But it’s not just about the buying, it’s the whole Midlands Meander experience they’re after, and it usually includes an overnight stay or two to sample local hospitality and cuisine, or even a spa treatment if the stay is longer.
Since the area is so well patronised, there is no lack of accommodation, from backpackers’ to a five-star hotel, premier health spas, self-catering cottages, B&Bs and lodges.
The Midlands lie just one hour from Durban, outside of Pietermaritzburg, if you fly into King Shaka International Airport, or four-and-a-half hours from Johannesburg if you take a flight to OR Tambo International.
The Meander has shown tremendous growth in the accommodation, wedding and conferencing sectors, with a number of top-class wedding destinations now competing to take care of nuptial needs.
The Meander is also the site of one of the world’s toughest sporting challenges, the open-water Midmar Mile swimming event at Midmar Dam every February.
The Meander route covers 80km of beautiful farmland and countryside between Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River, extending northwards towards the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site.
The appeal of the region has been extended to cater for extreme adventurers, with river rafting, quad biking, kayaking, tubing, abseiling, canopy tours and mountain biking appealing to a younger, more active crowd.
Small children have not been forgotten either, with a number of stops along the route featuring petting farms and playgrounds or activities.
The Midlands Meander – a destination tailor-made for the whole family.
By Christine Marot
