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Gartmore Farm / Karkloof Conservation Centre
Categories: community project; roadside attraction; picnic; hide; trails; guide
The Karkloof Conservation Centre is located at the entrance to Gartmore Farm in the Karkloof Valley. The Karkloof Conservation Centre is in the heart of the Karkloof Valley with the Karkloof Range of Hills and the largely unspoilt natural bush that adorns it, as the backdrop.
A rich diversity of birdlife abounds on the farm where Agriculture and Dairying are practised in harmony with birds, antelope and many other species. Numerous oxbow lakes are perfect sites for weavers and waterfowl. The Karkloof and Yarrow rivers meet on the property. The farm boasts some of the most fertile farmland in KwaZulu-Natal and is on the flood plains of the two rivers.
All three species of Crane are regularly seen here. Scarcer visitors include Denham's Bustard and Southern Ground-Hornbill. The marshes and pans in this area support Red-chested Flufftail, African Rail, Baillon's Crake and in wetter years, Lesser Jacana.
Gartmore and Loskop farms are proud to be the home of the Karkloof Conservation Centre and two world class bird hides. These facilities will provide birders with an additional insight into the lives of these beautiful birds as well as the many other grassland and wetland species on the farm.
Specials that can be sited here include Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, African Spoonbill, Buff-spotted and Red-chested Flufftail, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, African Fish-Eagle, African Grass-Owl, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Denham's Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Baillon's Crake and in wetter years, Lesser Jacana.
Directions
From The North
Take the Howick North off ramp from the N3 at Tweedie and come on into Howick through three sets of traffic lights. At the fourth set of lights where the main street turns away to the right....Take the KARKLOOF / RIETVLEI Road . From the SUPA QUICK tyre shop at the beginning of that road, measure 15½ Kms. At this point you will see an avenue of Plane Trees lining the drive into the farm.
There is a clear sign indicating that you have arrived at the Karkloof Conservation Centre. Please park in the designated area right in front of the Centre.
From The South
Take the Howick South/Merrievale off ramp from the N3, proceed through Merrivale and on into Howick. Cross the uMngeni River and into the Main Street of Howick through two sets of traffic lights. At third set of lights where the main street turns at right angles to the left, turn right....Take the KARKLOOF / RIETVLEI road to the left at the SUPA QUICK . From the SUPA QUICK tyre shop at the beginning of that road, measure 15½ Kms. At this point you will see an avenue of Plane Trees lining the drive into the farm.
There is a clear sign indicating that you have arrived at the Karkloof Conservation Centre. Please park in the designated area right in front of the Centre.
From Greytown and Mooi River
Take the Karkloof road down the pass and into the valley (about 25km from the start of the Karkloof road) on the left hand side you will see signs indicating "Karkloof Conservation Centre" the centre is located at the entrance of gartmore Farm.
Additional Info
Purchase your entrance ticket from the Conservation Centre office.
The terrain is flat and sometimes boggy, but trails and paths have been established to ensure access to a complete birding experience. There is a six seater golf cart on site for people with ambulatory problems. There is also a trained guide on site and a site map can be obtained on request. There is safe parking for up to 6 cars, a picnic site, 2 beautiful bird hides and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: grassland, wetland, agricultural land, two perennial rivers, oxbow lakes and a dam
Contact
- Karkloof Conservation Centre and Hides
- Tel/Fax: +27(0)33 330 2992
- E-mail:karkloofcentre@telkomsa.net