Midmar Dam Nature Reserve - Image 1
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Midmar Nature Reserve

4.2
·3k reviews·Howick, South Africa

Midmar Nature Reserve: A serene escape with stunning dam views, perfect for picnics, walks, and water sports.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Family fun and relaxation

CrowdMedium
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Midmar Dam Nature Reserve - Image 1

Midmar Nature Reserve

Best Time

Weekends

Family fun and relaxation

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Midmar Nature Reserve: A serene escape with stunning dam views, perfect for picnics, walks, and water sports.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"A calm, well-kept escape with broad lawns, shade, clean ablutions, and long views over the dam."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Access Roads

Newly tarred roads make driving a pleasure, even when towing a boat. :car:

💰 Free Entry with Rhino-Card

Consider a 'Rhino-Card' for free entry and frequent visits. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Midmar Dam Views

Midmar Dam Views

Breathtaking panoramic views of the expansive dam, perfect for a moment of awe.

Picnic & Relaxation Spots

Picnic & Relaxation Spots

Spacious, well-kept lawns with ample shade for a perfect family picnic or quiet afternoon.

Water Activities Launch

Water Activities Launch

Ideal spot for launching kayaks, SUPs, or boats for a day on the water.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Midmar

Midmar Nature Reserve offers stunning dam views and picnic spots. Entry fees apply, but a 'Rhino-Card' grants free access. Roads are well-maintained, making it easy to navigate, even with a boat.

Best Activities at Midmar

Enjoy walking, birding, fishing, or launching a kayak/SUP. The reserve is ideal for family picnics and relaxation with its broad lawns and shade. Clean facilities and clear signage enhance the experience.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Family fun and relaxation
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful birding and walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌿During the Rangers’ Day Celebration at Midmar Nature Reserve, a section of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers pledged their unwavering commitment to defending and protecting the biodiversity of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). These dedicated rangers emphasized their readiness to safeguard the region’s natural heritage, even at the cost of their own lives. #LetsGoWild #30x30 #ConservationHeroes #RangersDay #Natu...
ezemvelokznwildlife
31 likes • 1.1K views

🚗 Easy Access Roads

Newly tarred roads make driving a pleasure, even when towing a boat. :car:

💰 Free Entry with Rhino-Card

Consider a 'Rhino-Card' for free entry and frequent visits. :moneybag:

🌞🌲🏕️Where the Wi-Fi is weak but the memories are strong. From classic tent & caravan spots at @glensheiling, to safari tents & campsites at @mountparkguestfarm , or the natural beauty of Midmar Dam and Highmoor Nature Reserve — there’s a camping experience waiting for you. ✨ Escape the ordinary — camp under the stars on the Midlands Meander! ✨ #MidlandsMeander #CampingVibes #ExploreKZN #Adventu...
midlandsmeander
24 likes • 2.6K views
D R E A M Y Fantasizing about the precious in betweens, the offline moments I deserve. #midmarnaturereserve #DiscoverKZN #MankosiDiary #07August2021 #MgwaqozSeed #MgwaqoCreates #MtakaDeeYou #Sisekhaya #Nature #Zebra #GameDrive #MidlandsMeander #midmar
mankosip
112 likes • 1.2K views

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Bring a picnic to enjoy on the broad, freshly cut lawns with lovely dam views. :picnic_table:

🛶 Water Sports Ready

Great for launching kayaks, SUPs, or small boats for a day on Midmar Dam. :kayak:

reddit.com

Midmar Dam

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Access Roads

Newly tarred roads make driving a pleasure, even when towing a boat. :car:

💰 Free Entry with Rhino-Card

Consider a 'Rhino-Card' for free entry and frequent visits. :moneybag:

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

Bring a picnic to enjoy on the broad, freshly cut lawns with lovely dam views. :picnic_table:

🛶 Water Sports Ready

Great for launching kayaks, SUPs, or small boats for a day on Midmar Dam. :kayak:

🚽 Clean Facilities

Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, adding to the comfort of your visit. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Midmar Nature Reserve for its beautiful dam views, well-maintained grounds, and clean facilities. It's highlighted as a great escape for picnics, walks, and water activities, with friendly staff enhancing the experience. Some minor improvements are ongoing, but the overall sentiment is very positive.

"Such a lovely place to go walking. Super views. Great to see families enjoying the area too.
The toilets were clean, there was loo paper and the toilets flushed. Lovely to see the work that has been done to improve the road as well as current work on drainage systems."

Adré Doidge

"Amazing dam, grass freshly cut and gardens very neat. Rest rooms clean. Roads have been newly tarred, what a pleasure to drive especially with a boat in tow.
Friendly staff at the gate and at the office.
Good experience"

Lance Stratford

"Midmar is a calm, well kept escape in the Midlands. Broad lawns, shade, clean ablutions and clear signage made the day simple. We found a quiet corner for a picnic and reading, with long views over the dam. Gate staff were friendly and entry was quick. Great for walks, birding and launching a kayak or SUP. Worth the day visitor fee."

Lee Folkard

What People Like

Stunning dam views
Clean facilities
Well-kept lawns

What People Dislike

Ongoing road work (minor)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Midmar Nature Reserve is easily accessible via well-maintained, newly tarred roads, making the drive pleasant even when towing a boat. It's a straightforward drive from the surrounding Midlands area.

Yes, ample parking is available, making it convenient for day visitors, especially those with boats or picnic gear.

The specific route will depend on your starting point, but the roads leading to the reserve are generally in good condition. GPS navigation is recommended.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a day visitor fee for entry. However, a 'Rhino-Card' offers free access, which is a great option for frequent visitors.

Yes, if you possess a 'Rhino-Card', you can enjoy free entry into the reserve. This is a popular option for locals and regular visitors.

While specific hours aren't detailed in reviews, the reserve is generally open for day visitors. It's advisable to check locally or arrive during daylight hours.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, birding, fishing, and launching kayaks or SUPs. It's also a fantastic spot for family picnics and relaxation on the lawns.

Absolutely! Midmar boasts broad lawns and shaded areas perfect for picnics. Many visitors find a quiet corner to relax and enjoy the views.

Yes, it's a great spot for birding, offering peaceful surroundings and open spaces conducive to spotting various bird species.

Yes, the reserve is well-equipped for launching boats, kayaks, and SUPs onto Midmar Dam. The roads are suitable for towing boats.

Reviews consistently mention that the toilets are clean, well-stocked with toilet paper, and functional, contributing to a pleasant visit.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no specific mentions of on-site restaurants, the reserve is perfectly set up for picnics, with ample space and scenic views to enjoy your own food.

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended and a popular activity at Midmar Nature Reserve. Enjoy the beautiful lawns and dam views.

📸 📸 Photography

The expansive dam views offer stunning photographic potential, especially during sunrise or sunset. The well-kept lawns and natural surroundings also make for beautiful shots.

Definitely. The wide-open spaces, the dam, and the surrounding Midlands scenery provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Midmar Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination for families. The broad, well-kept lawns provide ample space for children to run and play, and the shaded picnic spots are perfect for a family meal outdoors. The calm waters of the dam are also suitable for gentle water activities like kayaking or SUPing, offering fun for all ages. Reddit

Parents will appreciate the clean and functional restrooms, making a day out with little ones much more manageable. The easy-to-navigate, improved roads also mean less stress when arriving with a car full of gear and excited children. It’s a safe and enjoyable environment for a relaxed family day out.

🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts

For those who love to fish or get out on the water, Midmar Nature Reserve is a prime spot. The Midmar Dam offers excellent fishing opportunities, providing a peaceful setting to cast a line. The reserve is also well-equipped for boat launching, and the smooth, newly tarred roads make towing a boat to the water's edge a breeze. Reddit

Kayakers and Stand-Up Paddleboarders will find the dam's expanse ideal for their activities. The clear signage and accessible launch points ensure a hassle-free experience for anyone looking to enjoy the water. It’s a place where you can easily spend a full day engaging in your favorite water-based hobbies.

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers and Birdwatchers

Midmar Nature Reserve is a haven for those seeking tranquility and nature. The walking trails offer gentle routes with beautiful views of the dam and surrounding landscape, perfect for a refreshing stroll. It's also a recognized spot for birdwatching, with the open environment and water attracting a variety of species. Reddit

Visiting during weekday mornings can offer a more serene experience, allowing for quiet observation and appreciation of the natural surroundings. The well-maintained grounds and clean facilities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing for anyone looking to connect with nature.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Midmar Dam: Activities and Enjoyment

Midmar Nature Reserve is centered around the impressive Midmar Dam, offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shores, taking in the scenic beauty and fresh air. For those seeking more active pursuits, the reserve is an excellent spot for birding, with its open spaces and water attracting diverse avian life. The dam itself is a hub for water sports, with designated areas for launching kayaks, SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards), and even small boats, making it a popular destination for families and individuals looking to spend time on the water. Reddit

The reserve is also renowned for its fishing opportunities, providing a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Beyond the active pursuits, Midmar is a prime location for picnics. The park features broad, well-maintained lawns, many of which are shaded, offering comfortable spots to spread out a blanket, enjoy a meal, and simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere and long views over the dam. Reddit

Recent improvements to the roads within the reserve have significantly enhanced the visitor experience, making access smoother, especially for those towing boats. The cleanliness of the ablution facilities is frequently highlighted in reviews, adding to the overall comfort and enjoyment of a day trip. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips and Access

When planning a visit to Midmar Nature Reserve, understanding the entry requirements and amenities is key. While there is a standard day visitor fee, many locals and frequent visitors opt for a 'Rhino-Card', which grants free entry. This card can be a cost-effective option for those who plan to visit multiple times. Reddit

The staff at the gate and office are consistently described as friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The signage within the reserve is clear, helping visitors navigate easily to different areas, whether for a picnic, a walk, or a water sports launch point. The improvement of the road infrastructure has made driving within the reserve a pleasure, even when carrying equipment or towing a boat. Reddit

Visitors often praise the well-kept nature of the grounds, including freshly cut grass and neat gardens, which enhances the overall aesthetic and enjoyment of the park. This attention to detail ensures that Midmar Nature Reserve remains a pleasant and accessible escape for a few hours or a full day of relaxation and outdoor activity. Reddit

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