Midmar Nature Reserve
1 / 10

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Family fun and relaxation

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Midmar Nature Reserve

Midmar Nature Reserve

Best Time

Weekends

Family fun and relaxation

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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. 🚗

💰 Free Entry with Rhino-Card

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

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 2,588 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

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. 🚗

💰 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. 🛶

reddit.com

Midmar Dam

Magical place, I've done many Midmar miles and spent time sailing those waters. I miss the Midlands.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Access Roads

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

💰 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. 🛶

🚽 Clean Facilities

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

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.

You may also like

Midmar Nature Reserve (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide