Merrivale, Howick

Although Merrivale is a suburb of Howick, it is considered its own village and is situated in the Midlands to the southwest of Howick. Merrivale offers a country lifestyle with its tree-lined streets and prolific gardens.

Climate in the Midlands

Summers are hot, with an average temperature of 30 °C. Winters are cold and dry, with the temperature dropping to an average of 6°C. Frost is not uncommon during these chilly winter months, and snow can be experienced from time-to-time.

Distance to Locations

This northern suburb of Howick is within easy reach of the N3, making road travel quick and smooth:

• To Midmar Dam (via N3) - 12 minutes / 10.1km
• To Howick Falls (via main road through Howick) - 9 minutes / 5.3km
• To Pietermaritzburg (via N3) - 22 minutes / 19km
• To Oribi Airport (Pietermaritzburg local airport - regional only) - 29 minutes / 28.6km
• To Durban (via N3) - 1hr 14 minutes / 98.4km
• To King Shaka International Airport (Durban, via N3) - 1hr 31 minutes / 121.4 km

Schools in Merrivale

There are several schools within easy access of Merrivale, including Cosmo Primary, Hilton Montessori, Howick West Primary, Midlands Tutoring Academy, Mount Carmel Christian School, and Howick Primary School. Merrivale, with its access to the N3 as well as the Old Road that runs through the Natal Midlands, makes connecting with schools in the Midlands, Hilton, and Pietermaritzburg easy.

Medical and Health Facilities

Merrivale residents have access to various medical facilities, hospitals, and private practitioners in Howick. Hospitals, clinics, and facilities include: the Royal Medical Centre, Howick Medical Centre, Howick Clinic, Howick Day Clinic, Mafakatini Clinic, and Lenmed Howick Private Hospital. Oatlands Care Centre is a small and personal facility for the in-patient treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mood disorders. With Life Hilton Hospital a couple of minutes away and the numerous medical facilities available in Pietermaritzburg, Merrivale residents are well provided for.

Restaurants

The area has an extensive number of eateries offering local produce, and with the Midlands Meander on your doorstep, you are spoilt for choice. Locally, one can find Coopers Pub & Grub, Gosh Restaurant, and Chikka Chicken TakeAway.

Howick is only a few minutes away, ensuring a meal out is quick and easy: Vigour & Verve, Legacy, Allandale Steak Den, Yellowwood Café & Restaurant, Urban 68, Misty Falls Spur Steak Ranch (St Johns Lifestyle Centre), The Snooty Fox (Fern Hill), Terbodore Coffee Roasters, The Treatery at Yard 41, The Barn Owl, and Fable.

Up the road from Merrivale, no more than 20 minutes, is the ever-popular Lions River Craft Brewery. The Brewery offers beer on tap, brewery tours, and country platters with local, home-grown, and home-made produce.

The Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop is a great stop on the Midlands Meander Route and not far from Merrivale. It is a lovely, informal restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, light meals, and teatime treats. Located next door to Piggly Wiggle is Highgate, which showcases an emerging wine industry, and you can visit the Highgate Vineyard for wine tastings and delicious food.

Shopping in the area

There are a few local options to choose from when looking to buy your produce and amenities. There is the local SPAR supermarket in Merrivale, along with all the conveniences of Howick, just a minute or two's drive away.

Howick has The Falls Centre and St Johns Lifestyle Centre. Alternatively, Pietermaritzburg's a short drive down the highway, where you will find Liberty Midlands Mall, Athlone Circle, Cascades Lifestyle Centre, and all major retailers and service providers.

Hilton is conveniently situated between Howick and Pietermaritzburg and has three malls with a wonderful range of shops, boutiques, grocery stores, book shops, and other well-known national retailers.

Buy your honey at the local Peels Honey Shop.

Special Attractions close to Merrivale:

The Midlands have an abundance of activities, eateries, and places to visit. 

The Cumberland Nature Reserve, located to the east of Pietermaritzburg, is teeming with birds, butterflies, over 30 mammals, beautiful indigenous trees and grasses, and over 200 flower species. This is a hiker/walker, photographer, and bird watcher's paradise.

For a peaceful getaway, you can visit the Aloes Farm near the Hilton and enjoy time away from the rush of city life. Howick Golf Club offers an affordable game of golf, and you can enjoy a bite to eat on the deck. The Howick Falls is on your doorstep, and Karkloof Canopy Tours are 26 km away, offering a fun family eco-adventure.

Take a look at Seeff Properties Midlands - Merrivale Area that has family homes and apartments for property investors and those looking to move into the Midlands and enjoy the amazing country lifestyle it offers.