Rockwood Forest Lodge, Karkloof, KwaZulu Natal

Karkloof Nature Reserve, Karkloof, Howick, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Contact: Thomas Hancock, E-mail: click here
Telephone: +27 (0)31 303-5162, Facsimile: +27 (0)31 312-4872, Mobile:

CATEGORIES:

Accommodation in South Africa » Self Catering Chalets & Cottages » Self Catering Villas & Holiday Houses » South Africa Self Catering »

DESCRIPTION:

Deep within the three thousand hectare Karkloof Nature Reserve lies Rockwood Forest Lodge. The two completely private, self-catering lodges compliment the beautiful surroundings - the first situated on the banks of a river and the second in a natural clearing within the indigenous forest. The Karkloof Nature Reserve is a joint venture between private landowners and KwaZulu Natal Wildlife. The Reserve is split about 60/40 between Afromontane forest and mist-belt grasslands and ranges from an altitude of 1000m to 1767m.

Accommodation

Each lodge has three bedrooms and two bathrooms for 6 to 8 guests (one king-size and 6 single beds), fully equipped kitchen with fridge / freezer, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 10 people. All rooms have heaters, tea and coffee making facilities, insect repellent, soap, shampoo, and linen.

The Main Lodge:
The Main Lodge is electrified and has a large sundeck overlooking a stream and is constructed of Oregon pine and yellowwood. The house is well appointed and decorated.

The Leopards Bush Lodge:
The Leopards Bush Lodge makes use of solar electricity and gas and is about 15 minutes drive from the main Lodge. The Lodge is tastefully decorated and where possible, artwork from the local community has been utilised. All accommodation is serviced on a daily basis.

Activities

Guided Mountain Biking Tours:
The Karkloof is excellent MTB country. Feel free to explore the marked trails and plantation roads in and around the reserve, or contact us for more extensive guided tours of the area. Catering and backup vehicles can be provided.

Karkloof Canopy Tour:
The Karkloof Canopy Tour commences on the doorstep of the Leopards Bush Lodge. How do you fancy swinging from a cable 50m above the forest floor while racing towards a cliff? Don't forget to look out for crowned eagles and the rare cape parrot on the way down.

Hiking:
There are marked trails within the reserve. With a bit of climbing you can explore 6 waterfalls.

Birding:
The area has several rare and endemic species of birds and is listed in the Roberts CD. Birding on the forest fringes and streams can offer some excellent rewards to birders. Some of the more elusive species found are the Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Crested Guinea Fowl (sub-species) and the Crowned Eagle.

Fishing:
There are several weirs and dams within and adjacent to the reserve which are well stocked with rainbow and brown trout.

If this is all a bit to strenuous for you, just sit back and watch the Bushbuck grazing the the clearings or let the curious Samango Monkey surround you while you enjoy your sundowners on the deck.

Awards

AA Semi-Finalist in the Self Catering Category for the 2008 Accommodation Awards.

CURRENT RATES / BOOKING FORM:

Available at: http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/rockwoodforestlodge/rates.php

DIRECTIONS:

To Rockwood Forest Lodge - Unit 1:
N3 to Howick from Durban or Johannesburg
From Durban, take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar and head into Howick central
From Johannesburg take Exit 107, Howick (North)/ Tweedie and head into Howick central
Take Karkloof/Rietvlei road from centre of Howick (near the BP)
After 13 kms, turn left to Currys Post
After 3.5 kms, right along D815. Follow signs to Rockwood Forest Lodge.
After 4.3 kms, take left fork and cross drift
After 2.3 kms, take right fork
Carry on for 1.5 kms
If gate is chained/locked, combination is "315"
To get to Karkloof Canopy Tour, return to tar road and turn left. Follow signs.
(About 20 min.)

Rockwood Forest Lodge - Unit 4
N3 to Howick from Durban or Johannesburg
From Durban, take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar and head into Howick central
From Johannesburg take Exit 107, Howick (North)/ Tweedie and head into Howick central
Take Karkloof/Rietvlei road from centre of Howick (near the BP)
After about 17 kms, take turn to left to “Karkloof Canopy Tour”
Follow Karkloof Canopy Tour signs until you see signs to Leopards Bush.
Follow signs to Leopards Bush up steep hill for about 2km.
After passing through gate near top of hill, carry on for about 200m and then turn right at intersection. Wind your way for about 300m through forest and clearing to Lodge.
If gate is locked, combination is “315”
To get to “Karkloof Canopy Tour” go back down steep hill for 2 kms and turn left at the bottom. (About 5 min.)

MAP:

Available at: http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/rockwoodforestlodge/map.php

This is a printer-friendly version of: http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/rockwoodforestlodge/
Accommodation in South Africa and Accommodation in KwaZulu Natal brought to you by and © SA-Venues.com