Explore the Gems of Hilton

We visited a few spots worth mentioning in Hilton, from beauty to bread, hotels, and railway stops! A unique few gems guaranteed to fulfil your needs – whether you are hungry or need a haircut!   Welcome to Hilton, although it’s not a very big place, nestled between Pietermaritzburg and Howick, it still offers a large selection of things to do, see and eat! Follow us as we take you on a small tour, highlighting...

Beverley Country Cottages 1 - Kate Kelly
Copperleigh Trout Cottages, Ashley Crookes - Inhlosane Mountain with snow
Nikki Brighton

Unearth the wonders of Boston, Dargle and Impendle with what this all-inclusive and environmentally friendly Community Tourism Organisation has to offer. The iconic Inhlosane ridge, visible from across the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, rises to 2026m from the surrounding settlements of Impendle, Boston, and Dargle. From the peak, the views of the countryside and the Drakensberg are incredible. In this area, you are likely to spot the Cape Parrot flying between patches of indigenous forest, Wattled Crane...

Midlands Under the Christmas Tree

If you are not sure what to do for Christmas gifts this year, look no further than right here on your doorstep – the Midlands, of course. We are shining the Christmas spotlight onto a couple of local places, offering some unique and eclectic gift ideas. These are our 12 “unique places” of Christmas.   The Ellenbird Christmas time is fast approaching, and here at The Ellenbird, we feel as if all Santa’s elves are...

Step into Spring with Nova Beauty Studio

Nova Beauty Studio is located in the heart of Hilton and is very accessible to the N3 and the Midlands Meander. It’s in a quiet area where the sound of birds chirping echoes in the background. Nova is a one-stop shop that offers every treatment from hairdressing to lash services, self-tanning, massages, facials, nails and a whole lot of TLC. The team prides itself on offering the best service to their clients and tailor-making every...

Keeping It in the Family

We’re catching up with some of our local, family-run businesses in the Midlands.   Indigo Fields Indigo Fields started out with owners Paul and his wife Jennifer and their dream of owning a farm in the Midlands. It has become so much more than that – a place which has nurtured and grown all of its people into a dedicated and passionate team, who all strive to give the best Indigo Fields experience possible, and...

Not Your Average Farmers Market – Introducing REKO Rings

The Midlands is renowned for its rich agricultural history, sustainable farming practices and unwavering embodiment of the South African phrase: “Local is lekker”.  At the forefront of fair market farming in the Midlands are the dynamic husband and wife duo, Andre and Kaitlynn Kaueraf. Prior to the valuable insight I gleaned from the couple, I was very much in the dark regarding the existence of so-called “REKO Rings”. Thankfully, through their passionate advocacy for small-scale...

The Great Gavin Ross

As I listened for the dial tone to end and the first “hello!” to be uttered, I took a moment to process who the friendly voice on the other end of the line belonged to. Celebrated as a national treasure in the realm of South African rugby, Gavin Ross is synonymous with consistency, honesty and accountability.   As a decorated retired sports coach and current educator at Michaelhouse, Gavin, or rather, “Gav”, as he prefers...

Andsara – The Story behind the Seams

  A friendship founded upon a mutual love of fabric, fashion and wanderlust is a friendship that is destined to succeed. Nobody understands this better than childhood friends turned business partners, Andrea and Sarah. From their inherent creativity to their social media savvy, these local ladies are prime examples of entrepreneurial excellence.   When Andrea and her family relocated from Johannesburg to the Midlands, they had no idea that a single shift in geography would...

Home Trends – Repurposed Furniture with Flair

Those who have had the privilege of exploring the Midlands, will attest to the fact that a major component of the Meander’s magic lies within the local community’s business ventures. Repurposed is a proudly South African brand, specialising in custom, handcrafted decor and bespoke interior design.   Angela Carle, the owner of Repurposed at St John’s Village Lifestyle, greets us with an enthusiastic smile as we enter the spacious store. Her bubbly personality and passion...

Khaki Chef – A Food Journey Through The Midlands

Khaki Chef is the brainchild of Wildman Safaris – a specialist tour operator, and Kirsty Price – a Cordon Bleu graduate of Silwood Kitchen’s School of Cookery. When society’s fascination with farm-to-table cooking became increasingly popular, Khaki Chef designed a range of customisable experiences, where a scintillating fusion of artisanal food and synergistic safaris remained at the core of each tour.   From 3-night beach safaris to 6-night bush expeditions, Khaki Chef is able to...