Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander is the most popular arts and craft route in South Africa

The Midlands Meander is what weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, box makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and pianos have in common. You will find them all, and a great deal more on the Midlands Meander map - South Africas first, largest and most popular art and crafts route.

The Midlands Meander extends over a distance of some 80 kms between Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River and was started in 1983 by several of the craftspeople who have long resided in the area (often as exceedingly contented refugees from city life) as a way to market their products, keep down their prices and allow visitors a glance at their craft.

From a very small beginning, the Midlands Meander has grown to well over a hundred stops on four routes. The symbol of the Midlands Meander is the Butler butterfly, found only in the Karkloof region.

The art of celebrating country hospitality has been taken to great heights on the Midlands Meander. There is nothing else quite like it in the whole of South Africa. When it comes to food, the Midlands Meander offers whatever you fancy – from scrumptious cream teas and traditional country pub lunches to the creative cuisine of gourmet dinners. There are wine barns and cheese farms, home bakeries and micro breweries – where you have the chance to quaff quaintly titled, handcrafted beers, such as a Tiddly Toad, Whistling Weasle, Pickled Pig or Pie eyed Possum.

While touring the Midlands Meander you are invited to set your own pace. Visit for just a day and you are free to indulge in country hospitality at it’s very best. And whatever you rest your hat, you will find a wholesomeness and generosity from the people who greet and serve and make you feel welcome.