It’s no secret that I love road trips! The Midlands Meander is one of my favorite road trip routes in South Africa, is like stepping into a world where time slows down, and every moment is a chance to create lasting memories. Few places hold a special spot in my heart quite like this charming region. With its rolling green hills, small craft villages, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine, the KZN Midlands Meander is a haven for travelers. It’s a place where I’ve created unforgettable memories, and I hope to make hundreds more.
Whether you’re heading north from Durban or south from Johannesburg, here are my top six road trip stops on the Midlands Meander—a journey filled with heritage, adventure, craft, and culture.
This is all about “slow travel…”
The Midlands Meander is all about slow travel and taking the time to soak in the charm of the region rather than rushing through a jam-packed itinerary. Ideally, you’ll need at least two days to fully enjoy this route, but I highly recommend taking a few more to truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Grab a physical route map—there’s something special about poring over a paper map—and don’t be afraid to get lost a little. You never know what hidden gems you may find! Pack your car with some lekker padkos (or stop at a good padstal en route), and let the road-tripping adventure begin…
Map of the Midlands Meander as found on the midlandsmeander.co.za Website
Nelson Mandela Capture Site: A Glimpse into History
One of the most significant stops on the Midlands Meander is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located near Howick. This site is a piece of living history where Nelson Mandela was arrested on the 5th of August 1962, leading to the Rivonia Trial and his 27-year incarceration on Robben Island. Take your time to explore and pay homage to the struggle for freedom. The on-site museum offers an immersive journey through apartheid history and Mandela’s pivotal role in dismantling it. The Entire Tour took us around 2 hours and there is an incredible amount of information to process.
As of October 2024, entrance fees are as follows: Adults (18-60 years) pay R120, while seniors over 60 and students receive a discounted rate of R70. Youths aged 12-18 can enter for R40, and children under 12 enjoy free admission. Guided tours are available for an additional R10 per person. alternatively you could opt to pay R60 per person just to see the steel structure(which I found a bit steep compared to the price of the tour), We decided to do the whole tour as we had plenty time spare and was pleasantly surprised. Everything is well maintained and it felt like we were taken back in time, it’s simply not just a museum, its an Art Gallery Depicting History.
The site operates daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last museum entry at 4:15 PM. While an on-site café offers light lunches and coffee until 4:00 PM, options may be limited. For a more substantial meal, try The Local Cafe just a short four-minute drive away.
Glide through the treetops at Karkloof Canopy Tours
For an exhilarating adventure amidst the tranquil beauty of the Midlands, Karkloof Canopy Tours is an absolute must. This thrilling zip-line experience takes you soaring through the spectacular mistbelt valley of the Karkloof Forest Reserve, offering a unique perspective of the region’s rich biodiversity. The scenery is breathtaking, and the adrenaline rush makes it even more unforgettable!
The tour features 10 zip-lines, with the longest stretching up to 200 meters, zig-zagging down the pristine forested valley. Each platform provides awe-inspiring views of the lush surroundings, making every moment as picturesque as it is exciting. Adding depth to the experience, knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the local ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts.
Karkloof Canopy Tours isn’t just about adventure—it’s also deeply committed to conservation and environmental education. As you glide through the treetops, you’ll learn about the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem and the importance of its preservation.The tour lasts approximately two to three hours and is a fantastic activity for families, friends, or solo adventurers. Tickets are priced at R695 per adult and R495 per child (ages 6-18). Advance booking is essential, and participants should arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled time. Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are highly recommended. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, be sure to book your spot below!
Nottingham Road Brewery
Craft beer lovers, rejoice! While many craft breweries have emerged along the Midlands Meander in recent years, we still believe that the original Nottingham Road Brewery—fondly known as The Notties Brewery remains the cream of the crop. Nestled in the heart of Nottingham Road, this pioneering microbrewery has earned a loyal following with its imaginative, handcrafted brews, including the whimsically named Pye-eyed Possum Pilsner and Pickled Pig Porter. As the oldest and most successful brewery in the area, it continues to set the standard for quality and innovation.
Be sure to stop by the Nottingham Road Hotel for a proper pub meal, and if you’re not in the driver’s seat, take the opportunity to sample their award-winning beers. For those who enjoy a bit of local folklore, ask about the hotel’s resident ghost—it’s a tale worth hearing!
The tasting room is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Brewery tours are available by prior arrangement, making this a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Cheese and chocolate tasting at Swissland Cheesery
Cheese lovers will find their slice of heaven at Swissland Cheesery, a family-run establishment dedicated to crafting artisanal goat cheeses. Established in 1992, when the Midlands Meander was still in its infancy and Gouda was considered the height of sophistication, Swissland has since earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Today, they produce some of the most unique goat cheeses, including Chevin and a mild blue cheese, all made by hand using traditional methods.
If you’re interested in the art of cheesemaking, you can also learn about their time-honored techniques, which have been passed down through generations. Visitors can watch the cheese-making process firsthand while taking in the farm’s picturesque surroundings. Playful goats roam the property, adding to the charm of the experience.
The cheesery is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM during school and public holidays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Tastings are available throughout the day without prior booking, and the farm shop offers a delightful selection of locally sourced preserves and freshly baked bread to pair with your cheese. For a truly relaxing experience, bring your own picnic setup or rent a basket on-site and enjoy a leisurely afternoon under the trees.
Howick Falls
A visit to the Midlands wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the breathtaking Howick Falls. Known by the local Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, meaning the “Place of the Tall One,” this 95-meter cascade is one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Beyond its natural beauty, the falls hold deep cultural significance. A well-maintained viewing platform offers panoramic views, making it a favorite spot for photographers. The surrounding area features a variety of craft shops, cafés, and walking trails, making it an ideal place to explore at a leisurely pace.
Entry to the falls is free, and the best time for viewing is early morning or late afternoon when the lighting enhances the scenery. However, due to its location on the outskirts of town and its popularity with tourists, the area has unfortunately become a hotspot for petty crime. This is one of the main reasons Howick Falls isn’t ranked higher on our list. Visitors should remain vigilant and avoid wandering alone, especially during quieter times.
That said, the area still has plenty to offer. While taking in the view, consider stopping by the Howick Museum for a dose of local history or grabbing a cup of freshly brewed coffee at one of the nearby cafés. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic at Midmar Dam, or, if you’re a coffee lover, make your way to Terbodore Coffee Roasters—widely regarded as the best coffee spot in KZN. Their food is equally outstanding, making it a must-visit for anyone passing through
Blueberry Cafe
For those who enjoy exploring off the beaten track, a stop at the Blueberry Café is well worth it. Nestled within Netherwood Farm, this charming café offers breathtaking views of rolling hills while serving up some of the best coffee and home-baked treats in the Midlands. The standout dish is their famous blueberry cheesecake—a slice of indulgence that pairs perfectly with their expertly brewed coffee.
Beyond the café, the farm itself is worth exploring, offering a tranquil escape from the usual hustle and bustle. Whether you choose to unwind with a book on their outdoor deck or take a leisurely stroll through the farm’s scenic surroundings, this hidden gem is the perfect place to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Midlands.
The beauty of the Midlands Meander lies not just in its well-known attractions but also in the unexpected discoveries along the way. From roadside farm stalls offering homemade preserves to hidden art studios tucked away in the hills, this region is full of delightful surprises. Whether you’re planning a dedicated road trip or simply passing through, take the time to wander off the beaten path—you never know what gems you might find.
This blog post was inspired by a fellow lover of travel, Meruschka Govender, who always tried to convince me that the Midlands Meander was “heaven on Earth.” I hope Heaven is half as beautiful as you imagined it.
Thank you for always being an inspiration to travelers around the world and for your incredibly positive light. We miss you, Meruschka—we always will.