Karkloof Conservancy

Karkloof Conservancy This Centre is run by members of the local community, represented by the Karkloof Conservancy. The area is rich in biodiversity and has much to offer.

Our aim is to conserve in perpetuity, the bio-diversity of the entire Karkloof area, to protect all species and their habitats, and to support long term sustainable and regenerative resource utilization for agriculture, silviculture and eco/avi-tourism. The Karkloof Conservation Centre is a unique and exciting joint venture between the Karkloof Conservancy, The Wildlands Conservation Trust, SAPPI,

Birdlife SA and the Southern KZN Birding Route. All three Crane species, and many other interesting birds visit the wetlands and dams near the bird hides on a regular basis. There are also a few antelope species, serval, caracal, mongooses, otters, and abundant frog and insect life. The public can enjoy the true splendour of the Karkloof wetlands from a comfortable seat in a beautiful bird hide where one really feels part of the natural surroundings. This project is an exemplary example of how high tech agriculture, conservation and tourism can coexist harmoniously without disturbing ecology. The office is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. An honesty box is in place for weekdays and weekends, for the early bird twitchers and wise old owls who enjoy sundowners. We have also added Zapper which allows you to visit without having to worry about bringing cash - all you have to do is scan the icon which is on display at the hides and at the Conservation centre. There is an entrance fee of R40 per adult, R25 per child (children under five years get in for free). Every Friday pensioners only pay R30. Bookings are essential from April - August for evening bookings during peak crane roosting season. Please make a booking for larger group visits, functions and if you would like to make use of our braai facilities.

Join us on the 7th of Feb for another fascinating night out discovering the life of frogs. Be sure to book soon as these...
22/01/2025

Join us on the 7th of Feb for another fascinating night out discovering the life of frogs. Be sure to book soon as these walks are very popular.

Another BRILLIANT frog walk. Thanks Charlene, Simon and Natalie for your photos.Thanks Charlene from GroundTruth for sha...
22/01/2025

Another BRILLIANT frog walk. Thanks Charlene, Simon and Natalie for your photos.
Thanks Charlene from GroundTruth for sharing your knowledge and love of frogs.

Our first frog walk of the year.Weather looks good. Only a few places left so book ASAP.
15/01/2025

Our first frog walk of the year.
Weather looks good. Only a few places left so book ASAP.

A big thank you to John Roff for sharing his expert knowledge, to all the people who attended the flower walk and to Mon...
06/01/2025

A big thank you to John Roff for sharing his expert knowledge, to all the people who attended the flower walk and to Mondi for hosting us. Pollination and the relationship between plants and insects is fascinating! Please think twice before buying and or spraying chemicals to kill insects. Everything is connected.

This flower walk is popular so be sure to book well in advance. An easy, slow stroll, about 6km along a road, up part of...
27/12/2024

This flower walk is popular so be sure to book well in advance.
An easy, slow stroll, about 6km along a road, up part of Gilboa Mountain. Looking forward to this beautiful walk with John Roff.

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday for our annual tube race.
27/12/2024

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday for our annual tube race.

Happy festive season. Come and join us on boxing day:)
23/12/2024

Happy festive season.
Come and join us on boxing day:)

We are open!
23/12/2024

We are open!

Absa Karkloof Country Club and Karkloof Conservancy AnnouncementThe Absa Karkloof Country Club is proud to announce an e...
20/11/2024

Absa Karkloof Country Club and Karkloof Conservancy Announcement

The Absa Karkloof Country Club is proud to announce an exciting agreement where the well renowned Karkloof Conservancy, will now form an integral part of the Absa Karkloof Country Club.

Within the club structures, one of the most important pillars, Our Community, that enables Education Karkloof and Improve Karkloof, will now include the Karkloof Conservancy. These will seamlessly integrate with the Karkloof Conservancy’s environmental efforts
The Absa Karkloof Country Club has a rich history of community involvement, employing over 20 full-time staff and supporting local education through its very successful Early Childhood Development Centre, that has been supported by Sappi for many years, and the incredible upgrades and new double decker bus library that Absa donated and paid for at the Yarrow School.

The Karkloof Conservancy covers an area of about 40,000 hectares and was formed in the early 80’s, by local landowners. The emphasis was to protect the rich biodiversity in the Karkloof, to promote responsible land use, encourage stewardship and regenerative environmental respect and awareness.

Charlie MacGillivray, Chairman of the Karkloof Conservancy said that since its inception, the Karkloof Conservancy has been involved in beneficial conservation, and the community. He says, “projects like No-Till farming, sequestrating carbon and fixing it in the soil by mega composting and minimal soil disturbance, has attracted many bird species not seen in 70 years. Ecological arguments have also prevented major road and powerlines construction in the Karkloof Valley”

Karkloof’s renowned MTB trails have developed over the years to now include both trail running and walking trails. Last year, the River Walk, to the Sappi Karkloof Falls was opened, and has recently been extended to the bottom of the Woodhouse Falls.

This trail network is being extended to include the “Otter Trail” North along the river to the Conservancy, and then a loop to the bird hides, on Gartmore and Loskop Farms, down an iconic avenue of 90-year-old trees. These trails will also all be interconnected. An announcement of the opening of these trails will be made shortly.
The club is working with Sappi, to have these walking trails clearly signposted and include conservation specific information, and other interesting facts along the routes. These trails are on land that is owned by Sappi and commercial farmers in Karkloof, and the club’s access to this land, for visitors’ recreational purposes, is a privilege.

All current memberships of the Karkloof Conservancy will continue as they are, and the integration process will be communicated directly to current members of the Conservancy.

The Absa Karkloof Country Club and Karkloof Conservancy are excited about the future of this agreement and the significant synergy in both conservation and the community. The new trails and access to the bird hides will add tremendous value to our combined membership and allow access to many more people.

Our frog walks have been well attended for the last 17years, so make sure you book well in advance.
20/11/2024

Our frog walks have been well attended for the last 17years, so make sure you book well in advance.

Start the year on a high note! Come and join us for an interesting flower walk with expert guide John Roff.
20/11/2024

Start the year on a high note! Come and join us for an interesting flower walk with expert guide John Roff.

This is a lovely flat walk. Can be done in rain, mist or sunshine. A great quiet getaway. Please book well in advance. ...
15/11/2024

This is a lovely flat walk. Can be done in rain, mist or sunshine. A great quiet getaway. Please book well in advance. Bookings close December 11th.

Address

Gartmore Farm, 15km Along The Karkloof Road
Howick
3290

Opening Hours

Monday 05:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 05:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 05:00 - 18:00
Thursday 05:00 - 18:00
Friday 05:00 - 18:00
Saturday 05:00 - 18:00
Sunday 05:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+27761476686

Website

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