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,...
The Volvo XC40 Recharge redefines what it means to drive sustainably without compromising on performance or luxury. With a clean design and power to match, this fully electric compact SUV offers an electrifying driving experience that’s both thrilling and eco-conscious. When I walked into the premier Volvo Pietermaritzburg dealership, I was instantly drawn to the XC40 Recharge’s bold and modern design. With sleek lines and distinctive LED headlights, it exudes sophistication and style. The...
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...
How often do you visit Hillcrest? It’s kind of an in-between area – a middle place if you will – and is often overshadowed by other spots around the KZN countryside and coastlines. It’s time to give this area some love and share a few great places that you must visit during your next Hillcrest trip! Before we do anything, let’s start with food. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market’s main attraction is their incredible...
As you arrive at River Bend Farm, the river below, surrounding trees and sound of nature relax you immediately. The farm is situated on the Midlands Meander, nestled at the end of the road on a bluff overlooking the Lions River as it meanders in a horseshoe around the farm. The views overlooking the river and forests are spectacular and the country air is refreshing. We drove the car right up to our room...
A comfortable drive from the Midlands into the bush is our family’s ultimate spoil and preferred “breathing space”! During this weekend trip, we stayed at Thanda Tented Camp at Thanda Safari and absolutely loved it! From the moment we arrived, the staff were super attentive and friendly. The Game Drives Our weekend started with a quick but very delicious late lunch. We then left for our first game drive of the trip, with reasonably...
Sleeping under the open sky, swimming beneath a waterfall, and forging new friendships, this experience promises both physical challenges and enduring memories. The Drakensberg is one of those places where people lose their souls, not in a negative way, but in the sense that they let go, find themselves, and tend to always return. The mountains are fortresses of solitude and it is an incredible experience exploring their vast lands. If you haven’t...
Welcome to an exquisite four-star architectural masterpiece nestled in the quaint town of Hilton Pietermaritzburg. ANEW Hotel Hilton exudes old-world charm while being renowned for its exceptional, friendly, and efficient service. Whether you’re a lover of the countryside or are simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this is the perfect destination for you. As I stepped inside, the grandiose chandelier hanging from the high ceilings in the foyer caught my eye. It’s a true showpiece that...