Walks & nature · Karkloof
Karkloof Falls
A waterfall in the Karkloof valley with a public picnic site.
- Hours
- May close at times of high fire danger
- Address
- Off the Karkloof Road, about 15 km from Howick, signposted
Dargle and Karkloof
Dargle and Karkloof are rural farming and conservation valleys near Howick rather than towns. Dargle lies in the foothills of the southern Drakensberg, with dry, cold winters that sometimes bring snow. The Karkloof range stretches over 50 km between Rietvlei, Curry's Post and Howick and holds the Karkloof Nature Reserve and large areas of mistbelt forest.
Highlights
- Dargle Conservancy, home to Cape parrots, oribi and all three crane species
- Karkloof Canopy Tour, with cable slides through the forest canopy
- Karkloof Falls public picnic site
- Karkloof Conservation Centre bird hides
Places in and around Dargle and Karkloof
Walks & nature · Karkloof
Karkloof mistbelt forest
Indigenous mistbelt forest in the Karkloof, home to the endangered Cape parrot, with walking and mountain-bike trails.
- Address
- Karkloof valley, about 20 km north-east of Howick
Walks & nature · Karkloof
Karkloof Conservation Centre
Bird hides run by the Karkloof Conservancy at the entrance to Gartmore Farm, opened in 2007. Oxbow lakes on the Yarrow and Karkloof river floodplains attract waterfowl and all three crane species (wattled, grey crowned and blue).
- Hours
- Bird hides 05:00–18:00 daily
- Fees
- R40 adult, R30 child, under-5s free
- Address
- Entrance to Gartmore Farm, Karkloof valley
Stay · Dargle
Hebron Haven Hotel & Restaurant
Three-star country hotel in the Dargle Valley with refurbished garden suites, stable rooms and family suites. It has a restaurant and an English-style pub with log fires.
Stay · Dargle
Beverley Country Cottages
Working farm in the Dargle Valley with four self-catering cottages and two bed-and-breakfast rooms in a 1913 stone homestead. Units have fireplaces and verandas, and meals can be arranged.
Stay · Karkloof
Rockwood Karkloof Lodges
Four self-catering units in and next to the Karkloof Nature Reserve: a farmhouse (sleeps 8) and cottage (sleeps 4) on a dam, and two remote forest cabins (each sleeps 6) reached by 4x4. Guests have access to marked running, hiking and mountain-bike trails.
- Hours
- Reservations office weekdays 08:00–17:00
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Activities · Karkloof
Karkloof Canopy Tour
Guided zipline tour through the indigenous Karkloof forest, with slides of up to 200 m between platforms after a 4x4 drive to the top of the valley. Suitable for ages 6 and up.
- Hours
- Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 08:00–15:00 (bookings essential)
- Address
- Karkloof, 18 km from Howick
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Eat & drink · Karkloof
Karkloof Farmers' Market
Weekly Saturday-morning indoor market with stalls selling fresh vegetables, baked goods and other local produce. Breakfast and coffee are served and there are activities for children.
- Hours
- Saturdays 08:00–12:00
Shops & makers · Karkloof
Margaret-Anne Handcrafted Candles
Maker of soy-wax candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and massage oils, selling from a shop at The Old Mushroom Farm.
- Hours
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00–16:00; closed Monday–Friday
- Address
- The Old Mushroom Farm, Karkloof
Activities · Dargle
Copperleigh Trout Cottages
Working farm under iNhlosane mountain with fly-fishing on the 10 ha Mavela Dam, which is stocked with trout every year. Two self-catering units overlook the dam.
- Address
- Copperleigh Farm, Upper Dargle (about 30 km from Howick, 22 km from Boston)