Exploring the Karkloof Nature Reserve

Published on May 10, 2018 by SF Editor

Karkloof Nature Reserve forms part of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands Meander. It is situated in the Natal Midlands, 22km north of Howick on the road to Rietvlei. The reserve has 936 hectares of indigenous forest. The Karkloof Nature Reserve currently consists of about 40% mist-belt grassland and 60% mist-belt forest, ranging from 1,000 to 1,767 meters above sea level. It is home to numerous endemic and near-endemic species of fauna and flora that can be found in the reserve which include the Karkloof blue butterfly, samango monkeys, dwarf chameleon, bushbuck, and crowned eagle.

There are also about 100 species of birds in the area which means that bird watching at Karkloof Nature Reserve can be a very rewarding activity. The endemic guinea fowl can be spotted in the reserve as well as the endangered Cape parrot, crowned hornbill, orange ground thrush, lemon dove, red-necked spurfowl and the wattled crane. The Karkloof Nature Reserve is also home to Crowned and Martial Eagle which breed among the yellowwood and black stinkwood trees. For birders, it is a real opportunity for sightings given that such a wide range of species are found within such a short range.

Karkloof Falls

Karkloof Falls can be found along Karkloof road traveling out of Howick. The beautiful and dramatic Karkloof Falls is a 105-meter- high plunge over the cliff at Shafton Grange. It is known by the early settlers as “the most beautiful waterfall in the land”. The area around the falls includes braai and picnic facilities, so you can enjoy a meal in the tranquility of nature.

Karkloof Canopy Tour

Karkloof Canopy Tour this is a one-of-a-kind eco-experience that is all about fun and adventure tour gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest while suspended 40 meters above the ground. It involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable. The platforms have been put around the trees using a tension system that does not damage the trunk and the steel cables dangle between these platforms. The Karkloof Canopy Tour comprises 12 platforms and 10 slides which are built high up in the forest canopy and provide unforgettable rides and spectacular views of the surrounding forest, clear sparkling forest stream, a magnificent 20-meter waterfall and the expansive Karkloof valley far below.

The tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a ‘Kitting up’ session where full body harness, pulleys, and climbing equipment are put on and checked for safety. Traversing through the platforms begins after a short scenic drive to the top of the Karkloof Valley.

Safe Adventure

To ensure safety, all groups are safely harnessed in state of the art climbing gear and escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow guide. The professional guides also provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the tour. The Karkloof Canopy Tour takes around two hours to complete and is suitable for everyone between the ages of five and 80 years of age.

The spectacular scenery, long swooping slides over the forest canopy and the wider views across the beautiful Karkloof valley makes the Karkloof Canopy Tours a must-try for all travelers with a taste for adventure. The Karkloof Nature Reserve certainly one of the must-visit spots in the Midlands Meander. A visit to the Midlands Meander will not be complete without spending time exploring the reserve through the Karkloof Canopy Tours.

All About Howick Falls, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Published on Apr 16, 2018Mar 29, 2023 by SFAdmin

Howick Falls is a 310 feet (95m) tall waterfall that lies on the Umgeni River situated in Howick, outside Pietermaritzburg, in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. The falls are the same height as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe – if you love waterfalls, book your stay at one of a great Victoria Falls hotel and enjoy what of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world – are well worth a visit when traveling along the Midlands Meander. The indigenous Zulu people call it “KwaNogqaza”, which means Place of the Tall One, and the falls are still regarded with great superstition by the locals. According to folklore a giant serpent-like creature called “Inkanyamba” lives in the pool at the bottom of the falls and only sangomas (medicine men or women) are able to safely approach the falls for the sole purpose of offering prayers and perform acts of worship to the ancestral spirits and the “Great God” of the people.

The KwaZulu Natal province has evidence of human occupation well over 30,000 years ago, but the falls were most likely only discovered during the early 19th century by European explorers. Given the legend surrounding the falls, it is most likely that it was a well-known site for thousands of years before any western influence. The falls and the surrounding area has miraculously remained unchanged since the first discoveries of man 30,000 years ago.

History

While Howick Falls may not be famous as the tallest waterfall in the world, it certainly ranks amongst the most notorious. Many people have been swept over the edge of the falls from the early pioneering days when settlers believed that the easiest place to cross the Umgeni River was just above the falls. The first recorded death occurred in 1851 and since then a further 40 deaths were recorded involving the falls. Most of these were recorded as suicides but many were due to accidents and even historic murders, contributing to the legendary status of the falls.

Aside from the scandalous deaths that have become a tourist attraction for many, the falls are breathtakingly beautiful to watch from the viewing deck as thousands of gallons of water cascades in a deafening rush to form a broiling, turbulent pool at the bottom. The scenery is mystifying and relaxing at the same time and the adventurous can walk from the viewing platform along Morling Road to the falls. Along the way, there are craft stalls and at the viewing platform, there are curio shops and a small coffee shop for refreshments. The attraction is in the pure, unspoiled beauty of the place and the excitement and danger of being in close proximity to such a dangerous body of thundering water. Three different trails offer visitors the means of getting closer to different vantage points for stunning photographs and experience the thrill of the falls.

Popular Attractions

Howick Falls and Midmar Dam are in close proximity to the N3 and divided from each other by the town of Howick. Howick lies right in the heart of the green rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal where a number of rivers and cascades can be found, which is why it is known as the â€œplace of many waterfallsâ€. The Umgeni River and its many tributaries follow the course of steep crags and gorges that combine to form incredible volleys of water rushing into pools and beyond until it reaches the Indian Ocean approximately 95 kilometers away.

The official Gorge Walk at Howick Falls begins at Harvard Street in Howick and ends at the bottom of the falls.
The Howick Falls Hotel was visited by Mark Twain back in 1896 and more recently it has been linked to the Capture Site of Nelson Mandela in 1962. A monument has been erected at the site to commemorate the multi-faceted influences and enormous effect that Mandela had on the identity of the South African nation.

The Sakabula Golf Club is situated just outside Howick in the Natal Midlands with magnificent panoramic views of the Drakensberg and the surrounding mountain ranges in the area.

The fine lush green vegetation of the South African outback is home to a multitude of wildlife species that can be seen running free on the plains. The Midmar Dam Nature Reserve consists of a wildlife game park of 1,000 hectares along a large stretch of water from the Umgeni River. Here typical African game like red hartebeest, black wildebeest, zebra, oribi, blesbok, and reedbuck can be viewed in their natural habitat.

The Best of Midlands Meander

Published on Oct 11, 2017Oct 11, 2017 by SF Editor

The Midlands Meander extends from Rietvlei and Currys Post in the east to the Dargle Valley and Fort Nottingham in the west. It has naturally beautiful panoramic views, cattle farms, rolling grasslands, quaint villages, horse studs, and welcoming communities. The Midlands Meander is not only renowned for its outstanding natural beauty but also of the exciting activities it has to offer. There is so much to explore in the Midlands Meander. There are weavers, wood-crafters, potters, artists, leather workers, cheese makers, metalworkers, beer brewers, box makers, herb growers, and much more. That is why Midlands Meander is known as the “arts and crafts route“.

midlands meander

The Midlands Meander was the brainchild of a small group of local potters, artists, and weavers who envisioned to promote their work to a wider audience. They decided to invite the public to visit and meet the artists in their countryside studios. Entrepreneurs then joined together in creating the route that showcases the very best the region has to offer. Over the years, the route now offers more than exceptional arts and crafts with more than 150 members. Because of the array of activities available, quite a large number of visitors visit in Midlands Meander every day.

Some of the Most Popular Attractions at Midlands Meander

Gowrie Farm Golf Course

The Gowrie Farm Golf Course is a 9-hole course with lush green pastel colored grasses, hilly landscapes, and friendly inhabitants. The views are quite breath-taking in the golf course and are exciting to play on. The course has been regarded as “the finest 9-hole course” and is quite a challenge to the beginners.

The Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve

Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve

The Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve which is established in 1975 offers wonderful game viewing, boating, fishing and rock climbing opportunities. It is only a half-hour’s drive from both Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Located in the reserve is the Albert Falls Dam which is known to be one of the best bass fishing dams in the world. The area around the Albert Falls Dam is filled with secluded nature trails and picnic spots. Wildlife in the reserve includes zebra, red hartebeest, springbok, oribi, giraffe, and rhino.

The Howick Falls

Howick Falls

The Howick Falls is just outside Pietermaritzburg. It is also known as KwaNogqaza which means the ‘place of the tall one’. This is because the waterfall is a 95-meter cascade into a broiling, restless pool. The falls is said to be the place of the spirits of ancestors. According to local legends, a giant snake-like creature Inkanyamba lived in the falls and that only sangomas are safe to close to the falls.

The Dargle Conservancy

Dargle Conservancy

The Dargle Conservancy lies in the midst of the unrivaled beauty and untouched countryside of the Natal Midlands. fauna and flora are abundant in the area. It is also home to rare animal species such as Cape Parrot, oribi, crane species, Cape leopard, dozens of frog species. There are more than 200 bird species, the most common are Cape batis, Knysna loerie, ground woodpecker, African grass owl, crowned eagle, southern black flycatcher, olive woodpecker, the colorful Narina trogon, emerald cuckoo, and African spoonbill. Because of these, visitors are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open and their cameras ready for some special encounters. The conservancy is devoted to the protection and conservation of the wonderful array of plants and animals found in the region. It aims to showcase the wildlife to local and international visitors. The Dargle Conservancy also aims to increase biodiversity and strengthen the food chain by caring for and upping the numbers of the wildlife in the area.

Swissland Cheese

swissland-cheese-midlands

The Swissland Cheese is one of a couple of cheeseries you can visit in Midlands Meander. Their products are predominantly goats milk cheeses in a Swiss-chalet style. Not only can the visitors taste the cheese, but also witness the daily goat milking and learn about the cheese-making practice. A visit to the Midlands wouldn’t be complete without a bit of cheese tasting at the family-run Swissland Cheese.

Hluhluwe And Imfolozi Game Reserves In South Africa

Published on Aug 26, 2016Mar 29, 2023 by SFAdmin

iMfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserves are situated in Kwa Zulu Natal in an historic area just north of Durban which was once the hunting grounds exclusively used by kings of the might Zulu nation. There are several signs of settlements from the Stone Age in the area. The rolling hills and lush bushveld in Zululand provide safe sanctuary for Big Five game which includes Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant and Rhino. The area is generally hot in summer, mild in spring and cool to cold in winter with occasional spells of freezing cold weather. These Zululand game parks are third only behind some of the best luxury safari lodges in South Africa or a visit to the Kruger National Park.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

iMfolozi Game Reserve is part of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, an immense conservation zone known for its immense variety of fauna and flora. This is Africaís oldest game park, established in 1895, where the Big Five occur, and the only one in the Kwa Zulu Natal area under formal conservation. Situated in the southern part of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park on the Elephant Coast, in the center of Zululand north of Durban, it offers visitors numerous activities including: game viewing drives, self-guided walks, exciting wilderness trails, picnic sites and boat tours on Hluhluwe Dam. Camping sites have dedicated cooks who prepare special and traditional meals for guests.

Visitors can view animals up close from viewing hideouts that overlook waterholes and pans where they can spot hyena, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wild dog, Impala, Waterbuck and Blue Wildebeest. There are also large numbers of Waterbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Kudu, Steenbuck, Bushbuck, Nyala, Warthog, Duiker and jackal. More than 340 bird species have been recorded in Zululand on the Elephant Coast.

Accommodation includes self-catering cottages and chalets, tented camping and various luxury Safari Lodges.

Today iMfolozi Park is well known throughout the world for its conservation programs to save the White Rhino on the endangered species list. The Centenary Capture Centre in the park sets exceptional standards for sustainable utilization in Africa and animal capture procedures.

General Information

There is a low risk of malaria in iMfolozi Game Reserve, however, it is advisable to take precautions before traveling. There are no restaurant facilities in iMfolozi Game Reserve and the nearest town, Mtubatuba, is 45 minutes drive away where a full range of services is available. Refreshments such as cool drinks, as well as curios, fuel and camera film can be purchased at the Mpila Camp Shop.

Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Hluhluwe Game Reserve offers visitors some of the best safari holidays in South Africa. The park has a 190 mile (300km) road network and the first visitor camp was built in 1934 at Hilltop.

The Hluhluwe area has a hilly topography with altitudes ranging from 260ft to 1,770ft (80m to 540m) above sea level. It is a well-watered area with the high ridges supporting the coastal scarp forest while there is bushveld in the lower valley areas. To the north rugged mountains, grasslands and forests constitute the Hluhluwe area while the iMfolozi area can be found in the southern area with a vast open Savannah close to the White and Black Umfolozi rivers.

The River Flood plain in Hluhluwe is one of the only regions in South Africa where pink-throated, orange-throated and yellow-throated Longclaw bird species can all be seen together. Other bird life in this spectacular area includes: Wahlbergís Eagle, Night Heron, Black-Bellied Korhaan, Klaasí Cuckoo, Crested Barbet, Little Bee-Eater and Shelleyís Francolin. The reserve also has a large variety of indigenous flora.

Conservation Efforts

An attempt was made in 1981 by the Natal Parks Board to reintroduce African Wild Dogs, which were in danger of becoming extinct, back into the park. 23 dogs, mostly bred in zoos, were released in the area, however, the effort had minimal success and today the Wild Dog population fluctuates between 3 and 30 dogs.

The Rhino Preservation movement originated in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park which strives to breed the Rhinoceros species in order to save it from extinction. As a result of Operation Rhino, largely driven by the parkís warden, Ian Player, the White Rhino conservation program has become renowned worldwide. Due to these conservation efforts, the park now boasts the largest rhino population in the world and today more than 1,600 Rhinoceros roam the reserve. Hundreds of wild animals have been transported from Hluhluwe to other game reserves all around the world. However, a recent increase in rhino poaching has compromised the success of the program and this threat has become of great concern, not only for conservationists in the park, but also for conservationists worldwide.

Looking At 5 Exceptional Midlands Guest Houses

Published on Jun 23, 2016Aug 26, 2016 by SF Editor

Everyone wants their vacation to be something special. When visiting the Midlands the image of a quality bed and breakfast or guest house comes to mind, and it isn’t hard to see why. When visiting such amazing places like South Africa, why not have housing that embraces that beautiful section of land and delivers a very unique and memorable experience? While it can be hard to figure out who the true five “best” guest houses are, especially considering that every single person will have their own definition of what factors are most important in a guest house.

#1: Sycamore Avenue Treehouses

If you want a truly unique experience is hard to argue with finding one that compares to the Sycamore Avenue Treehouses. A popular guest house on the Mooi River, as has a variety of different adjectives for the treehouses: luxurious, eccentric, regally rustic, absolutely unique. Combining a distinctly South African flair with the modern benefits you want with travel, these treehouses are considered romantic and many have luxuries such as spas, fireplaces, hammocks, incredible views of the surrounding area, and even complimentary drinks.

If you’re looking for that perfect combination of remarkably unique, very adventurous, and yet relaxing and luxury than the treehouses are where you want to stay.

#2: Waterford Manor

Located just outside the small village of Rosetta, this four-star bed and breakfast offer a variety of gorgeous cottages over a 10-hectare property with beautiful views of the river and the surrounding land. An outdoor pool and a full English breakfast are just a few of the extras that make this manner very popular among local travellers who want a little touch of luxury and relaxation on enjoying this beautiful parts of South Africa.

#3: The Grace Guest House

The Grace Guest House is one where you will need to put in reservations well ahead of time if you plan to enjoy what they have to offer. There are only 4 rooms available here, all of which feature queen-size beds in suites that are more about luxury than some of the other choices on this list. However for some people luxury and affordable price is a definite upside of the ideal vacation.

Additional benefits include on-site security, free Wi-Fi Internet, swimming pool, and even a full botanical garden that looks stunning when in full bloom. If you actually want to feel like you are living in the lap of luxury the Grace Guest House will fulfil a lot of those needs.

#4: Sunrise Guest House

The sunrise Guest House offers an extremely good price for comfortable lodging and a variety of outstanding services. While less luxurious than some of the other guesthouse options that are on this list, this location offers an in-town location with beautiful backyard gardens, wonderful views from a 2nd story balcony, clean and comfortable rooms, a full kitchen for use, with breakfast available.

Although this might not be a luxury type guesthouse travellers will be more than happy with the outstanding rooms and overall service provided here and all the price that is a fraction of many of the more luxurious choices.

#5: Ascot Bush Lodge

The Ascot Bush Lodge is a few kilometres from the nearest town and offers individual huts for everyone who stays with them. The Lodge offers a wonderful bar, public area, and dining area while individuals can retreat to the privacy of their own huts to enjoy themselves and their vacation as they see fit. The beds are extremely comfortable, very clean, and the huts give a clear vibe of being in Africa – offering a pleasant aesthetic that will go over well in all vacation pictures.

The large property features beautiful sights of the river, natural plant life, and a large number of local birds to boot. Free Wi-Fi Internet also allows guests to stay connected, but with the amazing scenery around them, it’s hard to believe that will be a high priority.

In Conclusion

There are so many fantastic options when it comes to finding the right guest houses and that is always good news for vacationers who want to see one of the most beautiful places on the continent and enjoy a wonderful guest housing as they do so.