Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back
KwaZulu-Natal

IIn 1985, a group of potters and weavers in the Drakensberg area came together to showcase their arts and crafts. Today the area is known as the Midlands Meander and stretches from Pietermaritzburg to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park.

With 80km of cultural and creative meandering to get through, the Midlands Meander is considered to be South Africa’s best artisan crafts route. While there, shop for pottery and ceramics, woven goods, furniture, rugs, stained glass and leatherwork. There are also kids’ toys, kites and one-of-a-kind art pieces.

The area is also known as a foodie destination: local cheeses, chocolate, wine, a brewery and a brilliant selection of award-winning restaurants can be found here.

Did You Know?
TThere are weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, box makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and so much more in this area.

RRemember that this area has a zero-tolerance drink-and-drive policy, so use cabs or stay overnight so you can really enjoy yourself. Unsurprisingly, for a setting so beautiful, there is fabulous accommodation to be found here.

AAfter all the eating, drinking and shopping, you can also get some exercise. If you like being up in the air, choose the canopy tour, go foofie sliding (that’s zip lining to non-South Africans) or take a hot air balloon trip over the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains. If you prefer being down below, there’s quad biking, golfing, fishing, mountain bike trails, horse riding and incredible hikes.

With its rolling countryside, dramatic mountains, misty mornings and clean fresh crisp air, the Midlands is a natural home for eco-tourism – look out for ways to support local projects. History buffs will also be satisfied with the war stories and heritage buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Who to contact
How to get there
Best time to visit
Around the area
Tours to do
Get around
Length of stay
Where to stay
Best buys

Related articles

  • Active adventure

    White water rafting

    Active adventure
    White water rafting
    If you’ve never been white water rafting before, South Africa is the perfect place to give it a shot. A white water rafting expedition involves a mix of navigating through rapids at high speed and enjoying the scenery along the calmer sections of water in-between, and there are white water experiences for all levels.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Dolphin Coast’s waving sugar cane fields and stunning ocean vistas

    Breathtaking scenery
    Dolphin Coast’s waving sugar cane fields and stunning ocean vistas
    The Dolphin Coast is renowned for its beaches, warm water and subtropical climate and offers visitors not only water-related attractions and excursions but also golfing game viewing and hiking. There are cultural history sites, most notably Shakaskraal.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    KwaZulu-Natal attractions

    Breathtaking scenery
    KwaZulu-Natal attractions
    KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu kingdom, is a coastal province known for its mild climate, beaches, mountains and big game savannah. Home to two World Heritage Sites, its capital, Durban is a harbour city popular with surfers.
  • Vibrant culture

    iSimangaliso’s arts and crafts

    Vibrant culture
    iSimangaliso’s arts and crafts
    Women of iSimangaliso Wetland Park are empowered by selling the arts and crafts they produce from local and sustainable resources.
  • Vibrant culture

    Zulu reed dance is a celebration of Zulu culture

    Vibrant culture
    Zulu reed dance is a celebration of Zulu culture
    The Zulu reed dance is a celebration of Zulu culture and the event takes place in Spring each year involving several days of singing, dancing and other activities to prepare young Zulu girls for womanhood.
  • Active adventure

    Surfing competitions in South Africa

    Active adventure
    Surfing competitions in South Africa
    South Africa hosts some of the world’s most festive surfing competitions, which attract some of the biggest names in the sport every year. More than 3 000km of coastline, beach breaks, reef breaks – and perfect weather conditions – make South Africa the perfect destination for surfers.
  • Active adventure

    Paragliding in South Africa

    Active adventure
    Paragliding in South Africa
    There are great paragliding locations, and adventure companies making the most of them, all over South Africa, whether you’re an experienced pilot or a beginner looking for a tandem thrill.
  • Vibrant culture

    Ancient Karoo rock engravings: inspired by spirituality

    Vibrant culture
    Ancient Karoo rock engravings: inspired by spirituality
    The ancient rock engravings that dot the northern Karoo in South Africa give visitors a glimpse into the spiritual life of local hunter-gatherers stretching back 10 000 years.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy