Karkloof Nature Reserve / Rockwood Forest Lodge

IBA – SA074

Categories: accommodation; trails; booking required;

The greater Karkloof area has been identified as having significant value due to its biodiversity and has been earmarked for conservation by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Currently, the reserve consists of about 60% mist belt forest and 40% mist belt grassland, and ranges from 1000m to 1767 m above sea level. This results in a significant number of endemic and near-endemic species of fauna and flora, including the Karkloof Blue butterfly (Orachrysops ariadne), and an isolated, endemic sub-species of Crested Guineafowl.

There are also a number of waterfalls within the reserve which are accessed by means of various self guided walking trails. These include Horseshoe Falls, Rockwood Falls 1 and 2, Godwinwi Falls and Joan's Falls.

On the property, there is also a well-stocked dam for fishing.

Specials that can be sited here include Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Verreauxs' Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Orange Ground-Thrush, Knysna Turaco, Crested Guineafowl, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Olive Bush-Shrike and Swee Waxbill.

Luxury accommodation is available at Rockwood Forest Lodge.

Directions

Rockwood Forest Lodge - Unit 1

N3 to Howick from Durban or Johannesburg
From Durban , take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar and head into Howick central
From Johannesburg take Exit 107, Howick (North)/ Tweedie and head into Howick central
Take Karkloof/Rietvlei road from centre of Howick (near the BP)
After 13 kms, turn left to Currys Post
After 3.5 kms, right along D815. Follow signs to Rockwood Forest Lodge.
After 4.3 kms, take left fork and cross drift
After 2.3 kms, take right fork
Carry on for 1.5 kms
If gate is chained/locked, combination is "315"
To get to Karkloof Canopy Tour, return to tar road and turn left. Follow signs. (About 20 min.)

Rockwood Forest Lodge - Unit 4

N3 to Howick from Durban or Johannesburg
From Durban , take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar and head into Howick central
From Johannesburg take Exit 107, Howick (North)/ Tweedie and head into Howick central
Take Karkloof/Rietvlei road from centre of Howick (near the BP)
After about 17 kms, take turn to left to "Karkloof Canopy Tour"
Follow Karkloof Canopy Tour signs until you see signs to Leopards Bush.
Follow signs to Leopards Bush up steep hill for about 2km.
After passing through gate near top of hill, carry on for about 200m and then turn right at intersection. Wind your way for about 300m through forest and clearing to Lodge.
If gate is locked, combination is "315"
To get to "Karkloof Canopy Tour" go back down steep hill for 2 kms and turn left at the bottom. (About 5 min.)

Alternatively, Durban International is about 1 hr 15 minutes by road.

Airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Additional Info

The site is currently only accessible to guests of Rockwood Forest Lodge.

The roads through the reserve can be difficult to negotiate and it is advised that visitors use vehicles with high ground clearance and in wet conditions use four wheel drive vehicles. There are trails leading through the reserve and there is also a well stocked trout dam. There is safe parking for cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Habitats: Waterfalls, mist-belt forest, mist-belt grassland and a dam

Contact

Tom Hancock

Tel:

E-mail:

info@rockwood.co.za

Website: