The Fascinating KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Town of Howick

Nature Reserves in the vicinity of Howick

Karkloof Falls

Midlands, + 10 km north of Howick on the road to Rietvlei.

Various picnic sites overlook the Karkloof and Woodhouse Falls.

Entrance fee, toilets. Check roads during wet season. Closed during the fire season.

SAPPI Forest

Contact: The Officer in Charge
Telephone: (033) 3302128

Karkloof Nature Reserve/Rockwood Forest Lodge

Midlands, 22km North of Howick on the road to Rietvlei

This 2800ha reserve, situated in the Midlands, consists of indigenous forest and mist-belt grassland and is home to many species of endemic and near-endemic fauna and flora.

Accommodation is available at Rockwood Forest Lodge which affords one the opportunity to spot an elusive duiker, a samango monkey or even do a bit of bird watching or tree spotting, all whilst lounging on one’s very own sundeck.

Indeed, a true nature’s paradise! Please note that the reserve is only open to guests of Rockwood Forest Lodge.

Contact: Tom Hancock or Cindy Dekker
Telephone: (031) 303 5162
Web Address: http://www.rockwood.co.za

Midmar Nature Reserve

Midmar Nature Reserve is situated off the N3, 24 km from Pietermaritzburg, and 7 km from Howick.

This 1000 ha game park is open to visitors. Red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, reedbuck, oribi and zebra can be viewed from vehicles, cycles or on foot. Entrance is via the Thurlow Gate.

Four all-weather tennis courts and a small swimming pool are available exclusively for rustic cabin and main resort chalet residents. Bathing is permitted in the Bilharzia-free dam and is quite safe, provided bathers keep close in-shore, away from boats.

The dam is zoned for yachts and powerboats, and in the interests of safety, visitors must abide by this zoning. New visitors to the resort should acquire a map and boating regulations, and any other information from the office on arrival.

Excellent fishing is available. Carp, bass, scalies and bluegill are abundant, and fishing can be pursued in the areas zoned for this activity. A freshwater fishing licence, obtainable from the office, is required.

Both self-catering accommodation and camping sites are available. To book the self-catering units please visit the KZN Wildlife website or e-mail them at bookings@kznwildlife.com. The officer in charge needs to be contacted for camping site bookings - telephone:(033) 330 2067.

Attractive shady picnic sites are available for day visitors along the 15 km of developed shoreline. Adequate braai, refuse and ablution facilities are available.

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

From the N3 take the Howick turn-off. Continue through the town, turning right onto the Karkloof-Rietvlei road. The reserve sign and entrance gate are a further 1 km.on the right

The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve hosts an environmental education centre and is immensely popular with school groups. It winds along 7km of Umgeni River from the base of the Howick Falls and contains an abundance of fauna and flora and over 260 bird species. There are 6 trails and 3 large rustic camp which house 60 people and a more secluded one for 30 people. There are 3 fully equipped cottages with magnificent views which can house 2/5/6 people.

Alternatively, don't even set foot outside your motor vehicle, and absorb the entire scenario via the 6- kilometre auto trail hugging the valley rim.
Contact: The Secretary
Telephone: (033)3303931
E-Mail: umgenivalley@futurenet.co.za
Web Address: www.wildlifesociety.org.za

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