Midlands Meander II

The Midlands and Underberg also bring those with a taste for more energetic endeavors to this region with a variety of high adventure activities.  One can arrange with a good local tour operator to do any of the following: trekking in the Drakensberg mountains, white water rafting, mountain climb with abseiling (or rappelling), kayaking or drive a 4×4 trail.  The rivers and small lakes here are magnets for fly-fisherman intent on catching trout.  Can anything be more delicious than freshly caught rainbow trout cooked over an open fire in champagne air?
As mentioned in the previous post, the fields and hills of this region saw many historic, dramatic battles taking place and the tours on offer here can be a surprising highlight to many who embark upon them. 
There have been numerous films and passionate documentaries made about these epic battles between rival tribes and ethnic clashes.  A guided tour of the Battlefields of Kwa-Zulu Natal is another highly recommended activity for the visitor as they weave stories, history and fine accommodation together.
It is possible to hire a car from the King Shaka International airport in Durban and to drive the hour and half through to Hilton to stay at one of the B&B’s here or in Howick and onwards to explore the Midlands Meander on your own.  Car rates are very reasonable and there is a variety of car hire companies and cars to choose from including automatic, air conditioned vehicles.  Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and does require a high amount of vigilance in the busier areas and on the freeway where the rules of the road appear sometimes to be suggestions rather than rules.  However, in the quieter hilly areas amongst the farmlands and especially on the Meander, this is not such a problem. 

Alternatively, there are numerous tour operators that can arrange for private tours and transfers and these will include collection from the airport and a drive in these regions catered to your own taste and desire.  One can look at either a full day tour from Durban or else a tour that involves an overnight stay at one of the local lodges or B&B’s and a more relaxed visit to this charming and often overlooked area.

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