Midlands Forest Lodge

Midlands Forest Lodge offers 3 different styles of accommodation and is situated in the KZN Midlands. The lodge is ideal for guests looking for a comfortable stopover to rest away from busy city life, or a base from which to explore the surrounding attractions in the Natal Midlands. Accommodation comprises Standard King Rooms with Garden Views, Family Chalets, and Superior Chalets. The first consists of 8 standard timber rooms raised on stilts. Each room has a king-size bed (or twin beds depending on your requirement), an en suite shower, basin, toilet, reading chairs, and a quaint wooden balcony with garden views. The second style consists of 2 self-catering family chalets (each chalet sleeps a max of 4 people). The first bedroom in the chalet has a king-size bed, and the second bedroom has 2 single beds. The kitchenette is small but adequate, with a bar fridge, microwave, small 2-plate stove, kettle, toaster, and other necessities. Each bedroom is en suite with a shower, basin, and toilet. There is a small lounge/dining area and a lovely wooden patio/terrace with BBQ/braai facilities. Our third style is more special. We have 2 chalets in this style. These chalets have a king-size bed with an en suite shower, basin, and toilet. There is a large lounge with a TV and stunning window views. Each chalet also has a small kitchenette for basic self-catering with a bar fridge, microwave, small 2-plate stove, kettle, toaster, and other necessities. For safety reasons, we do not provide hot blankets, but there are hot water bottles, extra blankets, and oil-fin heaters in each room for those winter Midlands nights! These log chalets provide a perfect place to contemplate nature's beauty in its simplicity and to breathe in the scent of the woods and pure mountain air. A communal TV lounge adjoining the reception building for guests needing extra entertainment, and an honesty bar, and dining area are available.

Area Info

The Natal Midlands is a scenic region of farmlands that lies between Pietermaritzburg and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. With unmatched natural beauty, charming villages dotted about, and a wonderful arts and crafts route to explore, the Natal Midlands is a welcome country retreat.

The rich landscape of the Natal Midlands is characterised by rolling hills, green pastures, forests, and an abundance of rivers, dams, and waterfalls. It stretches to the foothills of the Drakensberg, an awe-inspiring 243,000-hectare mountain range that forms a formidable barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The mountains make for terrific sheer rock and ice- climbing, hiking, abseiling, white water rafting, and helicopter rides. Boasting 290 species of birds, 48 species of animals, rare varieties of plants, and over 4,000 ancient San rock paintings, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site.

The Natal Midlands is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic Kamberg Nature Reserve is an excellent place for walks and picnics; Loteni Nature Reserve is excellent for trout fishing; and Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve offers bass fishing, nature trails, bird watching, and picnic spots. A visit to Howick isn’t complete without attempting the Karkloof Canopy Tour and seeing Howick Falls. Also known as KwaNogqaza (“place of the tall one"), the 95m waterfall is regarded by Zulus as the place of the spirit of the ancestors. The Gorge Walk offers some of the most spectacular views of the falls. Midmar Dam can also be found nearby. The dam hosts the annual Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open-water swimming event.