Midmar Dam

The Midmar Dam is the main water catchment for the KZN Midlands

The Midmar Dam is the main water catchment for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands, providing high quality potable water right down to Kloof and the Inanda valley. It is located North-west of Durban in the Midlands, near Howick and the N3.

Wetlands contribute to the sustained provision of water through dry periods and even maintained supply during the dry early 1980s and 1990s.

Water from the dam is used for pasture irrigation, forestry and other forms of dryland agriculture. There is a great value of conserving rare and endangered habitats and species, e.g. wattled crane of the uMngeni vlei and the endemic mountain malachite dragonfly. Also present is the rare plant Hydrostachys which grows in waterfalls in this area.

The river and the many dams in the area provide for sport and recreation. Indigenous (the KZN yellowfish is a demon to catch!) and exotic fish e.g. trout in cool headwater streams and dams, are popular catches here. Midmar Dam is a hub for water sports including the famous Midmar Mile that draws thousands of swimmers.

Midmar is a 2 857 ha reserve operated by the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The primary area of interest to birders is the Orient Park Game Reserve situated on the southern shore of the dam. No facilities are offered.

From Thurlow Gate entrance situated along the Boston/Bulwer Road off the N3, follow the main entrance track until a turn to the game reserve is indicated. Follow this road until it leads to a loop road in the main section of the park. Allow 1-2 hours for the drive or more if some exploring is anticipated.

The Midmar Public Resort Nature Reserve, offers accommodation, picnic sites and recreational opportunities around the huge Midmar Dam. At the main entrance is the Midmar Historical Village, a reproduction of a 19th century redbrick village with tree-lined streets, a village church and Hindu Temple. Many of the buildings are originals that have been relocated to the site from towns and villages elsewhere in the province. There are also vintage steam train rides on offer and Shire horse carriage rides, as well as several shops, restaurants and exhibition halls.

Accommodation directory for the Midmar area

• Midmar Public resort - a KZN Wildlife owned venu with basic self catering accommodation.
• Rocamadour - luxury B&B with a view of the Midmar Dam
• Cedarwood Guest House - luxury self-catering accommodation in the  Midmar area
• Avo Orchard - budget self caterin unit near Midmar Dam
• Tracy's Place - beautiful self catering unit with B&B option in private Garden 5 minutes drive from Midmar Dam
• The Friendly Francolin - popular self catering cottage near Midmar Dam
• Barland Cottage - affordable self catering cottage with B&B option has a view of the Midmar Dam
• Inversanda - situated in a beautiful valley in the Midmar area
• Four Springs offers a quiet getaway in the Midmar area
• Windermere Guest House located in Howick only a 10 minute drive away from Midmar.
• Hayfields Guest House - offers B&B accommodation in Howick, near Midmar
• Nutmeg - historic homestead in Howick with B&B or self catering option, near Midmar.

Places of interest near Midmar

• Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Expereince - located south of Midmar Dam
• Kleinberg Wines - situated of the D367 near Midmar Dam
• Sakabula Golf Club is situated very close to the  Midmar Dam
• Peel's Honey Shop - near Midmar
• The Mandela Monument is located on the R103 that runs past Midmar Dam.
• Corrie Lynn & Co can be accessed off the road that leads past Midmar Dam
• Hi-Fly Kites - near Midmar and Merrivale
• Buchanan Interiors in Merrivale, near Midmar offer glassware galore!
• Thabo'S Antiques in Howck, only a 10 minute drive from the Midmar Dam
• The Weaver's Hut in Howick specialize in handwoven rugs.  Only 10 minutes from the Midmar Dam.
• Yellowwood Cafe & Nursery is a must-try restaurant only 10 minutes from Midmar