By Roger Godlightly
The December break is looming and you still haven't decided where to go. Well, for a holiday with a difference, why not consider visiting the area known as the Midlands Meander?
Situated between Hilton, just north of Pietermaritzburg, and Hidcote, a farming hamlet outside Mooi River, the Midlands Meander extends from Rietvlei and Curry's Post in the east, to the lush Dargle Valley and Fort Nottingham in the west. To make things easy, a brochure called Midlands Meander (well, what else?) will give you a good idea of what is available.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, and throughout the area you'll find every kind of accommodation option.
From luxury hotels and family hotels to guesthouses and self catering chalets, there is something for everybody. If you're into nature, then you would enjoy camping or caravanning, and, if you're young and energetic, or old and energetic, for that matter, you can take the backpacking option.
There are also theme holidays available in this part of the woods. For instance, if you're feeling creative, you can take one of the special in-house art courses available, which range from painting, drawing and sculpture to decoupage.
There are workshops, courses and clinics on a variety of other topics too, such as paper-making at Out of Exitus, fly-fishing for beginners and kids at the Flyfishing & Birding Shop, craft courses at Giverney, Just Flowers and Fine Things and cooking at LaLampara Italian Restaurant.
Many of the establishments on the Midlands Meander route have special offers for the festive season.
Hebron Haven in Dargle Valley is offering dinner, bed and breakfast for R245 per person sharing, with a 50% discount for children under 12.
On Christmas Day, you'll be able to enjoy a scrumptious Christmas lunch for R100 a person. For further information and to book, call Moira on (033) 234 4431 for bookings.
Celebrate the New Year at Lastingham for R600 a person, which includes bed and breakfast for two nights as well as a four-course New Year's Eve dinner. For further information and to book call Mike or Lynne on (033) 234-4400.
At Greenfields Manor House in Mooi River you can get dinner, bed and breakfast for just R295 a person, while children aged between eight and 12 pay R100, and kids under eight stay for free. Interested? Call Linda or Clive on (033) 263-1301.
Abberley Guest House is offering a Christmas Eve dinner with a difference as well as a champagne brunch on Christmas Day. Give Tracy a ring to find out what the Christmas "difference" will be, on (033) 234-4163.
The delightful Granny Mouse Country House is offering a four-night special at R1 450 a person. This price includes bed, breakfast and entry to the New Year's Eve dinner-dance. Or for R530, enjoy the New Year's Eve dance, bed and a champagne breakfast. Call (033) 234- 4071 to book your New Year weekend.
Then there's a Christmas dinner at Woodridge Country Estate, while on New Year's Eve, they'll be holding a casino evening complete with a five-course dinner, champagne, good music and dancing. Call Michael on (033) 234-4423 and he'll tell you all about it.
The Midlands Meander countryside offers holidaymakers everything from boating, windsurfing or skiing at Midmar Dam to playing a game of golf with friends at the Sakabula Golf Course or Mooi River Country Club (where you could also test your skills in tennis, squash of bowls).
Alternatively you might want to go bird-watching at Corrie Lynn & Co, game-viewing at Tillietudlem, trout-fishing at Siteka Lodge or horse-riding at Shafton Grange Guest House.
Or, with the great weather at this time of year, you could just laze around a pool and relax.
If you're still in the planning stages of your holiday, a brochure will give you a an idea of the options available. To get hold of one, phone or fax (033) 330-8195, or e-mail: [email protected]