In the heart of Kwazulu Natal’s Midlands there is a verdant range of hills slathered in a lush coat of mist belt grasslands and forests, rolling on for over 50km between Rietvlei, Curry’s Post, and Howick to form the Karkloof. Through this area the Karkloof River meanders before dropping down sharply, creating many small waterfalls on its way to the cliff at Shafton Grange where it thunders down in the form of the dramatic Karkloof Falls.
Within this area lies the Karkloof Nature Reserve, a private reserve covering an expanse of mist belt forest teeming with a wonderful assortment of colourful birds, their song reverberating through the trees. Also within this reserve, visitors can spy the rare Karkloof blue butterfly, as well as Samango monkeys, bushbuck, and dwarf chameleon. Karkloof is renowned for its canopy tour, offering visitors the chance to soar through the treetops on 180m-long zip lines.
The Karkloof Nature Reserve forms part of the Midlands Meander – a collection of arranged routes through the Midlands – which has proved very popular with visitors. It is also situated within easy driving distance from Howick and its collection of fine accommodation options. Much of the area is protected as part of the Karkloof Conservancy which ensures the conservation of this natural landmark.
- Beautiful hilly area with a unique environment of mist-belt forests and grasslands
- Home to the dramatic Karkloof Falls which cascade down a 105m drop
- The Karkloof Nature Reserve houses a diverse array of birds as well as Samango monkeys, bushbuck, dwarf chameleon, and the Karkloof blue butterfly
- The Karkloof Canopy Tour takes visitors through the treetops on 180m long zip lines
- Forms part of the Midlands Meander
- Situated within easy driving distance from Howick’s collection of accommodation options
