Pietermaritzburg is an ever-evolving city that has recently seen rapid growth, although it has long been a central point for many attractions and recreation. It is the host city of international events such as the Comrades and Dusi Marathaons, which are considered among the main running events in the world. The Midmar Mile swimming event boasts the largest open water course of its kind internationally. The dam in which it takes place also offers many other interests throughout the year. Accommodation in Midmar is provided in scenic shoreline camps, cabins, or a bush camp.
Midlands is a popular area in KwaZulu Natal. This warm and welcoming country experience has its humble beginnings in 1985, when a small group of artisans came together to create an arts and crafts route that has the biggest cultural attraction in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands known as the Midlands Meander. It has grown into a vibrant network of 134 members, some of local extraction and some who have turned their backs on the city to make a living in this beautiful setting.
The Midlands Meander, offering great diversity, good value for money and excellent service at hundreds of farms, hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts and spas, spread out along a well-marked corridor. With more than 20 years of existence, this self-guided artisan and leisure route has long been one of the most successful in the country in attracting visitors who return regularly to its diversity and special atmosphere. Cheese farms with picturesque goat towers, a miniature brewery, award-winning pottery studios, butterfly research projects, colorful herb centers and leather works offer quality products made with a personal touch.
Hot air balloons offer the exciting option of seeing the sights of the Midlands from a different point of view. Howick is a pleasant historic town near Pietermaritzburg that features the impressive 97m high Howick Falls. Nearby is a monument marking the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested prior to his incarceration on Robben Island.
This is just a taste of what is on offer, as Pietermarizburg Midlands in KwaZulu Natal offers a galaxy of attractions as diverse and abundant as the wide stars in their gloriously clear night skies, making it the “Capital of the Zulu Kingdom” .