Lions River, Natal Midlands
The little hamlet of Lions River lies between Lidgetton and Howick right in the heart of the Natal Midlands about an hour's drive from Durban; a tiny modest ‘if you blink you might miss it' village, with not much beyond a trading store to lure you to stop.
But Lions River is a lot more than the tiny village. From Lions River there are gorgeous views over the Dargle Valley and conservancy that offer an element of country charm that is the midlands of KwaZulu Natal - mistbelt grassland, rivers, dam, veld and an incredible array of bird life all contribute to the splendour.
As part of a conservancy, the Dargle Valley has set out to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity in a bid to ensure that it remains for future generations. With this in mind, a coalition of people living here avidly promote conservation and try to maintain the rural character of the valley and its surrounds.
When it comes to things to do, the Trading Post in Lions River is worth the aforementioned stop for its collectables and antique furniture, whilst Howick is only 10 minutes away and offers restaurants, bars, shops, and the beckoning invitation of the Howick Falls.
The Midlands Meander is right on your doorstep and the Karkloof Canopy tours is worth the effort to cross to the other side of the N3 to the top of the Karkloof Valley from where you launch yourself through the forest canopy via platforms built up in the trees.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I think Lions River is nice for people who don't like tourist places. There's not much to do here, but most tourists we meet like the views - they always taking pictures of the mountains! I love it cuz its my home!
Dorcas (Lions River)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
St Ives Lodge
St Ives is situated in Lions River in the beautiful Natal Midlands, 10 kilometres from Howick. Our guests are able to enjoy the spoils and splend...
Hebron Haven Hotel
Hebron Haven in the picturesque Dargle Valley which has been an established hospitality outlet since the 1880s, offers old-fashioned country char...
Piccadilly Farm Accommodation
Located on a working farm 12km north of Howick and within close proximity to Piggly Wiggly, the Mandela Monument and Midmar Dam, Piccadilly Farm ...
Things to do in the area
Mandela Capture Monument
If you didn't already know this former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was arrested on 5 August 1962 when traveling illegally from Dur...
Dargle Valley Pottery
Dargle Valley Pottery is the largest stocked gallery on the Midlands Meander with a vast range of pottery on display. You can find anything from ...
Fly Fishing at St Ives
St Ives is an exquisite fly fishing estate situated in the heart of the Midlands, which is a natural treasure trove that is nestled within the be...
St Ives Boma Restaurant
To celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Midlands, St Ives offers an idyllic eatery away from the hubbub of the urban centres. This restaurant, ...
Abingdon Wine Estate
Many farmers have tried to make a go of viticulture in the Natal Midlands. The altitude, the cool climate (it gets below freezing in winter) and ...
Swissland Cheese
The natural splendour of the Natal Midlands is combined with the enticing allure of Switzerland on the Swissland Cheese Farm. Situated in Balgowa...
Highgate Wine Estate
Most people know about Piggly Wiggly Village in the Midlands of KZN. What started off as only a couple of shops – a coffee shop cum deli and a sh...
Buffelsbosch Equestrian
Meander the Natal Midlands from the comfort of one of the Buffelsbosch Equestrian saddles, atop a well-trained horse that is cooperative and good...
The Waffle Inn
There is nothing quite like a hot golden waffle that is crisp on the edges, fluffy on the inside, and laden in a delicious topping. The Waffle In...
Noteworthy attractions
Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
The source of the uMngeni River lies in the uMngeni Vlei area, an ancient wetland bounded by hills. From here it meanders eastward through undula...
Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
The large stretch of fresh water from the uMngeni, coupled with 1000 hectares of game park that contains red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, black...
Bosch Hoek Golf Club
Bosch Hoek Golf Course in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands must qualify as one of the most picturesque layouts in the country. The estate is convenient...
Gowrie Farm Golf Course
Gowrie Farm Golf Course, one of KwaZulu Natal's finest golf courses, was built in the traditional way with push up greens and rugged bunkers. The...
Maritzburg Golf Club
The Maritzburg Golf Club in Pietermaritzburg is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa, dating back to 1886. It has lush, smooth cynodon gr...
Sakabula Golf Club
Sakabula Golf Club is a unique combination of agricultural smallholdings around a delightful 18-hole, par 73, golf course in a scenic rural envir...
Victoria Country Club
Less than five minutes from the CBD of Pietermaritzburg, the Victoria Country Club is superbly located in the scenic parklands adjoining the Quee...
Battlefields Route
The KwaZulu Natal hinterland has witnessed some of the most brutal and significant battles to be fought in South Africa. These historical sites f...
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
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