Donnybrook, Natal Midlands
The distinctly Irish lilt to the name of Donnybrook misrepresents the rural village that lies in the midst of green hills on Route 612, between Ixopo and Bulwer, south west of Pietermaritzburg.
There is little other than a police and petrol station to make a detour into the very small farm village necessary. Although train fundis might stop here to take in the remains of the Umzinto-Donnybrook narrow gauge railway that used to terminate here.
This part of the country, so close to the Underberg and the Mkhomazi Wilderness area, must have reminded Robert Comrie, who originally owned the farm on which the village now stands, enough of the suburb in Dublin that he christened it Donnybrook.
Just 42 minutes from the foothills of the underberg, this area is principally farm land. An escape here guarantees stillness, quiet and green hills that steadily give way to the southern Drakensberg mountains in the near distance.
From here you have access to the Marutswa Forest Trail and Boardwalk just outside the little town of Bulwer. A series of trails lead into indigenous forest. There are little lookout jetties, picnic sites and view points from which you can sight herds of bush pig, dassies, bushbuck and any number of birds, for the forest is home to both rare and interesting birds like the Cape parrot.
Other attractions include the Impendle Nature Reserve where you can spot the rare blue swallow; the country villages of Underberg and Himeville; and famous aspects of the Southern Drakensberg, like Sani Pass.
Local day tours to explore the birds of the region and San rock art leave from Underberg, and hikes can be organised into the Drakensberg.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Far Away Place Nguni Cottage
Faraway Place Nguni Cottage offers accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander in Kwazulu Natal. We are 5km on the old Curry's Post Road f...
Duvet & Crumpets
Duvet & Crumpets is very conveniently situated in the lovely city of Pietermaritzburg - being only two km from the start of Comrades, the Amashov...
Munro Cottage
Munro Cottage is located on Inverness Farm. Come and share the quiet tranquillity of our working farm in the beautiful Caversham Valley. Invernes...
Rawdons Hotel and Brewery
Rawdons Hotel and Brewery offers accommodation for forty eight guests and is situated in Nottingham Road in the Natal Midlands Meander. Brookdale...
Caversham Woods Cottage One
Caversham Woods Cottage One offers accommodation near Lidgetton in the Caversham Valley with beautiful views on a farm in the heart of the Midlan...
Arlington Guest Lodge
Located in Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, Arlington Guest Lodge offers easy access to all that Pietermaritzburg has to offer. The Lodge provides nine...
Monte Vista Guest House
Monte Vista Guest House is a Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering establishment set in the tranquil residential area of Estcourt. Monte Vista Guest ...
Old Balgowan Farm Cottages
Old Balgowan Farm Cottages offers accommodation in the heart of the Midlands Meander on a beautiful 580 hectare working farm. Ideally located dir...
The Boathouse at Beacon Vlei
The Boathouse offers comfortable accommodation with panoramic views over our 23 hectare private dam, and the surrounding wetland area, home to hu...
Things to do in the area
Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio
Africa's Iconic Luxury Brand ~ Drawing Inspiration from African Art and Nature to Create Unique Ceramics, Luxury Décor, and Fashion.The vibrant c...
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...
Find accommodation in Donnybrook
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Donnybrook Accommodation