Wow, where has the time gone? I first started this post months ago, seems I have gotten a bit behind… Over the 4 day long Easter weekend the Frenchie and I headed to the coast for a quick, but much needed beach break. Hopefully I will get some time soon to post about the rest of the trip, but first I wanted to tell you about where we stopped on the way down and back.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

The Midlands Meander is a popular route in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. There are quite a few attractions to be seen in this area and while this would certainly be an excellent destination on its own, we were only passing through but still wanted to check out a few of the sites.

Our first stop on the way down was a place I had been wanting to visit for some time, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. On August 5 1962, Mandela was  driving the R103 just outside of Howick. He was posing as a chauffeur when he got pulled over and arrested. He was jailed and later tried in the Rivonia Trials in which he was sentenced to life in prison. You can also read more about this in my post about my visit to Liliesleaf Farm (where Mandela was previously hiding out).

The pathway down to the monument represents “The Long Walk to Freedom”

Approaching the monument, it slowly starts to take form

The monument is a sculpture designed from 50 steel columns between 6.5 and 9.5 meters tall. A collaboration between Marco Cianfanelli and Jeremy Rose, the sculpture’s 50 columns represent the 50 years since Mandela’s capture.

Sculpture from 30 meters when it comes into focus

Side view

Looking up at the steel columns

I found the capture site deeply moving and the sculpture is such a unique tribute to such a special man. There is also a really interesting exhibition of Mandela’s life and the apartheid struggle (free entrance but donations accepted at the time of our visit) so be sure not to miss that. You can however, give the cafe a miss (friendly service but the rest could use some improvement) unless you are really pressed for time and need to get back on the road.

The original monument is across the road

A few days later we once again passed through the Midlands on our way back to Joburg. Due to our lunch experience on the way down, I was under a lot of pressure to find us a nice spot on the way back. I got on tripadvisor and luckily found the restaurant Tumble Downs, just outside of Howick. I rang the restaurant and was relieved to hear they could get us a table.

Tumble Downs

This restaurant was a terrific find. We were seated at a table on the terrace with a lovely view overlooking the countryside.

View

This piggy was wandering around in front of the terrace and I am not at all ashamed to admit I followed him around to get some photos (he was too busy munching to look up at me)

Our lunch was really tasty and I was quickly redeemed for the lunch a few days prior. There were several veg options which is always nice to see.

Spinach & Feta Cannelloni with Tomato Pesto

Something meaty for the Frenchie

Amarula Pannacotta for me. I am not a big dessert person but I couldn’t pass this one up (and I was very glad I didn’t)

Fallen Chocolate Soufflé with Chocolate Cream for the Frenchie

If you are in the neighborhood, I can highly recommend Tumble Downs, we will certainly be back.

We had time for one more quick stop before hitting the road back to Jozi. The Howick Falls are approxmately 95 meters tall and local legend says that a giant, serpent-like creature lived in the pool at the bottom of the falls. There are also some nice craft stands at the falls if you’d like to do a bit of shopping.

Howick Falls

Falls and more falls

From the quick peek we had, the Midlands are a lovely place to visit and we will surely be back to Meander a bit more one day. If you have any not to miss places I should visit next time, please let me know in the comments below!