Karkloof Nature Reserve

About Karkloof Nature Reserve

The Karkloof is an exceptional, unspoilt area in the north of the Natal Midlands, filled with mistbelt grasslands, wetlands and huge tracts of mistbelt forest.

Did you know? Karkloof Nature Reserve is exclusive to those staying in the rustic lodges of the reserve - see Karkloof accommodation.

Much of it is now protected as part of the Karkloof Conservancy, a group of local landowners who together protect the biodiversity of the 40 000 hectares that make up this safeguard of natural heritage.

Within the conservancy lies the Karkloof Nature Reserve - a 2 800 hectare private reserve between Curry's Post and Rietvlei, 22 km north of Howick and 50 km to Nottingham Road. In a bid to protect the Karkloof Forest that had been relentlessly harvested for its hardwoods, Timothy Hancock leased his farm and the forest to local wildlife authorities in 1983. To this he has slowly added further farmland, grassland and wetland to grow the reserve into what it is today.

Karkloof Nature Reserve supports a range of flora and fauna species that include the Karkloof blue butterfly, samango monkeys, bushbuck, crowned eagle, and dwarf chameleon.

For birders it is a real opportunity for sightings given that such a wide range of species are found within such a short range. The endangered Cape parrot, orange ground thrush, red-necked spurfowl, lemon dove, crowned hornbill, and the wattled crane are just a few of the specials one can anticipate seeing.

Karkloof Nature Reserve is exclusive to those staying in the rustic lodges of the reserve (See Karkloof accommodation).

Whilst in the conservancy make time to head to the Karkloof Canopy Tour that incorporates 180 metre long slides across the forest canopy allowing views out over the valley. From the platforms between the trees listen out for samango monkeys and the odd emerald cuckoo.

And the Karkloof Falls, just north east of Howick, south of the Karkloof Nature Reserve, are absolutely beautiful.