Karkloof Accommodation / Rockwood Forest Lodge Howick Accommodation / Self Catering Forest Lodges in Karkloof

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.

We are proud to announce that we have recently opened the Farm Cottage to the public. Situated on a typical Midlands farm adjacent to the Reserve, as a guest of the Cottage you will still have full access to the Reserve, whilst being close enough to the town of Howick from which you can explore the Midlands Meander.

The newest addition to the Rockwood family, is the Farm House. Situated on the same farm as the Farm Cottage, it is ideal for the bigger family wanting to experience an authentic farm stay, whilst not foregoing any luxuries.

Accommodation


Each of the two lodges in the Reserve 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 / coffee, insect repellent, soap, shampoo and linen. The Farm Cottage has two bedrooms and one bathroom for 2 adults and 2 children. The Cottage is fully equipped kitchen with fridge / freezer, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 6 people. All rooms have heaters, tea and coffee making facilities, insect repellent, soap, shampoo, and linen. The Cottage has DSTV. The Farm House has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave and cutlery for 10 people. All rooms have heaters, tea and coffee making facilities, insect repellent, soap, shampoo and linen.

Unit 1
The 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. All accommodation is serviced on a daily basis.

Unit 4
The lodge makes use of solar electricity and gas and is about 20 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.

FARM COTTAGE
Enjoy beautiful views from the Cottage deck. All accommodation is serviced on a daily basis.

FARM HOUSE
Let Nature in through large windows and glass sliding doors affording you picture perfect views from all angles.

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 Unit 4. 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. Bring your own rods.

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

Awards


Best Self-Catering Establishment in South Africa – Getaway magazine readers 2007.
AA Semi-Finalist in the Self Catering Category for the 2008 Accommodation Awards.
AA Semi-Finalist in the Self Catering Category for the 2009 Accommodation Awards.

ACCREDITATIONS

BirdLife South Africa: Birder Friendly Establishment Midlands Meander Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) Tourism KwaZulu Natal (TKZN)

Photo Gallery of Rockwood Forest Lodge
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