Midmar Dam
A large dam and nature reserve near Howick, home to the Midmar Mile swim.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
Midmar Dam is a functional, high-traffic recreational hub rather than a wilderness escape. It serves as a reliable, accessible venue for water sports and family picnics, but lacks the quiet solitude of a true nature reserve.
Midmar Dam is a functional, high-traffic recreational hub rather than a wilderness escape. It serves as a reliable, accessible venue for water sports and family picnics, but lacks the quiet solitude of a true nature reserve.
- Trip Role
- Quick Stop
- Ideal Stay
- 3 to 5 hours, plus travel time.
- Best For
- family picnics, water sports, freshwater angling, accessible game viewing
- Skip If
- solitary hikers, birders seeking rare species, wilderness seekers
- Go If
- You are a family or group looking for a straightforward, low-effort day of braaiing, swimming, or boating within easy reach of the N3, and you do not mind sharing the space with crowds.
Why it's worth your time
Sailing, the Midmar Mile, and easy picnicking. The game reserve on the north bank has rhino and zebra — a soft safari for people who can't reach a big park.
What we love
The sheer scale of the water provides a rare, expansive horizon in the Midlands. While the reserve is heavily managed, the ability to transition from a morning of cycling through open grasslands to an afternoon of swimming in a large, safe dam is a versatile combination.
What to know
The reserve is split into two distinct areas. The main resort side offers the picnic spots, boat launches, and swimming areas, while the Thurlow Park Game Reserve on the southern shore is where you go for the game drives. You must enter through the main gate and then drive to the separate Thurlow gate to access the wildlife section.
The full guide
The recreational experience
The dam is a hive of activity, particularly on weekends and during peak holiday seasons. You are looking at a large, man-made reservoir that functions as a public playground. The shoreline is dotted with picnic and braai facilities, which are the primary draw for day visitors. If you are here for the water, expect a mix of powerboats, jet skis, and yachts. The zoning is strict for safety, so ensure you check the current maps at the entrance to see where swimming is permitted. It is a social, noisy, and busy environment that caters to groups and families rather than those looking for a tranquil retreat.
Wildlife and the game reserve
The southern shore houses the Thurlow Park Game Reserve, a 1000-hectare section that feels worlds apart from the busy boat ramps. This is where you go to see red hartebeest, blesbok, zebra, and black wildebeest. The road network is decent, and you can explore the grasslands by car, bicycle, or on foot. While it is not a big-five destination, it offers a pleasant, soft-safari experience. The birding is decent in the scrubby areas near the river inlet, but do not expect the density of a major national park. It is a simple, honest way to spend a few hours away from the water-based chaos.
Practicalities and logistics
Getting here is simple, as the reserve sits just off the N3 near Howick. The main entrance is off the R103, but remember that the game reserve section requires a separate drive to the Thurlow Gate. Entry fees apply and vary by season and vehicle type, so check the current rates with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife before you leave. The gates close to day visitors at sunset, so plan your day accordingly. If you intend to fish, you must purchase a permit at the office upon arrival. The weather in the Midlands changes rapidly, so bring layers even if the morning looks clear. The sun is fierce near the water, and the breeze often masks the intensity of the heat.
Before you book
Questions Midmar Dam always raises
- Is the water safe for swimming?
- Yes, the dam is considered safe for swimming and is free of bilharzia. However, because the dam is heavily used by powerboats and jet skis, you should always stay close to the shore and well away from the designated boating zones.
- Do I need a 4x4 to drive in the game reserve?
- No, a standard passenger vehicle is perfectly adequate for the roads within the game reserve. The network is well-maintained and accessible for most cars, provided you stick to the marked routes and do not attempt to drive off-road.
- Can I bring my own boat?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring your own boat, but you must adhere to the zoning regulations. If you are operating a powerboat, you are required to hold a valid Category R Certificate. Check in at the office upon arrival for the latest rules.
- Are there shops inside the reserve?
- There is a boat shop that sells basic fishing equipment, boat spares, and some supplies, but it is primarily open on weekends and during peak seasons. You should bring your own food, drinks, and firewood, as there are no reliable grocery facilities inside.