Best Getaways 
Cedarwood Guesthouse
Once a dairy, now a dream stay. Cedarwood Guesthouse has been lovingly reimagined from an old dairy into a country escape that blends rustic charm with family-friendly fun. Just 4 km off the N3, between Hilton and Howick, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the Midlands Meander while still feeling like a peaceful retreat. With 5 bedrooms, 12 beds, and 5 bathrooms, Cedarwood comfortably hosts up to 12 adults and 4 kids — so bring the family, the cousins, and maybe even that one friend who always forgets their toothbrush. Kids will love the open garden, table tennis, tennis court, basketball hoop, and swimming pool, while grown-ups can unwind with a braai on the verandah or a cosy evening around the enormous fireplace. And thanks to solar power and gas geysers, load-shedding won’t dampen the fun. Step outside and you’re right on the doorstep of the Midlands Meander — a mix of craft shops, art, food, wine, and adventure activities from ziplining to horse riding. Or stay closer to home and enjoy a leisurely stroll down to the little dam at the bottom of the farm. Whether it’s a family getaway, a gathering of friends, or a place to recharge between adventures, Cedarwood Guesthouse makes it easy to feel at home while making memories worth keeping.
Area Info
Experience the Midlands: From Zip Lines to Wine & Waterfalls
Roll out of Cedarwood and into a playground of possibilities. For adrenaline lovers, Karkloof Canopy Tours offers zip-line glides through the indigenous forest — it’s like flying through the treetops with birds. Meanwhile, mountain bikers and trail runners will find bliss on routes winding through plantations and hillsides, especially around Karkloof Country Club’s MTB trails.
Looking for something more gentle? Saddle up for horse riding through countryside paths, or explore quiet farm trails on wheels or on foot. There’s also the charm of craft shops, studios, and galleries along the Meander — pottery, ceramics, woven goods, stained glass, leatherwork, local art — all waiting to be discovered.
Foodies and wine lovers, rejoice: Abingdon Wine Estate offers tastings and a farm-to-table meal experience in the hills. Pair that with local breweries (hello, Nottingham Road Brewing), craft gins, artisanal cheeses, chocolate shops, and forest-framed cafés scattered across the Meander.
Don’t skip nature’s main acts: Howick Falls plunges dramatically into a pool below, and in quieter moments, you can wander to dams or streams for fishing, picnics, or simply breathing in the scenery. For activity hubs, Checkpoint 103 offers go-karts, target shooting, kids’ indoor karts, sand art, and more family fun.
All of this — the art, the adventure, the farm flavours, the wild quiet — happens in a region where rolling green hills, misty mornings, and country spirit are part of the daily backdrop. Come for the tranquillity, stay for the stories you’ll tell.
