Rockwood Lodges are spread across the private Karkloof Nature Reserve and Spitzkop Farm in KwaZulu Natal and consists of 4 very different lodges in 4 very different locations across these two properties.
Rockwood Forest Lodge and Rockwood Mountain Lodge are situated within the reserve itself and are approximately 25 minutes drive apart. These two lodges are only accessible by 4x4 and a transfer to your lodge can be arranged for you.
Rockwood Farm Cottage and Rockwood Farm House are situated upon a tranquil Midlands farm, called Spitzkop and are about 25m apart.
Accommodation at Rockwood Lodges
Accommodation ranges from large 6 - 8 sleeper units which are rented out on a “per unit per night” basis or the slightly smaller 4 sleeper Farm Cottage which is rented out on a “per person per night” basis.
Rockwood Forest Lodge is located on the banks of a stream within the forest and is electrified. This is ideal for a group of up to 8 people who want to escape city life completely!
Rockwood Mountain Lodge 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. The perfect spot for families with kids that need space to run wild!
Both these lodges contain the following:
- 3 bedrooms, 2 or 3 bathrooms for 6 to 8 guests (one king size, 4 to 6 single beds)
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, microwave (Rockwood Forest Lodge only) and cutlery and crockery for 6 - 8 people.
- Fireplace in sitting room (Rockwood Forest Lodge 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 (Rockwood Forest Lodge only).
- Large entertainment deck .
- Supply of reference books on the fauna and flora.
- iPod docking station.
- DSTV (selected channels only) and Blu Ray DVD player (selected titles available) - Rockwood Forest Lodge only.
- 4 x 4 access for last 8km during wet weather or high clearance vehicles in drier months are required.
- No cell phone access inside the lodge.
Rockwood Farm Cottage is situated upon a typical Midlands farm and most suited for the smaller family looking for something remote enough to get away from it all, but central enough to Howick and the rest of the Meander Route.
It contains the following:
- 2 bedrooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms for 4 guests (one king size, 2single beds).
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 4 - 6 people.
- DSTV (selected channels only).
- iPod docking station.
- 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.
- Large entertainment deck .
Rockwood Farm House has recently been added to our portfolio of properties. Massive open windows and sliding doors allow you the opportunity to drink in all of Nature from the privacy of your own room.
It contains the following:
- 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms for 8 guests (one king size, 6 single beds)
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven, microwave and cutlery and crockery for 8 - 10 people.
- Fireplace in sitting room. Firewood provided.
- Jetmaster in TV lounge.
- DSTV on 32” Plasma Screen and Blu Ray DVD player (selected titles and channels available) in TV Lounge.
- DSTV (selected channels available) on 57cm TV in Attic.
- 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.
- Large entertainment deck .
- Supply of reference books on the fauna and flora.
The units are cleaned twice daily. No cooking is included. We do provide a limited laundry service upon request.
There are several restaurants in the area and we will gladly assist with reservations.
Water
The water is perfectly safe to drink. It is taken direct from the steam running past the Lodge, well above any possible contamination sources. Occasionally, especially after heavy rains, the water may be murky. These suspended solids pose no health threat.
Cellphone Reception
Permanent reception at the Farm Cottage and House. Intermittent cell phone reception is available at Forest and Mountain Lodges. To get better reception, use your phone in a car kit, or drive to the edge of the indigenous forest.
No Malaria
There is no malaria risk in the area.
Rockwood is situated within the Karkloof Nature Reserve and on Spitzkop Farm of the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa on the well-known Midlands Meander route. 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 and 40% mist-belt grassland and ranges from 1000m to 1767m above sea level. This results in a significant number of endemic and near-endemic species of fauna and flora.
The area is home to many local farmers who supply the Karkloof Farmer’s Market and Piggly Wiggly, the famous ABSA Karkloof Club, the SAPPI Karkloof Trail Festival, the Karkloof Conservancy and the Karkloof Canopy Tour to name a few.
The famous Karkloof Canopy Tours next door is a thrilling way to learn more about our forests while hanging 40m above the ground.
The Karkloof is a world class mountain biking and trail running area. The area host numerous yearly events including The ABSA Karkloof Classic, the 3 Cranes Challenge, the 100-Miler, the Midmar Mile and the Comrades Marathon.
The Karkloof Conservation Centre for bird lovers is well worth a visit with a number of hides.
Benvie Gardens have sensational reviews.
There are a number of local restaurants and coffee shops within a 20min drive of the farm including The Mushroom Farm, the Saturday morning local Karkloof Farmer’s Market, Troubadour and Fable.
Piggly Wiggly, Ardmore and many other destinations on the Midlands Meander are a scenic car adventure away.
The farm has over 40km of well-maintained single track for mountain biking, hiking and trail running; dams and natural pools for fishing and swimming.
Birdwatching can offer some excellent rewards including the more elusive Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Crested Guinea Fowl and the Crowned Eagle.
- There are numerous self-guided hiking, MTB and running trails in the reserve.
- Guided Mountain Biking tours with the developer of the Karkloof Classic Race trails can be arranged.
- Trout and bass fishing is possible in the Godwini Dam. Please bring your own fishing equipment.
- Trees and bird books are available in the lodges.
- The area has numerous waterfalls.
- Lodges are equipped with indoor and outdoor games.
- Children`s Play Area (with Jungle Gym and Trampoline).
Weather varies throughout the year so come prepared.
Please ensure that you are well equipped with the correct shoes, sunscreen and communication for any outdoor activities. No helmet, no ride.
The Weather in the Karkloof is a year-round delight.
Nestled in the rolling hills of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the Karkloof enjoys
a beautiful climate that changes with the seasons.
The air is fresh, the light is soft, and the colours change from greens to
yellows between summer and winter.
Summer (November – March) is warm, lush, and alive with
birdsong. Days can be very hot, often accompanied by refreshing afternoon
showers. Evenings are generally comfortable.
Autumn (April – May) is especially magical in the Karkloof.
Days are mild, sunny, and calm, with crisp mornings and golden
afternoons—perfect for outdoor exploration and limited rainfall.
Winter (June – August) days are often sunny and
bright, while nights can be cold and occasionally frosty.
Spring (September – October) weather can be
unpredictable, usually warming but occasionally brings snow!
Guests can enjoy warm, sunlit summers with daytime highs of about 25–29°C and mild nights (17–20°C), wonderfully temperate spring and autumn days (22–26°C) with cool evenings, and clear, peaceful winters where sunny days reach 20–23°C while nights drop to a crisp 6–10°C.
This is not a malaria area.
- 5% cancellation fee if cancelled more than 30 days prior to arrival.
- 50% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival.
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 7 days prior to arrival or no show.
- Should cancelled accommodation be resold, cancellation fees shall be refunded less a 10% handling charge.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Booking & Payment Terms
On receipt of your reservation, a pro?forma invoice will be emailed to you. All amounts are quoted in ZAR and include VAT unless stated otherwise. Rates exclude tourism levies or additional taxes. Please review your invoice carefully and pay the required deposit to confirm your booking.
Payment may be made via the secure payment link on the SA Places website or EFT using the bank details provided. Kindly email proof of payment quoting your booking number and surname as reference.
Final payment is due 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to arrival
are free of charge. Cancellations within 7 days of arrival incur a 50%
charge, and cancellations within 72 hours, no-shows or early departures are
charged in full.
As we operate a small office, we appreciate your patience while refunds are processed.
Amendments & Date Changes
Booking dates may be changed subject to availability. No
amendment fees apply; however, any increase in rates between the original
booking dates and the revised dates will be payable by the guest.
Force Majeure
From time to time, circumstances beyond our control may
arise, including extreme weather, power outages, natural events, or government
restrictions. While we will always act reasonably and in good faith, we cannot
be held responsible for disruptions caused by such events. Bookings may be
postponed, credited, or cancelled at management’s discretion, and refunds
cannot be guaranteed.
Privacy & Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us. Any personal information
shared is used solely to manage your booking and ensure a smooth stay.
Information is handled securely and never shared unlawfully. We comply fully
with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.
Complaints & Dispute Resolution
We want every guest to leave feeling restored and happy.
Should anything not meet your expectations, please notify management as soon as
possible during your stay so we may assist. Matters raised after departure may
be difficult to resolve.
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and all disputes fall under South African jurisdiction.
Right to Refuse Service
To preserve the tranquillity and safety of the farm and
nature reserve, management reserves the right to refuse accommodation or
terminate a stay should house rules be disregarded, or if behaviour is unsafe,
disruptive, or unlawful.
From Durban:
Take N3 from Durban to Howick
Take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar (Karkloof Reserve) turn-off.
TURN RIGHT across N3 towards Howick on Prospect Road / R103 (signs for Howick).
Travel 2km on and TURN LEFT on Main Road.
Continue for about 1.8km.
TURN RIGHT onto the Karkloof Road (in the centre of Howick, at the SupaQuick Tyres).
After 13km TURN LEFT to Curry’s Post onto a gravel road.
After 3.5km TURN RIGHT onto D815 to Karkloof Reserve West.
CONTINUE for 4.5km through the Rockwood gate (enter your code to open), and over a wooden bridge.
Lodges are sign-posted on the farm or TURN RIGHT to ROCKWOOD OFFICE to sign-in and receive directions.
From Johannesburg:
Take N3 to Howick from Johannesburg.
Take Exit 114 (Lions River).
TURN LEFT onto D369 towards Curry’s Post on the gravel road (Karkloof Reserve sign).
After 3.2km TURN RIGHT towards Howick on tar road (Karkloof Reserve).
After 3.5km TURN LEFT towards the Karkloof on gravel road (Karkloof Reserve).
After 6.6km CONTINUE straight across the crossroad to Karkloof Reserve West (D815).
CONTINUE for 4.5km through the Rockwood gate (enter your code to open), and over a wooden bridge.
Lodges are sign-posted on the farm or TURN RIGHT to ROCKWOOD OFFICE to sign-in and receive directions.
Children of all ages are welcome. There are unfenced dams and rivers that are not suitable for people and children who cannot swim.
