Things to do near Waterford Manor

Wine, cheese, craft beer, workshops, fishing and the Drakensberg foothills, all within easy reach of Rosetta on the Midlands Meander.

Wine, cheese and crafts

The Wine Cellar

Our next-door neighbour, with a substantial wine collection and a family-run, knowledgeable service.

Wine, cheese and crafts

Marrakesh Cheese Farm

A working cheese farm: taste the range with the cheesemaker and book a cheese-making experience.

Activities

Bass fishing on the Mooi River

A popular local pastime. Past guests have caught bass in the river alongside the property.

Wine, cheese and crafts

The Ugly Duckling

Craft and curio shop in Rosetta, close to the guesthouse.

Wine, cheese and crafts

The Junction

A small hub of crafts, curio shops and eateries, including a South African restaurant.

Breweries

Nottingham Road Brewing Co.

Better known as Notties, the oldest independently owned craft brewery in South Africa, in the heart of the Meander.

Breweries

Lions River Craft Brewery and Beer Garden

A family-run brewery with homemade craft beer and small-group brewery tours.

Breweries

Coffee and Life Centre

A family-run brewery with homemade craft beer and small-group brewery tours.

Where to eat

Bierfassl

Austrian and German pub near Nottingham Road, serving since 1999. Known for Eisbein in three sizes, and a strong trout dish.

Where to eat

The Village Café by Gowrie Village

charming, pet-friendly spot at Gowrie Village featuring a cozy indoor fireplace and breezy lawn seating. It is local favorite for premium artisan coffee, hearty all-day breakfasts, gourmet burgers, and luxury dairy ice cream

Where to eat

That South African Place by The Junction

a vibrant, family-friendly bistro serving up hearty wood-fired pizzas, smashed burgers, and artisanal baked treats. Located next to the central lawn, it pairs local comfort f

Where to eat

La Lampara

omantic Italian trattoria set in a beautifully restored red-brick dairy farm in the Balgowan countryside. It is celebrated for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, rich handmade pastas, and a seasonal menu enjoyed beside a cozy log fireplace.

Where to eat

Caversham Mill Restaurant

Seasonal comfort food by a waterfall.

Where to eat

Nottingham Road Hotel

Hearty meals, and serving guests since 1854.

Activities

Piggly Wiggly Farm

Ziplining, candle making, putt putt and Dingos farm and Reptile park together with restaurants and other shops make for a full day out

Activities

Epic Karting

experience the excitement of high-speed racing like never before on our expansive 350-meter outdoor go kart track.

Activities

Zulu Lulu Art House

Pottery classes and fun for the whole family.

Activities

Horse and pony rides

Inquire about local residents that own calm ponies that can safely and gently introduce children to handling horses

Activities

Troutbagger Farm

offers catch-and-release fly fishing across three stocked trout and bass dams, complete with gear hire and expert guiding by a Springbok angler. Visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks, scenic bird watching, and easy access for touring nearby artisan craft shops along the Midlands Meander.

Activities

Karkloof Canopy Tours

A canopy zip line tour through the Karkloof mountain range, for the more adventurous.

Nature, scenery, Weddings and events

Netherwood

Enjoy scenic countryside views, peaceful gardens and elegant venues in the heart of the KZN Midlands.

Brahman Hills Nature and gardens, Where to eat

Brahman Hills

Explore beautiful gardens, enjoy scenic walks, take photos and relax over a meal with stunning Midlands views.

Activities

St Ives Dam

Fishing, mountain biking and picnic facilities.

Nature and history

Kamberg Nature Reserve

Kamberg Rock Art Centre and San rock art at Game Pass Shelter, reached from the Kamberg Road out of Rosetta.

Activities

Earth Route Market

Saturdays 8-11am 9kms from Waterford Manor in Nottingham Road

Nature and history

Highmoor and Giant's Castle

Drakensberg foothill reserves, with trout fishing in the Highmoor dams year-round.

Nature and history

Howick Falls

Cascades 95 m into the Umgeni River. Hike the falls or picnic at the bottom.

Wildlife and conservation

KZN Crane Foundation

Discover endangered crane species and learn about local conservation efforts through educational visits and nature experiences.

Activities and Nature

Midmar Dam

A nature reserve with picnic and braai sites, hiking and biking routes, canoeing, kite surfing, boating and fishing.

Nature and history

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Fifty steel poles that form the face of Mandela when seen from the perfect angle.

Wine, cheese and crafts

Abingdon Wine Estate

Family-run estate in the Midlands with tastings from a knowledgeable host, and a home-cooked lunch at weekends.

Wine, cheese and crafts

High Gate Wine Estate

Tastings, cheese boards and tapas on a 5 hectare estate. A good spot for lunch or a light bite.

Plan your days from one base

Book direct for no commission and special discounts, then build your stay around the Meander. Ask us for tips on the best order to see things.

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