Rockwood, Karkloof Nature Reserve \ Accommodation in Karkloof

Are you looking for award-winning luxury self-catering accommodation in the Midlands? Are you looking to “Create Your Own Adventure” by choosing from a range of activities? Are you looking for your family to escape the City and get back to basics, yet not give up on any luxuries? If yes, then Rockwood is the place for your next holiday!

If you wish to stay in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, choose between Rockwood Forest Lodge and Rockwood Mountain Lodge. Rockwood Forest Lodge sleeps 6 - 8 people and is a fully electrified double storey log cabin situated on the banks of a stream in the indigenous forest. It is ideal if your family wants to get away from it all and go hiking up to the beautiful Godwini Falls or mountain bike down some slippery slopes. A stay in Winter is a definite must for lovers as there’s nothing better than cosying up in front of a roaring fire with a glass of beautiful red wine with not another soul in sight…Rockwood Mountain Lodge is the spot for you if you want your kids to go ape in the bush! There won’t be anyone around for miles that’ll complain about the noise…Take up some amazing forest tracks for either a hike or a ride. This eco-friendly lodge makes use of gas and solar power so staying there is actually good for the environment!

If you’d rather be a bit more central, there are two choices: Rockwood Farm Cottage or Rockwood Farm House, about 25m apart on the farm Spitzkop which is adjacent to the Karkloof Nature Reserve and as such, you have full access to the reserve. Both are perfectly positioned for your family to explore the Midlands Meander Route from or use as a base from which to participate in the Midmar Mile or Karkloof Classic Races held in the area each year. Yet, despite being close enough to Howick for a quick drive, it’s still incredibly peaceful and remote and the ideal venue from which to watch cows graze in the late afternoon sun. Fancy something more adventurous? Try out some canoeing or tubing on your own private dam or pick up any of the trails from your doorstop and explore the Reserve on foot or bike.

All lodges have an iPod docking station. Rockwood Forest Lodge and Rockwood Farm House and Cottage also have DSTV (selected channels available) as well as Blu Ray DVD players with selected titles.

Accommodation

Each of the two lodges in the Reserve has three bedrooms and two or three bathrooms for six to eight guests (one king-size and six single beds), fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave (Rockwood Forest Lodge only) and cutlery and crockery for 8 – 10 people. All rooms have heaters, tea / coffee, insect repellent, soap, shampoo and linen.

Rockwood Farm Cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep up to four people. It has a 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. Rockwood Farm House has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave and cutlery for 10 - 12 people. All rooms have heaters, tea and coffee making facilities, insect repellent, soap, shampoo and linen. All accommodation is serviced on a daily basis.

Activities

Guided Mountain Biking Tours:
The Karkloof is excellent MTB country and host to the biggest mountain-biking event of the year, the Karkloof Classic Race. We’d gladly book a spot for you with Hylton Turvey, the race designer. Alternatively, explore the area on your own through a series of self-guided trails in the private Karkloof Nature Reserve.

Karkloof Canopy Tour:
As this kicks off within our reserve, we’ve negotiated a 10% discount for guests of Rockwood. A must-do on your holiday itinerary!

Hiking:
Bring good hiking gear and you’ll be able to explore the reserve fully as you work your way between mistbelt forest and grassland, up and down steep inclines and over slippery rocks. Just chill out and take a leisurely stroll along some romantic farm roads…You choose.

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.

Children’s Play Area:
Watch your kids be kids on the trampoline or jungle gym.

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 Accommodation Awards Semi-Finalist 2008 and 2009
AA Accommodation Awards Finalist – 2010
SA Tourism Welcome Awards Finalist – 2010

Related / Useful Links

• Accommodation in South Africa
• Howick Accommodation
• Howick Self Catering
• Karkloof Accommodation
• Karkloof Self Catering
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Self Catering