Karkloof

Karkloof, adventure, nature and spectacular waterfalls

The Karkloof is an area little visited by tourists but inevitably rewards those that do. The Karkloof is a flat topped range that forms a barrier between the Natal coast and the Drakensberg.

The highest point at Karkloof is Mount Gilboa almost 1800m above sea level and commands unsurpassed views of the Midlands. Most of the Karkloof is heavily wooded either with plantations or protected indigenous forest.

The Karkloof Nature Reserve is a 900ha area of yellowwood and stinkwood in which the rare martial eagles breed. The Karkloof Falls is a delightful spot with picnic, swimming and braai spots.

It was also in the Karkloof the some of the firsts in aviation history was accomplished here. John Goodman Household fabricated a glider based on the form of a vulture he had killed. It was made of oiled fabric and bamboo. In 1871, fearlessly launching himself from the top of a kloof, he glided the full width of the Karkloof Valley - well over a kilometre - before crashing into a tree and breaking his leg. His mother dissuaded him from any more foolish pursuits.

Hiking Trail The Karkloof Trail

The trail goes through a SAPPI plantation and takes about 6 hours with a 4km stretch above the Karkloof waterfall.

The Karkloof Canopy Tour

The Karklook Canopy Tour is the biggest in South Africa. This cable slide travels over a km through the Karkloof Forest passing a series of 12 platforms.

Accommodation in and around Karkloof