MIDLANDS MEANDER & PIETERMARITZBURG
The Midlands Meander and Pietermaritzburg offer a tapestry of history, art, and nature in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. It combines a vibrant, historic city with the peaceful, rolling countryside of the Meander.
This region is a cultural hub, blending the Victorian heritage of the provincial capital with a captivating network of local artisans, farmers, and scenic nature reserves.
Most Popular Attractions
Pietermaritzburg City Core & Heritage:
Pietermaritzburg City Hall: The largest all-brick building in the Southern Hemisphere and an impressive example of Victorian architecture.
KwaZulu-Natal Museum: Home to expansive natural history and cultural history collections, including rare artifacts and a Victorian streetscape.
Tatham Art Gallery: One of South Africa’s leading art museums, housed in a beautiful former Supreme Court building.
Voortrekker Museum (Msunduzi Museum): Details the history of the early Voortrekkers in the region and the founding of the city.
The Old Prison (The Old Fort): A significant historical site with a museum detailing its use as a military fort and later a prison.
Macrorie House Museum: A preserved Victorian home that offers a glimpse into the life of the first Bishop of Pietermaritzburg.
Midlands Meander – Art, Craft & Local Produce:
Ardmore Ceramics: A globally renowned art studio famous for its vibrant, imaginative, and narrative ceramic sculptures.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site: A powerful, poignant monument and visitor centre marking the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1964.
Midlands Arts and Crafts Centre (Nottingham Road): A popular stop offering a variety of local crafts, art, and artisanal foods.
Swissland Cheese: A working goat dairy offering farm tours, cheese tastings, and a lovely countryside setting.
Granny Mouse Country House & Spa: A well-known stop on the Meander, popular for its dining and scenic location.
Piggly Wiggly Country Village: A family-friendly hub with shops, a coffee roastery, mini-golf, and farm stall goods.
Groundcover Leather: A working leather factory producing high-quality footwear and leather goods, with a retail shop.
Terbodore Coffee Roasters: Known for its gourmet coffee and beautiful location, offering tastings and sales.
Natural Sites & Scenic Outdoors:
Howick Falls: A spectacular 95m waterfall on the uMngeni River, central to local Zulu legends.
Karkloof Canopy Tour: An exhilarating experience of gliding through the forest canopy on a series of ziplines.
Midmar Dam: A major recreational area offering swimming, sailing, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Kamberg Nature Reserve: A beautiful reserve in the foothills of the Drakensberg, known for its hiking trails and rock art sites.
Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve: A conservancy offering game viewing, hiking, and a variety of birdlife near Howick.
Bosch Hoek Golf Club: A scenic and highly-rated golf course set in the rolling hills of the Meander.
Highmoor Nature Reserve: A remote section of the central Drakensberg, perfect for challenging hikes and fly-fishing.
Albert Falls Dam: A protected area and dam known for its excellent bird-watching and bass fishing.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Midlands Meander Arts & Crafts Route: Drive the designated route, stopping at over 150 unique outlets, from pottery studios and leather workers to weaving looms and art galleries.
Hike to the Howick Falls: Visit the majestic 95-meter waterfall on the Umgeni River and learn about the local Zulu legend associated with the site, the Inkanyamba.
Visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site: Stand at the spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1964. The site features a powerful, world-renowned steel sculpture and a visitor center.
Go Trout Fishing in a Dam: Experience the tranquility of the region by spending a day fly-fishing for trout in one of the many well-stocked dams or rivers.
Take a Canopy Tour in Karkloof: Experience the Karkloof forest from above by zip-lining through the canopy on an eco-adventure tour.
Visit the KwaMuhle Museum in Pietermaritzburg: Delve into the history of the city, focusing on its colonial past and the impact of apartheid.
Hike or Cycle the Karkloof Trails: Explore the extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through the natural forests and farmlands of the Karkloof Valley.
Learn the Craft of Cheese-Making: Stop at a local farm and dairy to take a short workshop or tasting tour to see how artisanal cheeses are made.
Attend the Annual Royal Show (May/June): If visiting at the right time, immerse yourself in one of South Africa’s premier agricultural, industrial, and entertainment events in Pietermaritzburg.
Explore the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary: Witness flying displays and learn about the rehabilitation of various raptors, including eagles, vultures, and falcons.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Get up before dawn and float over the beautiful patchwork of farmlands and indigenous forests for a spectacular sunrise view of the region.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for the Meander: The Midlands Meander is a self-drive route spread over a large area. A reliable rental car is the only way to comfortably explore the numerous stops and villages at your own pace.
Navigation: While main roads are tarred, many of the farm roads leading to Meander stops are dirt or gravel. A GPS or smartphone map is highly recommended, as signage can sometimes be subtle.
Pietermaritzburg City Transport: Within the city of Pietermaritzburg (“PMB”), walking is feasible in the city center, but taxis (metered or ride-sharing services) or driving are necessary for getting to attractions on the outskirts.
Distances: The Meander is not one loop; it’s a network of routes. Be prepared for significant driving time between certain stops (e.g., from Howick to Mooi River). Plan your day’s stops geographically to minimize back-tracking.
The “Slow” Mindset: The Midlands Meander is all about slowing down. Don’t rush from spot to spot. Take the time to chat with the local artists and producers—their stories are part of the experience.
Safety in PMB: As with any city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in the CBD (Central Business District). It is best to use secure parking and avoid walking alone after dark.
Weather and Attire: The climate in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is highly variable. Summers are hot and often stormy (Oct-Mar), while winters (Jun-Aug) can be quite cold, especially at night. Pack layers and be ready for rain.
Supporting Local Craft: Many of the goods found on the Meander are truly unique and handmade. While bargaining is not standard practice, engaging with the artisans about their work is encouraged.
Hidden Gems:
- Ardmore Ceramics: Visit the internationally renowned Ardmore Ceramic Art studio, known for its vibrant and highly imaginative Zulu-inspired sculptures.
- The Old Prison (PMB): A historical site in Pietermaritzburg that offers tours detailing its past as a correctional facility and its connection to major South African political figures.
- Midmar Dam: A major recreational hub offering boating, swimming, and picnicking, popular with locals, especially on weekends.
- Nottingham Road Brewery (Notties): Stop by for a tasting at one of South Africa’s oldest craft breweries, located in the quaint village of Nottingham Road.
Cash vs. Card: While most major Meander stops and shops accept card payments, it’s wise to carry some cash (South African Rand – ZAR), especially for smaller farm stalls or tips.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15% for good service) and for parking attendants (known as “car guards”) who watch your vehicle in public areas (R5-R10 is standard).
Top Restaurants
Tumble Downs Café and Restaurant [$15-$25] – Situated on a beautiful farm near Howick, this family restaurant is famous for its exceptional comfort food, spectacular views of the Kamberg and Karkloof Valley, and warm country hospitality.
Linga Lapa [$20-$35] – A popular stop in Nottingham Road that is a combined farm-style butchery, deli, and cosy restaurant, known for its mouth-watering steaks and high-quality local meats and cheeses.
Caversham Mill Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located on the edge of the Lions River near the historic Caversham Bridge, this restaurant, built in 1852, is loved for its stunning setting, good views, and hearty food, including excellent curries and seafood platters.
The Boar’s Head [$15-$25] – Located at Rawdons Hotel, this traditional, family-friendly pub in Nottingham Road offers a relaxed atmosphere and hearty meals, often incorporating local Notties Brewery beers into the menu.
Yellowwood Café [$10-$20] – Found in Howick, this spot is known for its fresh, wholesome breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, including popular stir-fries and wraps, enjoyed in a pleasant setting.
The Pickle Pot [$10-$20] – A simple, charming spot in Howick where you can enjoy tasty, uncomplicated food like toasted sandwiches and hearty burgers in a relaxed garden setting under the trees.
The Village Café [$10-$20] – A cosy café in Nottingham Road, known for its heavenly coffee, refreshing smoothies, and a menu that includes all-day breakfast and a famous decadent baked cheesecake.
Abingdon Wine Estate [$15-$30] – While primarily a wine estate, this venue near Lions River offers a casual dining experience, often with meals designed to pair perfectly with their cool-climate, local wines.
Taste Buds Farmstall [$10-$20] – More than just a stop, this farmstall is a foodie delight, perfect for those who love homemade jams, preserves, honeys, and a variety of delicious baked goods and treats.
Indezi River Creamery and The Dairy Shoppe [$10-$20] – A must-visit for dairy lovers, offering a variety of freshly churned cheeses, yogurts, butter, and milk, with a small shop for tasting and purchasing.
The Midlands Kitchen [$10-$25] – Located off the N3 highway near the Nottingham Road turn-off, this is a large, diverse dining option with food from 15 different mini-kitchens, offering everything from wood-fired pizza and organic burgers to local curries and a dedicated vegan selection.
The Roost [$15-$30] – A popular stop along the Meander, known for its rustic setting and hearty, wholesome meals, offering a true taste of country living.
La Lampara [$15-$30] – A well-regarded Italian restaurant in Nottingham Road, offering authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients in a warm, welcoming environment.
Forty One Restaurant & Bar [$15-$30] – Located in Yard 41 in Howick, this vibrant Mediterranean-style restaurant specialises in the art of open wood-fired cooking, offering a tapas-style small eats menu and views of the Umngeni Valley.
Crossways Hilton [$10-$20] – A versatile spot near Hilton offering a good mix of coffee shop fare and light meals, popular for a casual and refreshing break.
The Corner Post Restaurant & Bar [$15-$25] – A welcoming spot in Howick that combines a relaxing bar with a full restaurant, offering both bar snacks and a wider menu.
Rawdons Hotel, Brewery & Country Estate Dining [$20-$35] – Beyond the pub, the main hotel restaurant offers a more formal but still relaxed dining experience, often featuring local ingredients and classic dishes.
Hebron Haven Hotel Restaurant [$15-$25] – Located in Dargle, this hotel restaurant offers a relaxed country setting for meals, perfect for a break while exploring the quieter parts of the Meander.
The Tap Room at Fable [$15-$25] – Located near Howick, this spot is renowned for its selection of fine, locally crafted beers and its signature Nepalese-style pizza, providing a unique flavour explosion.
Artisan Pizzeria [$15-$25] – A favourite in the Midlands, offering a variety of traditional, wood-fired, artisanal pizzas and other Italian dishes made with local produce.
Taste of Thai [$15-$25] – Situated in Hilton, this restaurant offers an authentic glimpse of Thailand with its flavourful and aromatic Thai cuisine.
Garlington Bistro & Deli [$15-$25] – Nestled in Hilton, this establishment expertly blends the rustic charm of a deli with the sophistication of a modern bistro, offering a varied and high-quality menu.
Fire & Vine [$20-$35] – Located in the Athlone Circle shopping center in Pietermaritzburg, this destination offers a diverse menu with a focus on grilling, popular with both locals and travelers.
Olive & Oil Pietermaritzburg [$20-$35] – A charming restaurant in the Cascades Shopping Centre, Montrose, offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on seafood and grills.
Saporé Restaurant [$15-$25] – A casual and contemporary hot spot in Nottingham Road, offering a fabulous meal in a very chilled-out atmosphere.
The Roastery [$10-$20] – Found at Terbodore Coffee Roasters near Howick, this spot serves hearty breakfasts and lunches in a lush garden setting, with the bonus of freshly roasted coffee.
Jayz Grill [$15-$30] – A well-known family restaurant in Pietermaritzburg, just off the N3, offering a full menu that includes grills and caters to all preferences.
Elephant & Co – Pietermaritzburg [$20-$35] – A contemporary dining spot in Pietermaritzburg Central offering a fusion menu that includes African, Asian, and Sushi elements.
Tandoor Clay Oven [$15-$25] – A top-rated Indian eatery in Pietermaritzburg, known for its authentic, flavorful curries and dishes cooked in a clay oven.
atasca Portuguese Restaurant PMB [$15-$30] – Located in Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, this restaurant offers authentic Portuguese cuisine, including seafood and pastas.
Rockafellas Restaurant [$20-$40] – A glamorous, upmarket dining experience at the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg, with a buffet and a 1920s jazz ‘Speakeasy’ feel.
Cubaña Maritzburg [$15-$30] – A lively Latin American bar and café chain in Pietermaritzburg, offering a unique venue and a vibrant atmosphere.
Hartford House [$60-$90] – Often considered the pièce de résistance of KZN dining, this establishment near Mooi River offers a spellbinding culinary journey with a focus on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Skyfall – Fine Dining [$50-$80] – A premium dining experience in the Midlands, known for its unique atmosphere, ethically sourced ingredients from surrounding farms, and modern cuisine presented as a work of art.
Qambathi Mountain Lodge Dining [$40-$70] – This fine dining experience focuses on a garden-to-table approach, sourcing local, organically grown produce to create a culinary journey that celebrates local South African flavours in a beautiful mountain setting.
Nicolson’s Country Cafe [$30-$50] – Situated in Hilton, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that blends country, fusion, and global/international cuisine.
Dine at The Redlands Hotel [$30-$50] – Located in Pietermaritzburg, this hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience with a fully licensed restaurant and a focus on high-quality cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere.
Essence. [$30-$50] – While primarily known for its location and unique antique collection, this spot in Hillcrest offers a high-end experience, often featuring espresso and gourmet light meals.
Anew Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg Dining [$30-$50] – The on-site restaurant in this beautifully restored historic hotel offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern dining, ideal for a refined meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Derby Lounge (Golden Horse Casino): Located within the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg Central, this lounge offers a wide selection of cocktails in a premium, elegant setting, known for its personal service and sophisticated ambience.
The Hedgehog – Bar & Kitchen: Found on Town Bush Road in the leafy Montrose suburb of Pietermaritzburg, this spot is an authentic English pub and kitchen, serving hearty meals alongside a selection of drinks in a classic, cozy setting.
Corner Post Restaurant & Bar: Situated in Howick, near the heart of the Midlands Meander, this establishment features a dedicated bar with a relaxing lounge, perfect for enjoying a drink after a day exploring the craft route.
Vigour & Verve – Golden Horse Casino: An upbeat and modern cafe and bar within the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg Central, offering great coffee by day and cocktails and drinks by night in a vibrant environment.
Forty One Restaurant & Bar (Yard 41): Located in the Yard 41 complex in Howick, this restaurant and bar focuses on fire-cooked food with a moody, soulful atmosphere, making it a great spot for inventive cocktails and wine in the Meander area.
Saki Sushi & Sports Bar: A popular spot in Pietermaritzburg Central, combining an Asian-inspired menu with a lively sports bar atmosphere, ideal for watching a game while enjoying a cocktail or cold beer.
Tumble Downs Restaurant & Bar: Found off Curry’s Post Road in the Midlands Meander, this rustic and cozy spot is nestled amongst beautiful gardens, offering a tranquil yet social environment for a relaxing drink.
Mozambik (Cascades Lifestyle Centre): Located in the Cascades Lifestyle Centre in Pietermaritzburg, this restaurant chain is known for its Afro-Porto flavors and is a lively venue with a fully stocked bar offering various cocktails and Portuguese-inspired drinks.
Rawdons Hotel Pub: Part of the historic Rawdons Hotel in Nottingham Road, this traditional, country-style pub is famous for being home to the Nottingham Road Brewery (Notties), offering a cozy, warm atmosphere with craft beers and spirits.
The Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub: A quaint, Austrian-themed pub located right in the heart of Nottingham Road on the Midlands Meander. It’s famous for its wide selection of over 35 global beers and a fine wine list, creating a lively European beer-hall feel.
Mamma Mia: Located in the Clarendon suburb of Pietermaritzburg, this popular Italian restaurant also offers a bar area with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitivo or a late-night digestif.
Hartford House Bar: Part of the luxury Hartford House in Mooi River, this elegant country retreat offers a refined bar experience with an excellent wine list and premium spirits in a tranquil, authentic setting in the Meander.
John Dory’s (Golden Horse Casino): Located within the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg Central, this seafood restaurant offers a relaxed bar area where you can enjoy a drink before or after your meal.
Crossways Hilton: A well-known local pub and restaurant in Hilton, just outside Pietermaritzburg, providing a great atmosphere for a casual drink, often featuring live music or pub quizzes.
Woodlands (PMB) Pub & Bistro: A popular local spot in the Woodlands area of Pietermaritzburg, offering a relaxed bistro vibe with a full bar and a good selection of drinks.
Cuba Lounge BLK (Pietermaritzburg Central): Known as one of Pietermaritzburg’s premier nightlife destinations, this venue frequently hosts high-energy events and is a top spot for house music and urban club culture.
Lincoln Cottages Nightclub: While primarily accommodation, this venue in Pietermaritzburg offers a dedicated on-site nightclub, providing guests and visitors a unique option for late-night dancing and socialising in the city.
Strokers (Pietermaritzburg Central): A long-standing and well-known nightclub in the Pietermaritzburg Central area, popular for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse music policy, attracting a younger crowd.
The Venue at Golden Horse: A versatile events space within the Golden Horse Casino complex in Pietermaritzburg, which regularly transforms into a high-capacity nightclub for special events, concerts, and major parties featuring local and national DJs.
The Globe: A large, popular pub and entertainment venue, often found in the greater Pietermaritzburg area, which transitions into a lively spot with a dance floor on weekends, focusing on commercial and popular music.
The Keg & Elephant: While primarily a pub/restaurant in Pietermaritzburg, its atmosphere often becomes very lively late on weekends, offering a great space for dancing and a more relaxed ‘club-like’ environment than a formal nightclub.
The Red Door: A spot in the greater Pietermaritzburg region known for its late operating hours and a strong focus on music, making it a reliable destination for a club-style night out.
BlackLounge: An upmarket lounge and entertainment venue in Pietermaritzburg often hosting themed events, DJs, and offering a sophisticated, modern setting for those looking to party in style.
Madison’s: A popular pub and grill in the Pietermaritzburg suburbs that often features late-night entertainment and a lively bar area, sometimes hosting DJs or live performances to keep the party going.