One word: SPECTACULAR! This unique destination is more than worth the drive to get there. The journey to Thonga isn’t easy as the last 1.5 hours drive is on a sandy, bumpy road at a slow speed. The hotel is the only lodging for miles and miles in a protected area. The location is truly unique, with only 12 thatched rooms for guests, so the privacy is unparalleled. (At arrival, we changed our booking from...
Originally from Johannesburg, the Manley family moved to Winterskloof, Hilton, at the end of 2001, when Mark Manley started work in Pietermaritzburg. Mark and his wife Lindy fell in love with The Knoll when they were scouting properties in the area and bought it. At that time, it had stood in a state of disrepair and dereliction for many years. “There were sawmills on the front verandah and down in the stone barn, and there...
Only a short distance from The Midlands, discover the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve; a commitment to community development and socio-economic upliftment with fabulous places to stay, relax, and enjoy nature right on your doorstep. In 2018, a few neighbours in the Putterill Valley came up with a dream of combining their properties into a joint nature reserve. That dream evolved from an idea to a plan, and finally, as of the 18th of April 2024,...
This year, we want to show some love by showing you a few local spots where you can indulge in Valentine’s celebrations. This holiday can be somewhat one-sided and only focus on love between romantic couples, but love comes in all forms, so we also made sure to include options for those who might be flying solo right now and would want to gift themselves or those who would love to celebrate the love between...
Nestled within the heart of Nottingham Road, Windspur Estate offers an exceptional balance between the tranquillity of country living and the convenience of an established village. This unique estate, spread across 14 hectares of open natural landscapes, is designed to create an environment where residents can truly enjoy “space to breathe.” With only 34 freehold plots, the development is intentionally low-density, ensuring that privacy and a sense of harmony remain at the core of the...
Dargle Dale Kennels and Cattery, founded in 1969 by Derek and Irene Higgs, celebrates its 55th year as one of the Midlands’ foremost pet-caring facilities. Conveniently located near Hilton and Cedara, around one kilometre from the N3, they are easily accessible and offer a tranquil and spacious environment on a small holding. Irene always cared for and groomed their dogs, including other people’s dogs, and kept a rigorous daily schedule that involved keeping the kennels...
We spent a weekend in the mountains, snuggling by a fire under the stars, and waking up to a true country living at Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails. As the year speeds to a close, faster than we care to admit, it’s worth taking a moment to escape and reflect on the months that have passed. A weekend getaway to the great outdoors offers the perfect opportunity, and I was fortunate enough to do just...
uMnambithi (Ladysmith) is just under a two-hour drive from Howick and offers a historical getaway. It was initially named the Republic of Klip River, then Windsor, then Ladysmith – named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife in 1850. Known for being instrumental during The South African War, uMnambithi is a go-to if you want to get a feel for our South African past. A perfect place for an overnight stay or a longer adventure, here...
Fordoun Hotel and Spa is a little (not so little) piece of heaven that is one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever experienced! After being welcomed by the super efficient and friendly staff, we were quickly shown to room number three. What a view! The rooms are large and comfortable with a full bathroom en-suite, which is ideal for a person who loves to relax in a bath. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable,...
It’s no surprise that the Midlands rests on a foundation filled with history and memories, from Nottingham Road and Fort Nottingham to Karkloof, Dargle and Curry’s Post, to name a few. One of these monuments includes the Old Halliwell Inn. It is over a century old, built between 1837 and 1840, and had its beginnings as a farmhouse. This was when the Voortrekkers entered these local areas in the mid-1830s. The Boers who lived in...