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...
A platform that boasts countryside beauty while supporting its community members. For locals or tourists, there will be something worth exploring. Our official launch in February 2022 was held at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. The cocktail evening boasted an amazing local marimba and jazz band, sponsored wines from Highgate Wine Estate and food from N’Squared bakery were the treats whilst the local tour guides explained the values of uMngeni Tourism to the guests....
Escape to the pristine North Coast and the lovely town of Ballito for a coastal holiday with this guide created by the locals just for you! Have you ever wanted to escape? Not like a fugitive, but more to have an adventure or holiday. The Midlands is an easy escape for the concrete jungle residents or people who adore nature, but what about the locals who eat, sleep and breathe this area? Where is your...
The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot and there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Meet Ian Shooter, he has been hiking in the Drakensberg since he was about 10 years old, and there are very few things that he loves more than being out in nature and sharing it with other like-minded people. His goal is to make people love the Drakensberg as much as he does. Ian...
For the golfing enthusiasts out there, we explore three unique golfing venues, each offering different events and features worth mentioning. Oh, and did we mention they are primed and ready for your next hole-in-one? Putting with the “hole” family This year, the club celebrated turning 110 years, which makes it one of the oldest establishments in the Howick area. The club was originally leased from the Borough and the South African Railways stretching from the...
Boston, Dargle and Impendle have an incredible Community Tourism Organisation which was formed back in 2018 by owners and managers of a myriad of bed and breakfasts, cottages, hotels and farms partnering with the Impendle Municipality that now helps promote awareness to this spectacular part of The Midlands. If you are a tourist or local there is a wide variety of activities and establishments in the area that will cater to your needs and allow...