Inland of Durban, lying in an area that acts as something of a respite for all who go there, between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg, is a beautiful region filled with stretches of farmland, charming little towns, a wonderful arts and crafts route and picturesque scenery bordering on the sublime, known as the Natal Midlands.

The Natal Midlands is rich with water - rivers, lakes, dams and waterfalls are abundant - and the landscape is endowed with green pastures, hills and forests, whilst the northern reaches of the Midlands are dominated by the foothills and mountains of the Drakensberg.

If you’re not hiking then spend time exploring the many coffee shops, art galleries, pretty guest houses, cheese farms, trout farms, potters, weavers and painters who have made this region their home. The Midlands Meander is now a wonderfully refreshing mix of over 150 places at which to eat, drink and shop, and extends from Rietvlei and Curry’s Post to Dargle Valley and Fort Nottingham - 80 kilometres of activity.

With Howick Falls on your doorstep, the Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve with its nature trails, picnic spots, some of the best bass fishing and great birding; the Kamberg Nature Reserve, framed by the Drakensberg Mountains with some incredible scenery and place to walk and picnic; and the Loteni Nature Reserve - a great place for trout fishing, there is plenty for one to do.

But you would be forgiven for using your time here simply to drink in the sights, sounds and fresh air of the Natal Midlands, for without doubt here is a place to restore the soul.

Towns that make up the Midlands Meanders:

Albert Falls  - Balgowan -  Baynesfield -  Boston -  Bulwer - Cramond - Curry's Post -  Dargle - Donnybrook - Estcourt - Eston - Fort Nottingham - Greytown - Harburg - Hidcote - Hilton - Hlutankungu - Howick - Ixopo - Karkloof - Kranskop - Lidgetton - Lions River - Merrivale - Mid Illovo - Mooi River - New Hanover - Nottingham Road - Pietermaritzburg - Richmond - Rosetta - Sevenoaks - Wartburg