Midmar Dam
Midmar Dam - Midlands & Battlefields, KwaZulu Natal © Midmar Dam
The Midmar Dam Nature Reserve situated near the KwaZulu Natal Midlands towns of Howick and Pietermaritzburg, is fed by the Umgeni river, and incorporates the dam, various recreational activities, and a nature reserve. The Nature reserve covers an area of one thousand hectares, consisting mainly of open grasslands. The Midmar Dam reserve is home to a variety of wildlife which includes red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, oribi and zebra. A variety of smaller nocturnal mammals can also be seen in the reserve, and include Porcupine, White tailed Mongoose, Aardvark, Black-backed Jackal, Slender Mongoose and Serval.
The area is also a well known bird watching destination, which is home to long and impressive list of species which include
White-breasted Cormorant, Red-billed Teal, Spur winged Goose, Goliath Heron, and South African Shelduck. Grassland species include Black-winged and Crowned Lapwings, Denham's Bustard, the Red-winged Francolin, African Pipit, Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbird, and Cape Longclaw. The KwaZulu Natal Midlands also allows for excellent opportunities to view a variety of Raptors, which include the Black-shouldered Kite, African Fish-Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk, Long-crested Eagle, and African Marsh Harrier.
Both the dam and the reserve are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, which also
offer accommodation at the dam in the form of various chalets, log cabins and
a number of campsites. Visitors to the dam are provided with scenic campsites,
and braai facilities situated along the tranquil shoreline. The dam is always
a hive of activity, with many forms of watersports regularly undertaken,
including windsurfing, canoeing, boating and fishing. Also at Midmar visitors
can hire bicycles, windsurfers, canoes and yachts as well as launch tours and
sunset cruises which can be booked by prior arrangement. Midmar Dam is also
the location of the Heley Midmar Yacht Club, which hosts many Provincial and
National Regatta's throughout the year.
Midmar Dam also host the annual Midmar Mile, which is the world's largest open
water swimming competition. The race was first held in 1973, and hosted a
field of one hundred and fifty three competitors, though the first female
entries were only in 1975. The number of entries have increased significantly
over the years approaching a total of twenty thousand swimmers, as well as
competitors from abroad.
The Midmar Dam is renowned among the angling community for its excellent
fishing and regular catches of carp, bass, scalies and bluegill are landed.
Visitors wishing to fish at Midmar Dam need to have a freshwater fishing
license which can be obtained at the office on the way in through the gates.
Located near the office is also a curio shop which sells various souvenirs,
and refreshments.
The dam is also conveniently situated in the middle of the Midlands Meander,
which is an association of rural businesses selling curios, art, crafts,
foodstuffs and furniture as well as providing restaurants and accommodation.
Accommodation Near Midmar Dam
Hillhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Dargle
3.7km from Midmar DamHillhouse 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.
St Ives
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Lions River
6.1km from Midmar DamSt Ives Lodge and Venue is situated in the heart of the Lions River Valley in the KZN Midlands. This 140-hectare Family Owned & Managed Estate offers something for everyone. The Estate Boasts A Luxury Lodge with Wild Animals Roaming the Grounds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cedarwood
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
6.6km from Midmar DamOur furnished, self catering house has four beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, two of which are family rooms and a loft room - comfortably sleeping 10 adults and 6 children …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sunbird Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Howick
6.6km from Midmar DamExclusive use by guests. Guest Lounge with TV, off street parking with remote controlled access, log cabin type outdoor gazebo with fireplace. Two separate private sleeping wings. Malaria Free Area. English breakfast or alternatives by prior ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kusane Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
11.8km from Midmar DamKusane 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.
King's Hill Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hilton
12.5km from Midmar DamKing's Hill B & B is situated in the picturesque village of Hilton, the gateway to the Natal Midlands & has beautiful views of the Cedara Valley. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 people sharing in 2 tastefully decorated, non-smoking rooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sugarlands Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Curry's Post
13.2km from Midmar DamSugarlands 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.
Hilton View Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hilton
13.4km from Midmar DamWe 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.
