Prime Trout Country
Nottingham Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a good base to explore the small towns and join in the artistic pursuits and outdoor activities of the surrounding area.
Nearby Kamberg Nature Reserve is nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg and offers some of the best fly-fishing, hiking and rock art in South Africa. Visit the Rock Art Centre and hike to Game Pass Shelter to see where archaeologists ‘cracked the Bushman code’, or opt for the beautiful Gladstone’s Nose Trail.
Nottingham Road is prime trout country. The Mooi River offers some of the best fly-fishing in the country and at Glengarry there is a 2 km stretch waiting just for you. Participate in South Africa’s premier trout fishing event during the annual Kamberg Trout Festival in June.
All Senses Catered For
Just north of ‘Notties’, the little village of Rosetta has much to offer. A lovely little church, an African Adventure Centre and to top it all, a chocolate heaven stocked with delectable creations moulded from Belgium chocolate. Some more tastings can be had at Swissland Cheese. Indulge in goat’s milk cheeses straight from the farm.
Nothing beats exploring the beautiful countryside on horseback, except maybe a wine tasting at Kleinberg Wines when you get back. Beer lovers can taste rustic, locally brewed beers with unique names such as ‘Whistling Weasel Pale Ale’ and ‘Tiddly Toad Lager’ at Nottingham Road Brewing Company.
More artistically inclined visitors may want to visit the Ardmore Studio, run by internationally famous ceramicists, with a number of resident artists at work on their famous Ardmore originals or join in a pottery, stained glass or cooking class at Aladdin’s. Go play a round of golf at Gowrie’s quaint country complex with its golf course. There are 180 bird species, village shopping and a deli.
The Fort Nottingham Highland Games (every August) brings you a dazzling spectacle of bagpipes, marching bands, dances, wrestling and caber tossing, all wrapped in a giddy whirl of music, tartan, food and festivity.