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The Midmar Dam. : A good spot to haul out the goodies you’ve bought en route and have a picnic, although there is also camping facilities and basic chalets. Close to Howick, the dam is best known for one of the world’s largest open-water swimming events. -
Easy now. : Another reason to join the Midlands ‘slow movement’ is that you’ll be sharing its byways with farm vehicles – relax, it provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery. -
Two-wheeling. : Pastoral décor is par for the course at many outlets off the R103. This rusty charmer was on display outside of The Last Outpost, a clothing and 4x4 venue in Mooi River. -
No need to rush. : Aside from slothful tourists and mists, the majority of the Midlands is a go-slow region because this is primarily farm land and stray cattle and other beasts are a common hazard. -
Howick Falls. : According to local lore, Inkanyamba, a giant serpent-like creature with a horse’s head, inhabits the pool below the Howick Falls. On good-weather days, it’s an excellent excuse for a scenic distraction and a chance to stretch your legs. -
Zulu Lulu. : Part of the collection at Zulu Lulu Ceramic Boutique based at the Piggly Wiggly these round vessels are inspired by traditional beer pots (ukhamba). Each boasts a unique pattern owing to the fact that they are individually smoke fired in a pit. -
Fire-engine red tractor. : An antique tractor outside the Piggly Wiggly Company, in Lion’s River. The unofficial headquarters of the Midlands Meander it provides a convenient stop with a restaurant, delis and a range of décor, arts and crafts shops. -
Foodie fare. : La Lampara is a highly recommended option for true foodies. The Balgowan-based restaurant offers generous portions of authentic Italian fare from pizzas and pastas to an ever-changing selection of specials based on fresh, local produce. -
Things We Love. : In Nottingham Road, this antique cum bric-a-brac shop features all means of quirky collectables from paintings, to ceramics to old-school sweets and treats. -
Ride off into the sunset. : The visual sensorium doesn’t end at the horizon, with the countryside promising an extravaganza of a sunset followed by a sky dotted with myriad stars. -
Delicious bite. : Kick off your shoes and relax while enjoying a fresh, simple meal or a tasty treat at Café Bloom. The café is situated at the Country Courtyard in Nottingham Road, where you can also browse the high-end shops for décor and country paraphernalia. -
The Ugly Duckling : Close to Nottingham Road, it is crammed with all means of décor, clothing and furniture of Balinese and Indian style. You’ll have seen most in similar shops throughout the country, but it still makes a fun stop. The cat, unfortunately, isn’t for sale.
WORDS & PHOTOS: Lisa Johnston
Lisa Johnston takes her camera and notepad and goes for a ramble down the artistic and scenic Midlands Meander.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander has come a long way since it’s inception in 1985. What started with seven artists wanting to showcase their work and a map printed on brown paper, has skyrocketed into one of the country’s most popular tourism destinations.
Running from Pietermaritzburg in the east and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range in the west, the once sleepy route still retains its pastoral charm but now boasts 210 official members from shops to artist’s studios, restaurants, accommodation and whole lot more in between. All of which makes a ramble through the farmlands a far more pleasing option on the path between Johanneburg and Durban than the regular slog along the N3.
For more information about the Midlands Meander visit www.midlandsmeander.co.za.
Contacts
Piggly Wiggly Country Village www.pigglywiggly.co.za, info@pigglywiggly.co.za, +27 33 234 2911
Café Bloom +27 33 266 6118
Country Courtyard +27 33 266 6359
Things We Love thingswelove@bundunet.com, +27 82 929 7667
La Lampara lampara@mweb.co.za, +27 33 234 4225
Zulu Lulu Ceramic Boutique www.zulululutrading.co.za, stuart@zlt.co.za, +27 83 627 3491
The Ugly Duckling www.theuglyduckling.co.za, +27 33 267 7263
