Experience country at its best Pietermartzburg, just one hour's drive on the N3 from Durban is the capital of KwaZulu- Natal and the gateway to the Midlands. It is a city of character and contrasts, a melting pot of African, British, Voortrekker and Indian heritage. The many attractions within the city include fine examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the famous Tatham Art Galley, the Golden Horse casino and the Botanical Gardens. A number of famous people have played a staring role in the city's history, including Boer leaders Get Martz and Piet Rief, who laid the foundations of the town in the early 1800s. Mahatma Gandhi wqas thrown out of a "whites only" train compartment at Pietmaritzburg station in 1893.Thiled to his involvement in politics and h formation of his Passive Resistance campaign (his statue stands in church street). Nelson Mandela delivered his last speech - prior to his imprisonment on Robben Island - at Imbali township. He returned in 1997 and was awarded the Freedom of the City. A monument near Howick marks the place of his arrest. Pietermaritzburg hosts three major annual sporting events - the Comrades Marathon, Duzi Canoe Marathon and Midmar Mile - which bring thousands of participants and their supporters to the city every year. Township Tours provide an interesting cross-cultural experience, while the flea markets, shops, galleries and shows ensure that the fun never stops. Meander through the Midlands Do you need to put some distance between yourself and the stresses and strains of life in the 21st Century? It's time to take easy and enjoy a slow drive through the country and a delicious lunch in a country inn. The Midlands, situated between the coast and the rugged Drakensberg mountain range, is the place to be. It is often compared to the midlands of England with its well kept farms, forests, rushing rives and picturesque country towns famous for their hospitality. The economy of the Midlands has traditionally revolved around agriculture - mainly dairy, forestry and the rearing of thoroughbred horses. But in recent years tourism and hospitality has thrived and grown thanks to a world class arts and crafts cottage which has been developed into several well organised routes. Stop off at any Midlands establishment or tourist centre and you can pick up a detailed craft route guide. Visit the studio of talented potters and artists, weavers and leather workers, and browse for gifts in the craft shops that abound throughout the region. For adventure seekers, the Midlands has plenty to offer. It is a well known trout fishing region with dams stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Horse riding and hiking trails are a good way to experience the country, or view the game at one of several game and reserves. If you really want to take a walk on the wild side, try the wilderness adventures in rugged and remote Umkomaas Valley, abseil down a sheer rock face on the edge of the mighty Howick falls or go paragliding at Bulwer, one of the country's top gliding spots. Midmar and Albert Falls Dams provide opportunities for fishing, sailing and water-skiing, and also boast comfortable accommodation.