We invite you to explore, indulge and dream amongst the gentle hills and warm-hearted people who call the KwaZulu Natal Midlands home.

The Midlands Meander route is situated between the city of Pietermaritzburg in the East and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range (a World Heritage Site) in the West, in the uMgungundlovu district, one of eight regions of the ‘Zulu Kingdom’.

In the Midlands, life is lived at a gentler pace, we take time to chat to strangers in the trading store and shell our own peas. On your visit, explore the forests and farmlands and the small villages inhabited by interesting characters.

Gather inspiration and original art from world-class crafters, enjoy gracious hospitality, savour new flavours and celebrate memorable moments. May you be enticed to return to this Good Place.

The symbol of the Midlands Meander – the rare and endangered Karkloof Blue Butterfly (Orachrysops ariadne) is on the wing for a couple of weeks in Autumn and is known in only three locations in KwaZulu Natal.

Dependent on moist mist-belt grassland, this butterfly has a unique relationship with the sugar ant (Camponotus natalensis) which carries the larva from the nest to the food source. Suitable sites for Karkloof Blue colonies occur on gentle southern slopes where the host plant Indigofera woodii thrives.

Because we believe that the little things do count, the Midlands Meander has been funding a research project since 2004, in an attempt to ensure its survival. You can help too by popping some coins into one of the collection tins “Common Cents Can Make a Difference” at Midlands Meander outlets.