There is a fantastic choice of accommodation in the KZN Midlands, most of which are set in locations of great beauty. We at Home Food and Travel have sought out a variety of options to add to this list including self-catering, bed and breakfast, hotel accommodation.
The KZN Midlands is world famous for its Midlands Miander. The Midlands Meander stretches from just beyond Mooi River in the north, Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west.
Durban is a mere one hour drive away and Jo’burg, via the N3, is four and a half hour drive. The fresh air and incredible natural beauty means that life is lived at a gentler pace and visitors to the area will find the tension and stress associated with fast city living drain away
There are a collection of arranged routes that make it esier for visitors to explore the region. Apart from the outstanding accommodation there are, to quote the Midlands Meander website, “also conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all “shop-till-you-drop” unique arts and crafts.”
Below is a selection of places to stay that we at Home Food and Travel recommend.
iNsingizi Game Lodge
It was a beautiful warm and clear spring day when a group of us drove out to iNsingizi Game Lodge & Spa. The views of the countryside in the Natal midlands were spectacular.
As we neared our destination, we felt that unmistakeable peace and stillness that only comes from being in the bushveld. So, we were already relaxed and looking forward to a morning of pampering.
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Jenna with a glass of Champagne and then were led off to change into gowns and slippers, in one of the chalets.
These lovely private en-suite rooms with their own decks are set amongst the bush. Read more…
For more information, call 083 414 1932, email info@insingizi.co.za, or visit www.insingizi.co.za. Click here to make an online booking.
Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge
Afro-chic is how you would describe Umzolozolo Safari Lodge. With its contemporary and tasteful décor, beautiful thatched architecture and horizon pool overlooking the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, this establishment certainly offers a unique experience for safari enthusiasts.
Umzolozolo is situated in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, which is in the heart of the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands, just four hours from Johannesburg, 2.5 hours from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg.
The lodge offers an unrivalled safari experience with the opportunity to view Africa’s Big 5, including the cheetah and is the perfect destination for safaris, romantic, group and family holidays as well as small weddings and honeymoons.
Experienced and enthusiastic game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open topped 4×4 game viewers, tracking the Big 5 and sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife. Read more…
To make a booking, call 031 579 3870 or visit www.umzolozolo.com today. Find them on Google Maps here.
Malachite Manor
Malachite Manor is situated in one of my favourite parts of the country, the Southern Drakensberg. As a student at the University of KZN I belonged to the Mountain Club and spent many wonderful weekends in this beautiful region.
No matter what the season, the Drakensberg is stunning. In summer the mountains and valleys seem to radiate life and everything, from the grass to the trees is emerald green. In autumn the blaze of colour is simply magnificent and in winter I loved the fresh, crisp mornings and the snow covered peaks.
I have long believed that family owned businesses, particularly restaurants and guest houses, are better than their more business like contemporaries.
Malachite Manor proves my point. Built by Michael, Carrin and Ryan Pieterse, this guest house has an attention to detail that only passion and love can produce. Read more…
Call 087 057 1250 or email bookings@malachitemanor.co.za. Find out more here. Locate them here. Make an online booking here.
Antbear Lodge
The Drakensberg Mountains are simply magnificent. The clean air, fantastic views, souring peaks, green summers and white winters make this a great getaway destination.
Each area of the Drakensberg , from the Eastern Cape, through KZN and into Mpumalanga, has something different to offer.
Antbear Lodge, near Giants Castle in KZN, offers something particularly different – luxury accommodation inside a cave! The cave is cozy and comfortable and has a Jacuzzi spa bath, lounge with fire place and even has rock art on the walls. The wonderfully designed glass doors open onto a veranda with its hammock chairs.
Owners, Andrew and Conny, say, “Antbear Lodge is one of those smaller, owner run establishments. Sustainability and responsible tourism are a huge part of the ethos of our lodge. We try to do just about everything ourselves. It starts with our alternative structures and ends with the cheese on your breakfast table.”
Apart from the luxury cave accommodation, Antbear Lodge also offers Mountain View suites as well as more affordable private garden suites. The Mountain View Suites include a lounge, a large bedroom with king or queen size beds, en-suite bathrooms with jacuzzi spa baths and a veranda with spectacular views.
Antbear Lodge also offers a private dining experience where they prepare a table on the deck of your cave or suite and you dine by candlelight under the stars.
For more information visit www.antbear.co.za or call 076 441 2362 or email reservations@antbear.co.za. To make an online booking, click here. To find them on google Maps, click here.
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