Dreaming of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands conjures up thoughts of pastoral green fields, cattle-spotted hills and artists practising their crafts. It’s a marvellous place for a holiday. The Midlands Meander is the area’s popular tourist attraction and an excellent opportunity for experimenting with responsible travel and leisure principles. Here are six stops for a greener, more sustainable trip on the Midlands Meander.
- Green eatery: Café Bloom
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Midlands meandering requires tasty refuelling. For an eco-friendly breakfast or lunch, I like to visit the Café Bloom in Nottingham Road. This barn-style café is known for its ethical nature, organic produce and luscious sweet treats (baked cheesecake, scones and espresso chocolate snaps). Vegetarians rejoice-the lunch time harvest table is a feast of unusual veggie dishes along with a couple of meatier options for the omnivorous. Owners and artists, Mick and Sally Haigh have their ceramics and artwork on display around the café.
- Local produce: Karkloof Farmer’s Market
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If you’re on a food shopping meander, arrive at the Karkloof Farmer’s Market (KFM) early. The purpose of the market is to support local farmers, growers and producers. This is the place where you can pack your basket with freshly harvested farm produce, homemade sweets and savouries, organic dairy, etc. grown or made in the Midlands.
The producers of your basket’s bounty are on hand to share the stories of how your products came to be and how to make the most of them. The market is also a lovely place for breakfast. I can’t resist the Bean There coffee corner (Fairtrade coffee) and a fried egg breakfast bun. This photo from one of my first visits to KFM gives an idea of the market’s character:
- Organic products: Dovehouse Organic Farm
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My arrival at Dovehouse Organic Farm Shop was met by relaxed farm dogs snoozing in the parking area under the trees. The shop stocks organic produce, free range eggs, whole foods, superfoods, teas, body and household products, recycled shirts, Iphepha Beads crafts and the like. The farm also does organic vegetable box deliveries and offers a restaurant that caters for raw foodists, vegans, vegetarians and the gluten-intolerant.
- Natural landmark: Karkloof Falls
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The first time I went in search of Karkloof Falls I thought I’d lost myself in a maze of forestry plantations. The dirt road is bumpy and may seem long, but the view at the end is worth it. The sheer cliff faces, the sight of the water leaping 105 meters down into the lush, green valley below; bursting in a veil of spray, the roar as it crashes into the rocks-it’s amazing to see nature at work.
- Scenic picnic site: Midmar Dam
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Midmar Dam is an Ezemvelo Wildlife Reserve and a wonderful place to spend the day. The slightly sloping banks of the dam and proliferation of trees lend themselves to leisurely picnics, walks and bicycle riding. The water is usually dotted with brightly coloured sailboats and windsurfers speeding about in the breeze. Midmar is particularly lovely in autumn when the trees erupt in shades of yellow, orange, purple and red.
- Outdoor ventures: Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is small, as nature reserves go, but filled with flora and fauna. There are six walking trails, so birders, herpers, butterfly spotters, dendrologists and botanists can happily lose themselves in their favourite diversion. Check lists and information on Umgeni’s birds (270 species), reptiles, butterflies and trees is available at reception. If you prefer looking for game from the comfort of your car, you can pick up a guide for the auto trail. Resident fauna include zebra, giraffe, nyala, bushbuck, reedbuck, blue wildebeest, warthog and more.
Charming Midlands accommodation
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Tucked away in the green hills of Lidgetton Valley, Pleasant Places is a charming, snug, thatched guesthouse overlooking the tranquil valley and the Lion’s River. Wake up to breathtaking scenery and enjoy a lavish breakfast. Wander along private paths through farmlands and indigenous forests, fly-fish on river banks or from a float-tube. Return to warm ambience and delicious home-cooked dinners. Discover this gem of homely elegance and gracious hospitality.
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About the blogger
I’m Jo Sobey, an avid explorer and content creator based in the balmy hills of subtropical Durban, South Africa.
As an East Coast local I’m constantly drawn to KZN’s glorious green spaces, happiest in slops (flip flops) and prone to a case of S.A.D. when separated from Natal’s lush landscapes for too long. My focus is the pursuit of green: a journey of discovery into responsible travel and leisure, ethical design and thoughtful day-to-day living.
Online presence
- Blog: life’s story
- Twitter: @lifesstoryHQ