Midlands Meander Things To Do
Abingdon Wine Estate
There is never a shortage of things to do along the Midlands Meander. This collection of arranged routes offers locals and tourists alike, the opportunity to taste fabulous cuisine, buy unique arts & crafts and so much more. Situated between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg mountain range, the Meander is the perfect place for anyone looking for a relaxing or exciting getaway.
Nestled in the unspoilt beauty of Lions River in the picturesque KZN Midlands is a quaint, family-run wine estate. Abingdon is an award-winning yet homely wine estate that prides itself on the personal attention they give to each and every guest. Their vineyard produces certified estate wines that can be enjoyed by the glass, or bottle throughout the day.
The farm was bought in 2000 by owners Ian & Jane Smorthwaite and is situated a whopping 1140m above sea level. This remarkable pioneering estate boasts a wine school that offers courses for all enthusiasts. If you’re a wine fanatic, Abingdon offers you the opportunity to discuss the wines with the winemakers. Soak up the beauty of the Midlands while you sip on wines that are produced using 100% Abingdon grapes.
Satisfy your hunger with fresh dishes from Abingdon’s lunch menu. Their harvest boards and sharing plates are perfect to accompany your delicious wine. It’s worth noting that booking is essential and no children under 10 are permitted unless prior arrangements have been made. Abingdon truly is KZN’s Premier Wine Estate and is well-worth the visit.
Piggly Wiggly
‘More than a business – a lifestyle – it is an ideal worth preserving’
Rudi and Cindy Kassier turned a dream into a reality, what started off as a simple farm stall has flourished into a successful enterprise not only providing a ‘have to go to’ establishment for locals and on your way to your annual holiday destination but also offering jobs and career opportunities for the surrounding communities.
Rudi and Cindy bought Highgate Farm in 1996 with the vision of a simple farm life and to provide for their children. Starting off as a vegetable farm with the intention of providing to the community and local farmers. With the farm being located on the busy R103, Rudi identified a need for a ‘stop and go’, a farmstall where you could pull up, and pick and choose your own freshly grown vegetables. As the word spread of local fresh produce being readily available, people flocked to the little farmstall under the tree.
Soon becoming quite the social point, the regular customers were soon requesting coffee, snacks and sandwiches. And so – Piggly Wiggly was born.
Karkloof Canopy Tour®
Based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the Karkloof Canopy Tour has been built in a spectacular valley of the mistbelt podacarpus Karkloof Forest Reserve. The Karkloof Canopy Tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a ‘Kitting up’ session where full body harness, pulleys and climbing equipment are put on and checked for safety. A short scenic 4×4 drive to the top of the Karkloof valley and it is time to monkey around! From the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently glides on a steel cable to the first platform. All groups are escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a safety guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The platforms are built high up in the forest canopy and all offer different views of the surrounding forest, a magnificent 20m waterfall, clear sparkling forest stream and across the expansive Karkloof valley far below.
Spend a couple of minutes relaxing on the platforms while your guides enthusiastically explain the ecology of the forest – pointing out different trees and the magnificent giant ferns way below. The bird life is incredible. This includes the opportunity of spotting Emerald Cuckoos, Knysna Turaco, a wide variety of raptors and if you are lucky, the elusive Narina Trogon or endangered Cape Parrots. The forest is also home to a variety of mammals, but it is the loud calls and fearsome tree swinging of the Samango monkeys that you will remember best.
The Karkloof Canopy Tour consists of 12 platforms and 10 zip-line slides, the longest of which is 200m! A tour lasts approximately two hours, this is a safe, fun adventure for people between the ages of 6 and 80+ and includes refreshments during the tour.
Tours run at specific time slots. Bookings essential.
Midlands Meander Accomodation
If you’re meandering through the Midlands and want to take a much needed break from your activities, why not head on over to Weltevreden Manor. Situated a mere 27 minute drive from Abingdon Wine Estate, the Manor is a charming, luxury self-catering venue for those looking to soak up the beauty of the Midlands. The venue is a welcome distraction from the stress of traveling and offers the peace and quiet that helps you rejuvenate.
Weltevreden has been described by guests as:
The Manor’s amenities and services include local fly fishing spots, a local golf course and range, a shuttle service, ample parking and much more. Nicky and her staff pride themselves on offering guests top-class hospitality combined with professional service.
If Weltevreden Manor sounds like the place for you then take a leisurely drive from Abingdon and get ready to breathe in that fresh country air and enjoy views of lush rolling hills. Contact Weltevreden Manor today. They look forward to hosting you.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying over at Weltevreden Manor and need to explore what the rest of the Midlands has to offer, why not make the journey over to Abingdon Wine Estate and soak up the beauty of the KZN landscape on your drive there.
