Karkloof Nature Reserve

The Karkloof Nature Reserve is situated in the Natal Midlands, 22km north of Howick on the road to Rietvlei. The Karkloof Nature Reserve has 936ha of indigenous forest. This area has magnificent viewing sites of Karkloof Falls and Woodhouse and has excellent picnic facilities. Karkloof Nature Reserve is not open to the public, but only to guests of Rockwood Forest Lodge

A nominal fee is charged to enter the Karkloof Nature Reserve. Crowned and martial eagles breed among the Yellow and Black Stinkwoods, and small game roams the area.

Birding in Karkloof

The significance of the Karkloof forests is attested by the presence of an isolated population of Crested Guineafowl which belong to a subspecies endemic to the Karkloof. A large proportion of the area is privately owned. Leopard Bush Private Nature Reserve consists of a 600 ha area of which more than half is forest. A day’s exploration of the area should produce 80-100 species of birds. Leopard’s Bush has been incorporated into the Karkloof Nature Reserve which now is approximately 2800ha

Hiking trails in Karkloof

A number of lovely hiking trails are available through the Karkloof Nature reserve.

Karkloof Canopy Tour

The Karkloof Canopy Tour offers an unequalled experience gliding along steel cables between eight canopy level platforms built high within the Karkloof forest. Safely harnessed in state of the art climbing gear and under close supervision of a professional team of guides, prepare yourself for a three hour adventure that will take you amongst the birds, monkeys trees and plants of this magnificent forest. The slides are up to 175m long and provide unforgettable rides and spectacular views of the forest canopy including a little waterfall.

Karkloof Falls

After winding through grasslands and pine plantations, the Karkloof River tumbles over the Woodhouse Falls before plunging 88 m over a sheer cliff into the 50-km-long forested Karkloof Valley. Situated on a plantation owned by forest products company Sappi, picnic facilities are provided, but the area is closed to the public during the fire season

Accommodation near Karkloof Nature Reserve

• Millgate

• Nottinghill

• Pleasant Places - Quality and good value B&B / guest house accommodation in the Natal Midlands

• Indigo Fields - Day Spa, guest house & self catering - Indulge yourself in the African day spa

• The Antbear Guest house - Affordable accommodation near Giants Castle in the Central Drakensberg Mountains

• Engeleni Lodge and Mayfly Cottage - Lodge accommodation and self catering accommodation in the Kamberg Valley

• Rockwood Forest Lodge – the only accommodation within the Karkloof Nature Reserve. Luxury self catering accommodation