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 ...
King's Grant Country Retreat
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the farmlands of Ixopo, King's Grant will host you in the charming and individually decorated guestrooms of our...
Otter at Beacon Vlei
Otter at Beacon Vlei offers accommodation in Balgowan with unrivalled views over our 23 hectare private dam, and the surrounding wetland area, wh...
The Judge's House
The Judges House offers accommodation on Inversanda Farm. Inversanda is a country lover's haven situated in the beautiful Dargle valley, here you...
Hilton Castle
Hilton Castle is located in Hilton, between Pietermaritzburg and Howick. It offers three individually decorated units, each furnished with comfor...
Far Away Place Dashy House
Far Away Place Dashy House accommodation offers beautiful views of our dam and an ideal spot for trout fishing. The property offers a large pine ...
Lavender Trout Stone Cottage
The Stone Cottage is a quaint stone cottage located on the Lavender Trout Guest Farm in Balgowan near the Midlands Meander. Surrounded with gorge...
Ukuthula Lodge
Ukuthula Lodge a is spacious and elegantly furnished holiday home in Dargle, able to accommodate 12 guests, in 5 bedrooms. It has three en-suite ...
Thatchings Guest House
Thatchings Guest House offers accommodation in a country-style guest house, ideally located just 10km from Nottingham Road, in the Midlands. It i...
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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