Tour the Midlands Meander with Watervale Safaris
One of the most enjoyed day tours that Watervale Safaris has to offer guests, is an 80km network of sightseeing routes, winding through the green belly of the KwaZulu- Natal Midlands. Meander means to “wander at random” and this is exactly what the route is about. Often after a few days of life in the bush, a ‘meander’ is maybe just what you need!
The Midlands Meander is best experienced as a full day trip. The scenic beauty of the area combined with delicious foods, interesting cultural and historical stops, it is by far the best way to get a feel for the local culture and beauty.
One of South Africa’s more interesting historical sites, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site is a favorite amongst our visiting guests . Unveiled by President Jacob Zuma in 2012, the unique sculpture by artist Marco Cianfanelli, is made up of 50 steel column constructions between 6.5 metres and 9.5 metres tall that come into alignment to form a portrait of Nelson Mandela against a backdrop of rolling hills and valleys of the Natal midlands. The columns are meant to represent Mandela’s imprisonment at the very place he was captured before being exiled to Robben Island. The site also features a museum where the capture of Madiba in 1962 is documented along with more information about South Africa’s political history.
Usually one of the first stops we make is, at the magestic Howick Falls. At 95 meters in height (310 feet), the Falls makes for a spectacular morning coffee. The Howick Falls has become a popular tourist attraction and the site boasts a restaurant and the usual stalls selling curios and other souvenirs. Known by the local Zulu people as ‘KwaNogqaza’, which means ‘Place of the Tall One’, local legend has it that the pool at the bottom of the falls is the residence of the Inkanyamba, a giant serpent-like creature. The falls also nearly claimed the life of BASE jumper Jeb Corliss in 1999, when he had a near fatal jump after his chute opening failed and he flew straight into the cascading water.
Another highlight of the Midlands Meander, is testing some locally made wine, chocolate and cheese as you overlook the rolling grasslands of the Natal Midlands. Swissland Cheese is the perfect stop for tasting some of the best, award winning
cheese. Swissland Cheese was established in 1992 by Fran Isaac. The pure healthy milk, provides the creation of the large range of Swissland goat cheeses, free of antibiotics and colourants. This range provides a delight for all palates, from the soft, fresh Chevre to a hard, mature Pecorino.
Meander Fine Wines on the Natal Midlands boasts over 700 different wines, from the Cape and around the world. There is something here for every pallet and our wine tastings have often carried on for much longer than the expected time and is often also the cause of slightly heavier bags once returning home.
With so much to do and experience on the Midlands Meander, it is almost impossible to fit this in on a single day trip. This experience is best to be tailored made for each groups preferences to include stops and visits to places that you and your loved ones will enjoy most. The Midlands is a MUST SEE for our visiting guests and comes highly recommended as an extra activity to do while visiting.
