Rockwood Forest Lodge is situated within the Karkloof Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal interior of South Africa. The Reserve is a joint venture between Moyana Leisure and KZN Wildlife.

The 4-star lodges offer luxury self-catering accommodation to those who appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of an indigenous African forest. Bushbuck, Blue Duiker and Samango monkeys are frequent camp visitors.

Birdwatching on the forest fringes can offer some excellent rewards. Some of the more elusive species found are the Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Crested Guinea Fowl and the Crowned Eagle.

For the adventurous, there are a number of activities including mountain biking, fishing, swimming (in natural pools) or the famous Karkloof Canopy Tour, which offers a thrilling way to learn more about our forests while hanging 40m above the ground.

There are currently two self-catering, fully serviced, luxury Lodges open to the public:

Lodge 1 is located on the banks of a stream within the forest and is electrified.

Lodge 4, about 20 min from Lodge 1, is located on the edge of a natural clearing in the forest. Due to its remote location, it makes use of solar power for lighting and gas for all other requirements.

Both Lodges contain the following:

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms for 6 to 8 guests (one king size, 6 single beds).
• Fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, microwave (lodge 1 only) and cutlery and crockery for 10 people.
• Fireplace in sitting room (lodge 1 only). Firewood provided.
• Heaters in all bedrooms.
• Insect repellent in all bedrooms.
• Soap and shampoo in bathrooms.
• Towels, linen, duvets and blankets provided.
• Tea, coffee, salt, pepper provided.
• Kettle in each room (lodge 1 only).
• Large entertainment deck.
• Supply of reference books on the fauna and flora.

Farm Cottage is located adjacent to the nature reserve on Spitzkop Farm. Not suitable for children who can't swim. There is a fence.

• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom for 2 adults and 2 children (one king size, 2 single beds).
• Fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 6 people.
• Gas and oil heaters.
• DSTV.
• Heaters in all rooms.
• Insect repellent in all bedrooms.
• Soap and shampoo in bathrooms.
• Towels, linen, duvets and blankets provided.
• Tea, coffee, salt, pepper provided.
• Entertainment deck.
• Situated on beautiful dam with stunning views.

Farm House is located adjacent to the nature reserve on Spitzkop Farm on a dam next to the Farm Cottage. Not suitable for children who can't swim as it is on a dam with no fence. Stunning views.

• Sleeps 8: main bedroom with king size en-suite, 2 singles can be converted to king with bathroom en-suite, 2 singles, 2 singles (pink girls' room) sharing a bathroom.
• All 3 bathrooms have shower and bath.
• Fully equipped open plan kitchen, lounge, dining room to entertainment area and dam.
• Fridge/freezer, oven, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 12 people.
• Separate scullery.
• Second lounge / family room.
• Jetmaster in lounge and family room.
• Attic / ping pong table.
• Gas and oil heaters.
• Guest toilet.
• Insect repellent in all bedrooms.
• Soap and shampoo in bathrooms.
• Towels, linen, duvets and blankets provided.
• Tea, coffee, salt, pepper provided.
• Entertainment verandahs and ampitheatre to dam for swimming, canoeing, fishing and tubing.

Accommodation at Rockwood Forest Lodge is fully equipped for self-catering. There are however several very good restaurants in the area:

• Thistledown Country House
• Shafton Guest House
• Yellowwoods Café (Howick)
• The Corner Post (Howick)
• Alternatively, consult the Midlands Meander brochure provided.

The Karkloof Nature Reserve was created in 1983 when Timothy Hancock entered into a long-term lease with the Natal Parks Board (now Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), where the 410ha Rockwood Farm was leased to the NPB for R1.00 per year, the intention being to offer some sort of protection to a highly threatened area.

The greater Karkloof area has been identified as having significant value due to its biodiversity and has been earmarked for conservation by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Currently, the reserve consists of about 60% mist-belt forest / 40% mist-belt grassland and ranges from 1000m to 1767 m above sea level. This results in a significant number of endemic and near-endemic species of fauna and flora, including the Karkloof Blue butterfly (Orachrysops ariadne), and a sub-species of crested guinea fowl.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: The Karkloof is excellent mountain biking country. Every year there are about 10 MTB races in the greater area with the main event being the Karkloof Classic held in May each year. Guided tours from 2 to 8 people can be organised. We have an extensive knowledge of the area and will customise the ride to suit your needs, with or without vehicle backup or catering.

KARKLOOF CANOPY TOUR: Tsitsikama Canopy Tours have set up a tour within the Karkloof Forest. As the tour commences within our reserve, we have been able to secure special rates for our guests. The tour offers a thrilling way to learn more about our forests while hanging 40m above the ground, suspended from a cable.

FISHING: Trout and bass fishing is possible in the Godwini Dam, on your way to Unit 1. In addition there are several fishing weirs within the Reserve. Follow the signs to Karkloof East (Lodge 4). Access with four-wheel-drive only. Please bring your own fishing equipment.

SWIMMING: There are several splash pools in the river around Unit 1. The weirs are excellent for swimming at Unit 4.

TREE SPOTTING: We have marked many of the tree species at Unit 1. Utilize some of the books provided to test your knowledge. A short 2.5km trail has been set up in the Eastern side of the reserve. Follow the signs to Karkloof East (Lodge 4) and then look for the sign to Tree Trail.

BIRDING: Birding on the forest fringes can offer some excellent rewards to birders. Some of the more elusive species found are the Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Crested Guinea Fowl and the Crowned Eagle.

GAME VIEWING: There is limited game viewing within the Reserve. In the mornings you are likely to see bushbuck (nkonka) grazing around the lodge. These timid animals are found throughout the forest. Morning visitations from the gregarious Samango monkeys and blue duiker (impithi) are likely.

HIKING AND WATERFALLS: There are numerous self-guided trails in the reserve. Plans are currently well advanced to extend the trails to the Karkloof Falls and ultimately through to the Howick Falls. Some of the trails are steep but all can be attempted by a moderately fit person. The Karkloof area has numerous waterfalls.

• All rates include VAT.
• The above rates are a guideline. Please enquire for current rates.
• Over certain weekends and public holidays a minimum 2 night stay might be required.
• The Farm House requires a booking period of a minimum of 7 days.
• Moyana Leisure reserves the right to amend the published rates without notice.