Kranskop, Natal Midlands
The rather little village of Kranskop lies just 36km north east of Greytown in the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal. It rests in the shadow of a rocky ridge that is undoubtedly the reason for its name change from the original 'Hopetown'.
Kranskop's rocky escarpment is something of a landmark, a feature of the landscape, towering 1175 metres over the valley below. You can understand why it might be called 'precipice summit', as the direct translation from the Afrikaans reveals. Whilst the village may have been here since 1894, the sandstone outcrop with its two openings has been an integral part of Zulu local folklore for far longer.
Tales involve cannibals who were said to have the power to open the mountain and coax passersby inside. The Zulu name for it is aptly Ntunjambili – rock with two holes.
Kranskop features on The Amble, a route that principally follows Route 33 from Pietermaritzburg through the north east Midlands. But which also stretches to incorporate little towns like Kranskop, Harburg, Ashburton, Wartburg, Claridge and Dalton.
From battlefield sites of the Anglo-Boer War to historical churches, outdoor wilderness, waterfalls and birding sites, The Amble includes a series of activities, wildlife and history.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

The Little Garden Cottage
The Little Garden Cottage offers accommodation in Howick, a stone's throw away from the Midmar dam and midlands meander route. The area has many ...

Rockwood Farm House
Rockwood Farm House is a four bedroom luxurious, contemporary and spacious home. The private Karkloof Nature Reserve is a short drive away. Explo...

Wynnholme Stud Self Catering Cottage
Wynnholme Cottages are cosy, self-catering units with a country feel. Situated on Wynnholme Stud Farm, in the heart of the Mooi River Farmlands, ...

Stoneford Lodge
Stoneford Lodge is a style sensation that will leave you wanting for nothing. Located on the Star Dam estate, this holiday home offers a comforta...

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...

56B Gowrie Village
56B Gowrie Village provides accommodation for four guests and is situated in the secure Gowrie Village Estate in Nottingham Road. This is a great...

Bancroft B&B
Located in the forested, evergreen hills of Hilton, above Pietermaritzburg, is Bancroft B&B. We offer three stylish and extremely comfortable, we...

Athlone Lodge
Set in lush green and tranquil garden-like surroundings the Athlone Lodge is set in an elevated position in Athlone and offers comfortable accomm...

The Hilton Bush Lodge
The Hilton Bush Lodge is situated 200 metres below Hilton, thus enjoying the best of Hilton weather together with bushveld warmth. We offer our v...
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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