The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands turns from green to gold in Winter
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is an area of gently rolling hills with green farmlands, lovely rivers and streams, and indigenous and commercial forests as well as a rustic atmosphere.
In spring and summer, the hillsides are covered in carpets of green, dotted with abundant wild flowers.
However, during the crispy cold autumns, the leaves and grasslands turn burnt orange and yellow, and during winter, the air is frosty and sometimes there is even snow. And as we all know, snow came early this year and blanketed the area in white which made national and international news which brought droves of visitors to the area.
The area surrounding Granny Mouse Country House & Spa has often been compared to a typical English countryside with an amazing variety of things to do, craft, arts and home industry. This is the perfect place for visitors taking a break from city life just a short drive away from home.
The winters are mostly dry and the grassland changes to gold but also amongst it all are the bright wild flowers which are in such contrast to the winter hues. Most of the flowers are shades of bright orange, and so particularly cheerful and warming. They also feed a variety of birds and other creatures during the tough winter months.
An interesting thing about the forests that grow or rather forest margins is the Fuschia Tree which has beautiful flowers growing in clusters around the stem of the tree. In winter is alive with bees as well as sunbirds among other birds who are attracted to the flowers
Winter also showcases the many trees without their leaves and it shows the stems and branches of the trees to amazing effect thanks to the drop of temperatures.
Be sure to look out for the many Aloe species and wild dagga flower in June and July, which is the climate of this grassland area, which has protected indigenous evergreen yellowwood forests, is a sight to see.
If you anywhere near some of the indigenous forests, be sure to take a walk along the paths and you could be the lucky spotter of small wild antelope, the blue duiker and more hidden among the trees.
So, if you want to experience the winter “golden” landscape – now is your time, to pay a visit to “Granny” in the heart of the Midlands!
