A new tourism development in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is set to introduce what developers describe as the largest labyrinth in the world, forming the centrepiece of a major landscape and garden project scheduled to open in 2026.
The development, known as Serenity Gardens, is being built at the Brahman Hills estate, a well-known hospitality destination in the region. Once completed, the project is expected to shift the Midlands from a scenic stopover into a destination attraction that encourages visitors to spend more time exploring the countryside.
Unlike a traditional maze, which is designed to confuse and challenge visitors with multiple routes, a labyrinth follows a single path that leads walkers gradually toward a central point. Labyrinths have historically been used in spiritual and contemplative spaces, encouraging slow walking and reflection rather than puzzle-solving.
Developers say the Serenity Gardens labyrinth will cover approximately 22 hectares, making it significantly larger than similar installations elsewhere in the world. The path will form part of a wider landscaped garden that includes curated walking areas, olive groves, an underground orchid house and a nine-metre waterfall feature.
Project reflects growing interest in the Midlands as a lifestyle and tourism hub
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has increasingly attracted attention from lifestyle buyers, tourism operators and remote workers seeking quieter environments outside major urban centres. Known for its rolling hills, farm stalls and craft routes, the region has long been popular with domestic travellers but is now seeing renewed investment.
Serenity Gardens forms part of a broader effort to diversify tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, a province historically associated with coastal resorts and wildlife safaris. Industry stakeholders have been promoting inland travel experiences to complement traditional seaside tourism.
Orrin Cottle, chief executive officer of Brahman Hills, said the development is intended to establish a globally recognisable landmark while maintaining the tranquil character of the surrounding countryside.
According to Cottle, the attraction is expected to appeal both to local visitors and international travellers interested in distinctive architectural and landscape experiences.
Despite the scale of the labyrinth, developers emphasise that the project is not designed to become a high-volume tourist hotspot. Instead, the focus is on creating a quieter retreat that allows visitors to engage with nature and reflective spaces.
The gardens will include a series of landscaped zones intended for slow exploration rather than large crowds. Visitors will be able to walk through olive groves, view rare orchids in a climate-controlled underground facility and spend time in contemplative outdoor spaces.
Large-scale tourism projects in rural regions often bring economic benefits to surrounding communities. Construction phases typically generate short-term employment, while operational tourism sites can create longer-term jobs in hospitality, visitor services and maintenance.
Developers expect the project to encourage longer visitor stays in the Midlands area. Extended visits could benefit nearby restaurants, farm stalls and accommodation providers that rely on regional tourism.
Cottle said the wider regional economy could see increased activity if visitors treat the gardens as a starting point for exploring other Midlands attractions.
The Serenity Gardens development is currently under construction and is expected to open to the public toward the end of 2026.
