|
The Midmar Public Nature Reserve, Pietermaritzburg is15 minutes drive from Pietermaritzburg. Tourists throng here in large numbers to enjoy sailing, canoeing or yachting. Midmar Nature Reserve is situated off the N3 about 7 kilometers from Howick.
The Midmar Public Nature Reserve, Pietermaritzburg is located on the Inhluanza Hills, which lies to the west of Howick. Inside the reserve one can visit the Midmar Dam, a favorite haunt of water sports enthusiasts and anglers. From a boat or a cross-country vehicle visitors can observe white rhinos, zebras, wild beasts, antelopes and water birds. The reserve also provides ample opportunity for walking and riding. It also has tennis, boccia and squash courts, a swimming pool, a children's playground, camping sites and a restaurant. Accommodation for visitors is available in chalets and huts.
Close to the reserve is Midmar Historical Village. Here one can find an exhibition of mementos of pioneering days. There is also a smithy, a typical Zulu village, old steam locomotives and agricultural implements
A 1000 hectare Game Park is open to visitors. Red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, reedbuck, oribi and zebra can be viewed from vehicles, cycles or on foot.
The rustic cabin and main resort chalet residents can avail all-weather tennis courts and a small swimming pool available exclusively for them. Bathing is permitted in the Bilharzia-free dam and is quite safe. But it is advised bathers keep close in-shore, away from boats.
The dam of the reserve is zoned for yachts and powerboats. For safety, visitors must abide by this zoning. New visitors to the resort should always have a map of the region and know all boating regulations.
Excellent fishing facilities are available in the dam. Carp, bass, scalies and bluegill are abundant, and fishing can be pursued in the areas zoned for this activity. A freshwater fishing license, obtainable from the office, is required.
Both self-catering accommodation and camping sites are available. Attractive shady picnic sites are available for day visitors along the 15 kilometers of developed shoreline.
| 
