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
Hamilton Guesthouse
Situated in Pietermaritzburg, Hamilton Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to eight guests. Here you are near to a variety of attr...
Thyme Out @ Weltevreden Manor
Thyme Out offers accommodation in a room on a farm at the heart of Curry's Post in the Natal Midlands. Here you can enjoy magnificent views over...
Safire Lodge
Safire Lodge is a holiday home offering Natal Midlands self catering in the Star Dam Estate. Safire Lodge boasts generous proportions and seamles...
New England Guest House
New England Guest House can be found in the Scottsville area in Pietermaritzburg. Each double room has a king size bed that can be split into two...
Caversham Woods Cottage 2A
Caversham Woods Cottage 2A offers lovely self-catering with beautiful views on a farm in the heart of the Natal Midlands. The cottage can accommo...
Fountain Hall Guest Farm
Fountain Hall Guest Farm is situated on a working dairy farm in the Midlands. We are in close proximity to pubs, restaurants, golf courses, schoo...
The Farriers
The Farriers is a freestanding cottage offering accommodation in Hilton. Here you can enjoy the sound of the birds singing in the morning and the...
Little Milton
Little Milton is a guest house in Rosetta offering comfortable B&B and self catering accommodation. The property and its cottages offer peace and...
Inversanda Farmhouse Wing
Inversanda Farmhouse Wing is a cottage in Dargle with its own private entrance and garden. The farmhouse wing sleeps up to four guests in two bed...
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...
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