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TThe Midlands Meander, a country route in the KwaZulu-Natal hinterland, is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. For those with enough energy, exploring this beautiful region by bicycle is most rewarding. A number of organised tours are available to help with planning.
The Midlands Meander cycle routes take riders through countryside that is often likened to England. The area is home to spectacular waterfalls such as the Karkloof and Howick Falls, nature sanctuaries such as Kamberg Nature Reserve and Amber Valley, as well hundreds of quirky art and craft outlets serviced by laid-back locals.
Cyclists can follow the R103 from Estcourt to Howick, which passes through towns such as Mooi River, Rosetta, Nottingham Road, Balgowan and Lidgetton. Various irresistible detours will present themselves along the way. From Howick, there are great routes to places like Karkloof – the place of one of South Africa's most popular cycling events: the Karkloof Classic Cycle Race.
There are a number of excellent country restaurants, farm stalls and specialty shops to visit along the way. Nottingham Road in particular features a cluster of explorer attractions, such as the legendary Nottingham Road Hotel and The Junction complex.
Further south, Balgowan is home to Michaelhouse, the school at which the film Spud, starring John Cleese, was set and filmed.
Beer drinkers should make a stop at the Nottingham Road Brewery, based at Rawdons Hotel in Balgowan, to sample their famous collection, which includes a lager, an ale and a pilsner. Then there's the Bierfassl, a popular pub not far away, where a roaring fire burns in winter.
The Mandela Capture Monument has been erected along the R103 near Tweedie, marking the spot where former South African President Nelson Mandela was arrested, and is a popular photo location.
Midmar Dam, which is less than 10km from Howick, offers a number of relaxing cycling routes around the massive expanse of water.
Tour packages for cycling the Midlands Meander are available from operators such as Spekboom Tours, who can arrange bicycles, accommodation and transport to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Some of South Africa’s top mountain bikers and downhill cyclists, such as Greg Minaar, Brandon Stewart, Rowan Exelby and Travis Browning, all grew up in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and they all agree that they were blessed to have had such a great location in which to hone their skills.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Midlands Meander Office
Tel: +27 (0)33 330 8195
Email: info@midlandsmeander.co.za
Spekboom Tours
Tel: +27 (0)76 819 0615
Email: julia@spekboomtours.co.za
Adventure Bike Safaris
Tel: +27 (0)82 891 1689
Email: info@adventurebikesafaris.com
How to get here
From Durban, take the N3 north towards Harrismith and follow signs to whichever town it is that you plan to start your journey from. Brown tourism signage will guide you.
Best time to visit
There is never a bad time to be cycling in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as the weather during the day is generally great throughout the year. The winter months are completely dry and moderate, thus offer great cycling conditions. In mid-winter (June and July) there may be snowfalls, so be aware of changes in the weather.
Where to stay
Some welcoming country establishments to consider include: the Nottingham Road Hotel, Mulberry Hill, Rawdons Country Hotel.
What will it cost?
Tours vary according to length and operator, so send through an online enquiry on one of the listed websites below.
What to pack
KwaZulu-Natal’s climate is warm to hot and generally humid. Inland, temperatures tend to be cooler, so a warm jacket won’t go amiss.
What to eat
Famished cyclists should replenish carbohydrates with one of the large pizzas at St Ives Boma Food Bar in Lidgetton.
What's happening
The Karkloof Classic, one of the biggest events on the South African mountain biking calendar, usually takes place in March each year.
Best buys
There are so many wonderful arts, crafts and bric-a-brac on sale that you'll need a container to bring it all home. Woven carpets, furniture, leather goods, ceramics, glassware, plants, clothing and loads more quality goods to suit all tastes.
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