Dargle Conservancy

About Dargle Conservancy

In the midst of the unrivalled beauty and untouched countryside of the Natal Midlands lies the spectacular Dargle Conservancy. This entire area is bursting with plants and animal species that are exciting to spot and sometimes quite rare finds. So, visitors to the conservancy are urged to keep their eyes and ears open and their cameras ready for some special encounters.

Did you know? The Dargle Conservancy is proud to be the home of endangered species; such as the large Cape Parrot, exquisite oribi, and all three of the elegant crane species (i.e. the crowned, wattled and blue cranes).

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands are perfectly perched between the Drakensberg Mountain Range and the town of Pietermaritzburg. Dargle is only one of the little towns within its borders. Its neighbours include Howick, Balgowan, Mooi River and Merrivale. The Midlands are acclaimed the world over for the tranquil splendour that sees to permeate every landscape, smile and natural gem. In addition to the abundance of fauna and flora here, the Midlands have also joined the ranks in producing fine South African wines.

The Dargle Conservancy is about protecting and conserving the wonderful array of plants and wildlife that can be found in the region, showcasing them to local and international visitors, and promoting their care to and for the younger generations. As such, it undertakes various private and public initiatives, often involving members of the community to care for their environment in practical ways. One of these is the Adopt a Dargle Dassie, which allows members of the public to adopt and sponsor a resident hyrax. The Dargle Conservancy aims to increase biodiversity and strengthen the food chain by caring for and upping the numbers of these cute characters. By so doing, other species (including various predators) will thrive and their numbers increase, adding so much value to the region.

The Dargle Conservancy is proud to be the home of endangered species; such as the large Cape Parrot, exquisite oribi, and all three of the elegant crane species (i.e. the crowned, wattled and blue cranes). In addition, Cape leopard spoor have been spotted through the conservancy, and killings testify to this elusive hunter's presence. Visitors should keep vigilant in the hopes of seeing one of these beautiful cats within its natural environment. There are also dozens of frog species; ranging from commonly seen ones to rare and colourful jumpers.

Bird lovers are sure to see some stunning avian members when visiting the Dargle Conservancy. In fact, more than 200 bird species have been identified here. These include the Knysna loerie, ground woodpecker, Cape batis, crowned eagle, African grass owl, southern black flycatcher, olive woodpecker, African spoonbill, emerald cuckoo, and the colourful Narina trogon.

The conservancy boasts stunning indigenous yellowwood forests, which are lush and green, perfect for young and old to explore. There are also precious moist wetlands that, together with the forests, have been proclaimed a Nature Reserve, and are protected as such. As visitors from around the world visit the conservancy, they are invited to be part of this glorious countryside.

The Dargle Valley is the proud home to a number of local producers. The fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products coming from these is wonderfully fresh and delicious. In addition to this, purchasing and using these products promotes local businesses and aids in keeping things as simple and organic as possible.

While most guests visit the Dargle Conservancy to experience the aesthetic wonders of the Midlands and to spot some exciting species, there is no doubt that its commitment to environmental and social sustainability is a major draw card to this special attraction.