The Midlands. Find your way to better days The Midlands

Guide

A weekend in the Midlands

Two slow days on the R103: a waterfall, history, studios, a long lunch and a fire by sundown, then forest or rock art on day two.

By The Midlands

Misty hills, farm road and farmhouse at first light

Howick sits just off the N3, about an hour's drive from Durban and four and a half hours from Johannesburg, so the Midlands works as a weekend from either. Leave the N3 at Howick and follow the R103 north. It's slower than the highway, and that's the point.

Day one, morning: Howick

Start at Howick Falls, in the heart of the town, then drive about 5 km out of town on the R103 to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. Note that the visitor centre is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Walks & nature · Howick

Howick Falls

A drop of about 95 metres on the uMngeni River, with a viewing platform a short walk from the main street.

Address
Centre of Howick, a short walk from Main Street

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Heritage · Howick

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Near the spot on the R103 where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962. A visitor centre and the 50-column steel sculpture tell the story.

Hours
Thursday to Monday, 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:15); closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Fees
South Africans R120, international visitors R180, ages 13–17 R40, under-12s free
Address
R103, about 5 km outside Howick

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Day one, midday: Lidgetton and Lions River

Carry on along the R103 into the studio country around Lidgetton, then stop for lunch. Abingdon's restaurant opens on Fridays and Saturdays only, and booking is essential.

Eat & drink · Lidgetton

Caversham Mill Restaurant

Restaurant on the Lions River at the site of a mill dating to 1860, where the Midlands Meander started in 1985. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including curries, pastas and burgers.

Hours
Wed 08:00–16:00; Thu–Sat 08:00–20:00; Sun & public holidays 08:00–16:00; closed Mon–Tue (open if a public holiday)
Address
C6 Caversham Valley, Lidgetton West, 3270

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Day one, afternoon and evening: Nottingham Road

Finish the day in Nottingham Road, with a beer at the brewery and dinner by a fire. Stay nearby so there's no driving after dark.

Day two, option one: the Karkloof

Head back towards Howick and into the Karkloof valley for forest, a waterfall and birdlife. If it's a Saturday morning, start at the farmers' market.

Eat & drink · Karkloof

Karkloof Farmers' Market

Weekly Saturday-morning indoor market with stalls selling fresh vegetables, baked goods and other local produce. Breakfast and coffee are served and there are activities for children.

Hours
Saturdays 08:00–12:00

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Walks & nature · Karkloof

Karkloof Falls

A waterfall in the Karkloof valley with a public picnic site.

Hours
May close at times of high fire danger
Address
Off the Karkloof Road, about 15 km from Howick, signposted
Walks & nature · Karkloof

Karkloof Conservation Centre

Bird hides run by the Karkloof Conservancy at the entrance to Gartmore Farm, opened in 2007. Oxbow lakes on the Yarrow and Karkloof river floodplains attract waterfowl and all three crane species (wattled, grey crowned and blue).

Hours
Bird hides 05:00–18:00 daily
Fees
R40 adult, R30 child, under-5s free
Address
Entrance to Gartmore Farm, Karkloof valley

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Day two, option two: the Kamberg

Drive west through Rosetta into the Kamberg for big mountain views and the guided walk to Game Pass Shelter, booked through the reserve. Allow time on the slower roads.

Walks & nature · Kamberg

Kamberg Nature Reserve

Part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, established in 1951 and named after a mountain shaped like a rooster's comb. The Mooi River runs through it. Trout fishing (Eland and Erskine dams all year; fly tackle only, rod fee payable), guided walks to Game Pass Shelter, hiking trails, three picnic sites, and game including eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and oribi.

Hours
Gates 05:00–19:00 (Oct–Mar), 06:00–18:00 (Apr–Sep)
Fees
Conservation fee (SA/SADC): R80 adult, R40 child. Rock art walk R120 adult, R60 child.
Address
Near Rosetta (PO Box 72, Rosetta 3301); from Rosetta about 40 km on the Kamberg road.

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Heritage · Kamberg

Game Pass Shelter

A celebrated San rock art site, visited only on a guided walk booked through reception at Kamberg Nature Reserve.

Hours
Guided walks only, booked through Kamberg reception
Fees
Guided walk R120 adult, R60 child, plus the Kamberg conservation fee
Address
Kamberg Nature Reserve, about 40 km from Rosetta

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Questions

Can I do the Midlands as a day trip from Durban?

Yes. Howick is about an hour's drive from Durban, so the falls, the Capture Site and lunch along the R103 make an easy day. A night or two lets you slow down and reach the Karkloof or the Kamberg.

What should I pack?

Layers in any season, good walking shoes, and warm clothes for winter evenings. Some roads into the Berg are gravel, so drive carefully and arrive in daylight.