2026
where to stay
FOR THE ROYAL SHOW
STAY IN THE HEART OF THE
KZN MIDLANDS
The Royal Show has moved to Howick, to the new home of the Royal Agricultural Society at Tweedie Hall, 2 Petrus Stroom Road, Howick.
That puts the Show right in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, with a wide range of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, farm stays, lodges and self-catering accommodation within easy driving distance of the Showgrounds.
FIND
ACCOMMODATION
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and preferences. These websites are useful places to start your search:
BOOK
EARLY
The Royal Show draws visitors, exhibitors, competitors and agricultural organisations from across KwaZulu-Natal and further afield. If you are travelling to Howick for the Show, we recommend securing your accommodation as early as possible — particularly if you would like to stay close to the Showgrounds.
WHAT AREAS
SHOULD I CONSIDER?
Driving times are approximate and will vary according to traffic, road conditions and the exact location of your accommodation. Some Midlands properties are situated on farms or country roads some distance from the nearest town, so we recommend checking your route to the Royal Showgrounds before confirming your booking.
For the shortest journey to and from the Show, we recommend looking first in Howick and Tweedie, followed by the nearby Midlands areas of Lions River, Merrivale, Lidgetton, Balgowan, Hilton, Karkloof, Curry's Post and Dargle.
Approximate driving times to the Royal Showgrounds under normal conditions:
Tweedie & Howick — 5–10 minutes
The most convenient choice for visitors wanting to stay as close as possible to the Showgrounds. Howick offers a good selection of guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation and other places to stay.
Lions River — 5–10 minutes
A particularly convenient option along the R103, with a selection of country accommodation close to the Showgrounds.
Merrivale — 10–15 minutes
Immediately adjoining the greater Howick area and a convenient option for visitors travelling to the Show each day.
Lidgetton & Caversham — 10–15 minutes
An attractive Midlands country-stay option, with guest farms, lodges and self-catering accommodation along and around the R103.
Balgowan — 15–25 minutes
A popular Midlands Meander accommodation area with straightforward access to Tweedie via the R103.
Hilton — 20–25 minutes
A convenient choice to the south of Howick, with a broad range of hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation and easy access via the N3.
Karkloof — 15–30 minutes
Ideal for visitors looking for a quieter rural or farm stay close to Howick. Travel time will depend on the location of the individual property.
Curry's Post — 20–30 minutes
Another excellent choice for a Midlands country stay, with a variety of lodges, cottages, guest houses and farm accommodation.
Dargle — 15–35 minutes
A beautiful rural area with numerous country accommodation options. As the Dargle Valley covers a large area, visitors should check the individual property's route and travel time before booking.
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
There are also plenty of accommodation options further afield in Nottingham Road, Pietermaritzburg, Rosetta and Mooi River, while visitors who prefer to stay closer to Durban can travel to the Show via the N3.
Approximate driving times to the Royal Showgrounds under normal conditions:
Nottingham Road — 25–30 minutes
One of the Midlands' best-known accommodation destinations, with an extensive choice ranging from self-catering cottages and guest houses to country hotels.
Pietermaritzburg — 30–35 minutes
A good option for visitors who prefer city accommodation or who cannot find suitable availability closer to Howick.
Rosetta — 30–40 minutes
A relaxed northern Midlands option with a variety of country accommodation.
Mooi River — 30–35 minutes
At the northern end of the suggested accommodation area, with convenient access towards Tweedie via the N3.
Hillcrest and the Upper Highway — 55–65 minutes
An option for visitors travelling from the Durban side who prefer to stay closer to the coast.
Durban — 1–1½ hours
The Royal Show is accessible as a day trip from Durban, although visitors planning to attend on several days may find accommodation in Howick or the Midlands more convenient.