The Nkosi Nursery

Meet Alex March, a gardening expert with a passion for all things indigenous. The first tree name Alex March learned when studying horticulture was Erythrina lysistemon. The second was Citharexylum quadrangulare (a.k.a Fiddlewood). However, the indigenous coral tree had more appeal, and in a short time Alex became, by his own admission, an ‘indigenous nut’. “Trying to get my tongue around the botanical names took a while, but after a few months, I realised that...

Where Imagination Runs Wild

Welcome to Imagine That! Kids Play Village, a magical space designed to let children explore, create, and dream while parents relax, connect, and savour a well-earned moment of peace.  The Inspiration  As a mother of two lively girls, Katie-Grace and Georgia, Stacy knows first-hand the challenge of finding safe and engaging play spaces in the Midlands. Rainy days would turn their home into a whirlwind of energy, leaving her longing for a place where her...

The Roast Masters

One of the best parts about the Midlands, apart from the majestic views and tight-knit community, is the exceptional coffee. We would love to celebrate three specific cafés that were selected as the regional winners of the Battle of the Beans competition recently: Lineage Coffee in Nottingham Road, Home Slice Café at The Old Mushroom Farm in Karkloof, and Next Coffee in Pietermaritzburg.  Organised by the Coffee Colab (Coffee Collaboration), a collective of coffee experts...

Rooted in Resilience

Shaped by faith, tested by loss, and inspired by love—Carol Sacke Landscaping’s story is one of strength and growth. In places where mist rolls over hills and the soil breathes with life, there is a team of gardeners who don’t just landscape—they craft living works of art, rooted in purpose, faith and perseverance. At the helm is Carol Sacke, a woman whose journey is a testament to resilience and the beauty that grows from hardship....

Splashy Fen 2025!

An Inspiring Long Weekend of Music, Magic, and Memories in the Drakensberg. Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially wrapped, and by all accounts, the 2025 edition was the most magical one yet. From the moment the gates opened on Thursday, 17 April to the last note played on Sunday night, 8,000 festival-goers soaked up four glorious days of sunshine, music, and connection in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg. After a few days of pre-festival...

Unparalleled – Thonga Beach

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...

Horse Shoe Bend – A Retail Experience Like No Other

In the heart of the Midlands Meander, Horse Shoe Bend is a charming retail haven offering artisanal goods, bespoke shopping, and gourmet delights. Unwind, connect and indulge in the region’s creativity in this unique boutique hub. Horse Shoe Bend Restaurant celebrates community spirit, flavour, and small-town hospitality. Their menu showcases the best of Midlands cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy live music, the custom-built fireplaces, and unforgettable meals. They also host monthly Dinner &...

The Manley Family – Hospitality and Heart at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

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...

The Source of Life

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,...

Real Brides – Country Weddings

We shine the spotlight on three beautiful brides and their countryside weddings. Read more about their venues, décor, dresses, favourite moments, and more. If you’re a bride-to-be, we hope this inspires you as you plan your special day.   Roxann & Warren Green They say your wedding day is one of the best days in your life and while I never truly believed how one day in a white dress could be all that, but...