Karkloof Wellness and Wildlife Retreat Natal Midlands

The wine cellar at the Karkloof Wellness Retreat has a hand-picked collection of estate wines and fine champagnes.   Wine tasting can be arranged.

The Karkloof Boutique Lodge provides a wonderful collection of books and selected publications in our library for your leisure reading.  Delve into a book for the afternoon and let your mind runaway and escape from reality.

The Boutique Shop at the Karkloof Spa, KwaZulu-Natal, has a carefully selected range of hats, clothing, gold and silver fashioned jewellery, carvings and local crafts.  Wildlife prints and artworks are also available here.

There are 5 waterfalls located within the 3500 hectare Game Farm of Karkloof Spa, South Africa, to explore.  Whether guests feel like having a brisk walk to get the blood circulating or admiring the breathtaking scenery, this is the place to be. It is almost like the pearl secret of Kwazulu Natal. 

The Karkloof River flows over beds of hard sandstone and falls approximately 105 m. The only access to the base of the Karkloof Falls is on Karkloof Spa’s property. A 9km game drive into the Karkloof Valley, a short walk into the lush terrain and a wooded boardwalk emerges before you. Hugging the narrow river valley up and over boulders for approximately 1km one reaches the base of the falls.

A deck extends out and one can feel the refreshing spray of the falls on your face – it’s a sight to behold and relish and a must to do during your stay.  This is the first time since 1988 that guests have been able to access the base of the falls.

During the Summer months (December to April), one can Fly Fish for yellow tail in the rivers at the Karkloof Estate.

Follow the Karkloof River, the birds or follow the tracks left by wildlife.  Do it with a guide or on your own. Wooden walkways, paths and trails weave through thorn thickets over dolerite rocks, into the mist-belt forest or across the savannah.

Amateur biologists may decide to make tree bark their project, dreamers can wander aimlessly soaking up nature or pause at a reflection bench, while serious hikers can work up a sweat. No matter what your purpose you can be sure the 105m high waterfall will overwhelm you with positive ions and feel-good endorphins. Colourful butterflies are in abundance including the special Karkloof Blue Butterfly.

Game viewing is an exciting pastime and includes species of Black and White Rhino, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest and a multitude of antelope, Warthog and Monkeys. Karkloof is home to a breeding programme for disease-free African Buffalo herds.

The Karkloof Retreat in KwaZulu-Natal is free from most dangerous predators although night eyes could belong to Serval cat and Black-backed Jackal.

Breeding is especially exciting; nothing is more heart warming than watching baby rhino and giraffe. Because of the abundance of game it isn’t necessary to wake up early to go on game drives, you are assured of great game viewing on each drive.Experienced guides are available to accompany you but guests are also welcome to go on their own adventures in the area where dangerous animals have been excluded. Noiseless electrical eco-friendly vehicles are provided for this purpose.

Pick up a bird book and list and see how many species you can tick off. Over 300 species have been counted so far.  Ostrich wander in flocks as turacos and robins call to each other from the trees. High above, eagles and buzzards ride thermals, gliding, unconcerned with the goings-on at ground level. See if you can find the Bronze-naped Pigeon, unique to the area. At night, wise-eyed owls wait and watch while a chorus of clicking frogs serenade the open skies.  Due to the cliffs, forests, woodlands, rivers and other habitats of Karkloof Spa, over 300 species of birds occur on the property.

Some of the more conspicuous are Ostrich (introduced), eagles (Fish, Crowned,Black, Long Crested, Wahlbergs and Martial), Yellow-billed Kite, Jackal and Steppe Buzzard, pigeons(Rameron, Rock and Green), doves (Tambourine, Laughing, Cinnamon, Red-eyed and Cape Turtle),Kingfishers (Giant, Pied, Half-collared, Malachite and Brown-hooded), robins (Cape, Natal, Choristerand Starred), ducks (White-faced, Yellow-billed, Black and White-backed), geese (Spurwing and Egyptian), thrushes (Groundscraper and Olive), Louries (Knysna and Purple Crested) and a host of other species.

Some of the specials finds include Cape Parrot, African Finfoot, Narina Trogon, Grey Cuckooshrike, Bush Blackcap and Blue-mantled Flycatcher.

The re-introduction of the Redbilled Oxpeckers – the tick eaters

A great success!  Early 2007, 39 Redbilled Oxpeckers  were released on Karkloof Spa game reserve, thanks to the Endangered Wildlife Trust. These birds were almost extinct in this part of the country and many other parts of South Africa.

They feed almost entirely on ticks from large mammals and with the advent of arsenical dips on cattle they died out except in major games reserves.

In more recent years many of the cattle dips have been formulated to be “Oxpecker friendly” which has presented the opportunity to reintroduce them into Private Game Reserves and Commercial Game Ranches with high densities of wild animals.

Before the Oxpeckers were released on Karkloof Spa game reserve, an extensive exercise was carried out by Kevin le Roux, a Technician with the Animal Health Department, to ensure Oxpecker friendly cattle dips were used by farmers in the general area. By all indications the re-introduction of these birds has been a great success, according to Dr Hans Grobler who has monitored the project. The birds breed in December and February and numbers have increased considerably. Our Buffalo’s, their favorite “host” are looking very “clean” indeed.

Farmers in vicinity of Albert Falls and Private Wildlife Reserves as far as Tala near Eston have been delighted to see the Oxpeckers on their farms.This is exciting news and another step in Karkloof Spa’s ‘eco-friendly” philosophy.

PIETERMARITBURG COUNTRY CLUB

The Maritzburg Golf Club was established on 24th February, 1886, and the first official competition was played by its members on 14th June, 1886.

This makes Maritzburg Golf Club the second oldest golf club in South Africa and first golf club to host a tournament before the Royal Cape Country Club in Cape Town.

• www.maritzburggolf.co.za
• golf@maritzburggolf.co.za
• Tel: 033 396 2356

VICTORIA COUNTRY CLUB

The upgraded par 71 course measuring 6156 meters reopened in April 2007, having been remodeled by Golf Data, one of South Africa's leading golf course design and construction companies. The upgrade included the total reshaping and reconstruction, to USGA specification, of all the greens, which have been planted with Bent grass Penn A1, all the tee boxes, bunkering and four fairways. Extensive new storage dams creating three new impressive and attractive waterholes were added, and a fully automated irrigation system was installed. The course is now able to offer a world-class golfing experience all year round.

• www.victoria.co.za
• enquiries@victoria.co.za
• Tel: 033 347 1942

BOSCHHOEK GOLF CLUB

Bosch Hoek, meaning "corner of the bush" was first settled as a farm in 1852. In 1951 it was acquired by the late Punch Barlow who together with Bob Grimsdell designed and developed the golf course. The first shot was played in 1963.

• www.boschhoek.co.za
• info@boschhoek.co.za
• Tel: 033 234 4232

CAMELOT COUNTRY CLUB

• camelotgolf@magiclinc.co.za
• Tel: 031 765 9416

OOSTWOLD DOWNS

• Peter.k@costworlddown.co.za
• Tel: 031 716 8186

GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB

• gcc@greytown.co.za
• Tel: 033 417 2441

HOWICK GOLF CLUB

• howickgc@telkomsa.net
• Tel: 033 330 3422

MOOI RIVER COUNTRY CLUB

Mooi River Country Club, set in the hills with a panoramic view of the Drakensberg and surrounding farming lands, would like to welcome all visitors to their club for a social visit or a day of sport and entertainment. Enjoy a game of Golf on one of the most beautiful courses in the Midlands. The 11 hole, 18 tee par 72, rating 71 golf course will provide a challenge to the most discerning golfer.

• mooirivercc@futurenet.co.za
• Tel: 033 263 1517

SAKUBULA GOLF CLUB

Sakabula Golf Club, situated in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, is an 18 hole, par 73 course consisting of two very distinct and different 9 holes.  Due to the topography of the land, the first 9 traverses an undulating valley providing breathtaking scenic views over the Drakensberg Range.

The second 9 holes wind along a stunning natural watercourse and wetland area with numerous dams. The two 9s are so interestingly different in character and challenges that the golfer can experience what normally could only be found on two different golf courses.

• www.sakabula.co.za
• golfclub@sakabula.co.za
• Tel: 033 330 6751

PIETERMARITZBURG'S MIDLANDS MEANDER

Pietermaritzburg, the capital city of the Zulu Kingdom, is a vibrant African city, set in the breathtakingly beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.  Here you will discover the vigour and strength of Africa combined with the elegance and architectural refinement of the British Empire.

Explore, indulge and dream amongst the gentle hills and warm-hearted people who call this area home – meander as gently as you wish, amble along country roads or take a trip down inspiration lane……the Midlands Meander, a self-directed route with an array of arts and crafts and outdoor activities is perhaps the most famous arts and crafts route in South Africa and it has attracted some of the finest crafters around.

Experience warm country hospitality; discover quaint cottage furnishings and unique galleries. Admire the works of talented artists and delight at your beautifully hand – crafted acquisition. Enjoy the taste of a local brew or indulge in temptingly rich home bakes. Be inspired by the rare and wonderful or simply find peace in nature’s beautiful country.

ARDMORE CERAMICS

The unique and vibrant art of Ardmore, South Africa’s most celebrated ceramic studio, is found in the best collections all over the world.  Meet the artists at work and view the Bonnie Ntshalinthsali Museum that houses historic pieces, as well as the Zulu Cultural and HIV/AIDS Collections.

Have tea overlooking the scenic Lion’s River and visit their prestigious Gallery where a beautiful piece can be taken home for you to admire forever!

ABINGDON WINE ESTATE

Located in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, a unique pioneering estate which has positioned itself as a serious single vineyard boutique wine producer in the newly designated wine geographical unit of KZN. The estate has in excess of 2ha under vine and this includes the only certified single vineyards in the entire Kwa-Zulu Natal region. www.abingdonestate.co.za

NOTTINGHAM ROAD BREWERY

A rustic brewery producing some of the finest beers around – quality draughts traditionally hand- brewed from secret recipes. www.rawdons.co.za

KARKLOOF CANOPY TOURS

A fabulous Tarzan and Jane adventure abseiling from platform to platform through the treetops!

FREEDOM ROUTE

The Freedom Route will take you on a journey into the history of our heroes that have helped shape South Africa into a Rainbow Nation.  The Freedom Route has related sites around Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

SANI PASS

A guided trip in an enclosed 4x4 vehicle up the spectacular Sani Pass. Climbing to an altitude of 2874m and zigzagging beneath towering cliffs, buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and birdlife to the highest pub in Africa. From this unique position, one overlooks the Kingdom of the Zulu and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

IN THE AIR

For a birds-eye view of the city, settle for a flip in a fixed-wing aircraft from Pietermaritzburg Airport (or microlight?). Qualified pilots may even charter their own planes. Some of the country’s most benign wind conditions make the midlands a paragliding paradise. Depending on the whim of the wind, excellent paragliding can be experienced at Bulwer or you can soar with the eagles in a fixed-wing glider.

If you don’t want to fly yourself, why not experience a rush like no other under a canopy of canvass? Parachute or sky dive…. start with a static line jump and progress to no-holds barred sky diving from Pietermaritzburg Airport.

A “must-do” for the region is the Karkloof Canopy tour - a fabulous Tarzan and Jane adventure abseiling from platform to platform through the treetops!

GETTING WET

Fancy an aimless perambulation down river, or perhaps something a bit more bumpy? Why not try tubing on a variety of rivers in the area? It’s no coincidence that Pietermaritzburg is the start of one of the world’s toughest Canoe events, the three-day Dusi Canoe Marathon. Should you wish to experience the wettest and wildest white water ride of your life, make sure you book yourself a berth on a raft to take on the magnificent Umkomaas River, second only to the mighty Zambezi.

ON THE GROUND

From gentle granny-gear pedaling to downhill madness, the hilly terrain of Pietermaritzburg makes for unforgettable mountain biking. This is the reason why the city has been selected to host the first leg of the UCI Mountain Biking World Cup Series in April for the next three years.

With a drop of more than 100 metres, Howick Falls is one of the country’s premier abseiling venues. Another venue is the cliffs of the Umkomaas Valley. Highly qualified instructors offer an experience of a lifetime, from beginners to advanced ropers.

Want to climb rocks and mountains? Look no further than Pietermaritzburg as the base for your lofty ambitions. Monteseel, halfway between Pietermaritzburg and Durban presents excellent grade 1-4 climbing, while the infamous Drakensberg, less than 90 minutes away, caters for casual climbers, summit junkies and peak scalers. Why not book a professionally guided trip in an enclosed 4x4 vehicle up the spectacular Sani Pass?

Climbing to an altitude of 2874m and zigzagging beneath towering cliffs, buttresses, past waterfalls and unique flora and birdlife to the highest pub in Africa. You will be awed by the view from this unique position overlooking two kingdoms – the Kingdom of the Zulu and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

NASHUA ART IN THE PARK - MAY

Be sure to visit Nashua Art in the Park, South Africa’s premier outdoor art-selling exhibition - a five day event which is held at the end of May/ beginning of June every year. The event takes place in one of the most picturesque venues in the country, under a copse of Plane trees on the banks of the Msunduzi River in Alexander Park, Pietermaritzburg. Artists and visitors agree that the atmosphere created is wonderfully unique. Wading through the fallen leaves under the canopy of trees by day or sipping sherry next to crackling fires by night (while enjoying the mellow live music) all contribute to making the viewing and purchasing of art more pleasurable.

HILTON ART FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER

Enjoy South African theatre at its best at the Witness Hilton Arts Festival, held annually in September on the Campus of the prestigious Hilton College.  The festival offers an enviable line-up of performing art, ranging from family shows to “adult only viewing”. Be it music, cabaret, drama or comedy – the festival is sure to impress.

The international award winning Karkloof Spa in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is home to the most expansive eco-friendly spa in Africa. Magnificently set on a 3500 hectare game reserve it blends the best of the globes major spas with a uniquely African sensibility.

The health and beauty spa at Karkloof offers a tranquil but uplifting haven for those setting out on a journey to wellness and restoration. From the moment guests arrive, wildlife abounds all round, with white and black rhino grazing lazily as herds of wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and Nyala roam free in a well-protected and conserved environment.

Built to embrace the natural environment, the spa features 17 generous spa treatment rooms, all with wonderful views over the native bush and surrounding gardens. The eco-design incorporates natural materials with thatch and living roofs which invite game to graze gracefully in full view. Facilities include a glass fronted four-chair Manicure/Pedicure lounge, Moroccan flavoured Rassoul, Flotation Pool, Kneipp Therapy Pools, open-air Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam rooms and a Reflections lounge.

Choose from an exotic list of natural treatments and signature spa journeys uniquely created to uplift, revitalize and recharge your body and mind. With a team of exceptionally skilled and hand-picked Thai Therapists you are in the very best hands.In between treatments, indulge in unlimited delicious and nourishing refreshments at the Greens & Teas Spa Café.

Whether you want to sip on a steaming cup of tea, tuck into a light and healthy snack or lunch on a freshly prepared meal, you’re invited to come and go, as you like, throughout the day.Blend these natural assets with the careful attention to detail, personalised service and unfailing standards and you have an experience to be savoured by the most discerning clientele.

Karkloof Spa awards:

• Tatler Spa Award – “Most Exciting New Discovery for 2009”
• SA Tourism Welcome Award 2009 – Overall winner “Best Accommodation Provider”.
• Professional Beauty Award 2009 – “The Best Hotel/Resort Spa” 2009
• Amarula Best Retreats in Africa Award 2009 – “Leading Wellness Retreat”

Karkloof Spa facilities:

• 17 Multi-Purpose Treatment Rooms
• Authentic Thai Sala Treatment Rooms
• Moroccan Flavoured Rassoul
• Kneipp Pools ( Hot and Cold )
• Reflection Lounge - Stillness Lounge
• Floatation Pool
• Steam Room x 3
• Sauna x 3
• Combi Sauna Steam Room
• Open-air Jacuzzi
• In Door Roman Bath
• Greens & Teas Café
• Hair Studio
• Glass Fronted Pedi & Manicure Lounge

The Greens and Teas Spa Cafe

The Greens and Teas Spa Cafe offers refreshments in between spa treatments and the luncheon menu is freshly prepared and organic - a delectable celebration of flavors. Along with the extensive and locally-flavoured decadent international menu, guests may also choose from a wide selection of the very best organic gourmet Raw Food cuisine.Refreshments and lunch are included for day visitors enjoying three or more treatments or full Day Journeys.

The Karkloof Boutique Lodge near Pietermaritzburg features a wonderful outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by a wooden sun deck with sun lounge chairs set in the lush tropical garden of the Karkloof Estate in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.