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.
Need to Know
WhereDargle Conservancy, Dargle, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Dargle Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inGame & Nature Reserves in KwaZulu Natal
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Dargle
Lythwood Lodge
Taking a mid-week break at the Lythwood Country Hotel will put you in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, along the famous Midlands Meander....
Mount Park Guest Farm
Mount Park is situated in the beautiful upper Dargle region of the Natal Midlands. Accommodation is offered on a self catering basis. All units h...
Inversanda Farmhouse Wing
Inversanda Farmhouse Wing is a cottage in Dargle with its own private entrance and garden. The farmhouse wing sleeps up to four guests in two bed...
The Barn Cottage
The Barn Cottage offers accommodation in Dargle at Inversanda Farm. The cottage is situated in a kikuyu field above the farmhouse where the hors...
Copperleigh Trout Cottages
Copperleigh Trout Cottages is a beautifully decorated modern self-catering holiday cottage or home, overlooking the calm waters of Mavela Dam. Th...
Ingleford Lodge
Ingleford Lodge is a Midlands self catering holiday home located on the Star Dam Estate. The house has a private jetty facilitating access to the...
Tillietudlem Nature Reserve
Set on 1600 hectares in a secluded valley on the southern side of the Inhluzane Mountain, in Upper Dargle, Natal Midlands, Tillietudlem offers a ...
Stoneford Lodge
Stoneford Lodge is a style sensation that will leave you wanting for nothing. Located on the Star Dam estate, this holiday home offers a comforta...
Safire Lodge
Safire Lodge is a holiday home offering Natal Midlands self catering in the Star Dam Estate. Safire Lodge boasts generous proportions and seamles...
Hleka Manzi Lodge
Hleka Manzi Lodge is comfortable and well-appointed Midlands Meander lodge offering accommodation in Dargle at Tillietudlem Nature Reserve. The h...
The Judge's House
The Judges House offers accommodation on Inversanda Farm. Inversanda is a country lover's haven situated in the beautiful Dargle valley, here you...
Ukuthula Lodge
Ukuthula Lodge a is spacious and elegantly furnished holiday home in Dargle, able to accommodate 12 guests, in 5 bedrooms. It has three en-suite ...
Ferndene Farm
Nestled in the Dargle forests, Ferndene Farm is a lovely old stone and thatch farmhouse offering self catering accommodation. The house sleeps 12...
Beverley Country Cottages
Beverley Country Cottages offers comfortable accommodation in a choice of a House, three cottages and two rooms. Some units are self catering and...
Waterford Lodge
Waterford Lodge is a comfortable Dargle holiday home offering accommodation on the star Dam estate. The lodge boasts a private jetty facilitating...
Inkanyezi Lodge
The lodge offers access to a large wooden deck with an umbrella and an outdoor lounge set. A small fishing boat is also available for rental. Ink...
Dargle Forest Lodge
Dargle Forest Lodge accommodation is a combined dream of the farm owners Bridgette and Sean, who saw the potential of the land and decided they h...
Star Dam Lodges
Star Dam Lodges offers accommodation tucked away in a quiet corner of the Dargle Valley and is in close proximity to the iconic Inhlosane hill. E...
Inversanda Farm Cottages
Situated in the quaint town of Dargle, Inversanda Farm Cottages offers comfortable accommodation on a farm. Home to a variety of bird species and...
Things to do in the area
Fly Fishing at Tillietudlem Trout Farm
Some of the finest private fly fishing waters on the Midlands Meander! Tillietudlem offers exceptional and exclusive fly fishing for Rainbow and ...
Dargle Valley Market
Amble down to the Dargle Valley Market near the il Postino restaurant to stock up on all you need for a delectable lunch, catch up on the local g...
Dargle Valley Pottery
Dargle Valley Pottery is the largest stocked gallery on the Midlands Meander with a vast range of pottery on display. You can find anything from ...
Piggly Wiggly Country Village
The Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal are acclaimed for the variety of intriguing treasures scattered throughout. One of these gems is the Piggly Wiggly,...
Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio
Africa's Iconic Luxury Brand ~ Drawing Inspiration from African Art and Nature to Create Unique Ceramics, Luxury Décor, and Fashion.The vibrant c...
Noteworthy attractions
Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
The source of the uMngeni River lies in the uMngeni Vlei area, an ancient wetland bounded by hills. From here it meanders eastward through undula...
Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
The large stretch of fresh water from the uMngeni, coupled with 1000 hectares of game park that contains red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, black...
Bosch Hoek Golf Club
Bosch Hoek Golf Course in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands must qualify as one of the most picturesque layouts in the country. The estate is convenient...
Gowrie Farm Golf Course
Gowrie Farm Golf Course, one of KwaZulu Natal's finest golf courses, was built in the traditional way with push up greens and rugged bunkers. The...
Maritzburg Golf Club
The Maritzburg Golf Club in Pietermaritzburg is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa, dating back to 1886. It has lush, smooth cynodon gr...
Sakabula Golf Club
Sakabula Golf Club is a unique combination of agricultural smallholdings around a delightful 18-hole, par 73, golf course in a scenic rural envir...
Victoria Country Club
Less than five minutes from the CBD of Pietermaritzburg, the Victoria Country Club is superbly located in the scenic parklands adjoining the Quee...
Battlefields Route
The KwaZulu Natal hinterland has witnessed some of the most brutal and significant battles to be fought in South Africa. These historical sites f...
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Accommodation near Dargle Conservancy
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Dargle Accommodation