely 4ha bass dam, which guests are welcome to make use of, and surrounded by beautiful hills which makes for lovely walks. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thorner House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camperdown
Midlands & Battlefields
Thorner House is a situated on our sugarcane farm, halfway between Hillcrest and Pietermaritzburg. Beautifully decorated, Thorner House offers a wonderful retreat from the busy city life. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Little Mount Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Nottingham Road
Midlands & Battlefields
Mount West farm cottage is a 4 bedroom period style family home that has been beautifully restored as a fully equipped, self catering cottage for weekend getaways. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hilton View Bed & Breakfast
Pet Friendly Accommodation in Hilton
Midlands & Battlefields
We have 4 Bedrooms, 3 twins plus a family room with a Queen and two single beds. All rooms have coffee making facilities and their own Bathrooms, with TV's and fridges in three. Two rooms have balconies with lovely views. We have a magnificent Air... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Orchards Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Camperdown
Midlands & Battlefields
Orchards BnB is situated 8 KMS from KZN lion park and 10 KMS from Tala private game reserve. All 5 rooms have there own tv's and ensuite. Braai facilities are also available. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elandsheim Retreat
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Elandskraal
Midlands & Battlefields
Elandsheim is situated in the heart of the famous Zulu, Anglo and Boer battle sites, 55 km from Dundee, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban. We are surrounded by privately owned game reserves, rivers, waterfalls and magnificent Zululand thornveld …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sugarlands Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Curry's Post
Midlands & Battlefields
Sugarlands Farm is 6km from the N3 in the heart of the well-known Midlands Meander. A working Sheep and Beef farm where we have two units available to share our piece of paradise with you. Both units are serviced, self-catering units with full DSTV. L …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Platrand Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Ladysmith
Midlands & Battlefields
Our 4 Star Platrand Lodge is in a malaria free area and 2 hours from Durban and 3 hours from Johannesburg. Established on the farm Fourie's Kraal on the Southern boundaries of Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Sleeping Bao B&B
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
Midlands & Battlefields
Available are 7 individually and elegantly, fully furnished rooms overlooking well established gardens. Rooms have air conditioning / fans, all rooms are fully heated in winter. Each of the rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and TV's. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nxala Ranch
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Dundee
Midlands & Battlefields
It offers three stylish en-suite bedrooms, a lounge equipped with satellite TV and music system, a modern, fully equipped kitchen and a spacious "stoep" (veranda) with braai facilities overlooking the dam which is well stocked with bass... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kusane Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
Midlands & Battlefields
Kusane Farm Cottage is perched high above the stunning Karkloof valley, midway between Howick and Curry's Post on the Midlands Meander, with its fine restaurants and shopping. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
