Activities

Taste the soft spring water and allow the peace and serenity to refresh you. Listen to the Jackal calling from the hills and the hum of the bees deep in the forest.

In the forest, life moves at a gentler pace. Generations of visitors have experienced the soul-restoring reassurance that comes with being surrounded by the beauty of creation. It is filled with ancient trees and abundant birds and animals including Porcupine, Caracal, Bushbuck, Bush Pigs, Blue Duiker and Genets. Over 250 bird species are recorded in the Dargle and it teems with insect life, with 30 butterflies recorded in our valley.

Samango Monkeys are rare and gentle creatures and a delight to watch in the trees. They are herbivores, so cannot resist helping themselves to the contents of your fruit bowl. We have named the leader of the resident troop Rafiki.

You may be alarmed to hear a strange knocking and screeching sound from the forest at night. These are the nocturnal and seldom seen dassies (Tree Hyrax) calling – a rare treat. We are also a summer stopover spot for a pair of Yellow Billed Kites who migrate annually from Central Africa.

Determined to preserve the natural beauty of the area, Barend and Helen are active members of the Dargle Conservancy. The property is a Nature Reserve under the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme. For more about the Dargle Conservancy visit www.dargleconservancy.org.za

On the first Thursday of each month is the Kilgobbin Forest Walk from 9h00 to 11h00. Come and explore the mist-belt forest and adjacent grasslands. A donation of R20 goes to the Dargle Conservancy. Contact Barend on 082 787 0797 to book.

Experience Midmar Dam from a different vantage, from the comfort of a kayak! As you cut gently through the water, listen for the call of the Fish Eagles! Observe the nature reserve’s wildlife, such as Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Zebras and an abundance of bird life, at close range. Enjoy the fresh midlands air and appreciate the beautiful views whilst learning more about the area and ecosystem from an experienced guide, Barend Booysen. If you are really fortunate, you may even experience the annual “Carp run’, usually mid November, when many thousands of Carp venture into the shallows for the annual spawn.

An average fitness level, and an ability to swim, are a must to enjoy this adventure. Don’t be afraid of the kayaks though, they are stable enough, even for beginners! The adventure starts at 8:30am from the banks of Midmar Dam. It is R500 per person and includes the kayaks, paddles and life jackets but excludes entry fee to Midmar Dam. We recommend you dress with a swimsuit underneath and sunscreen on top! Bring along warm clothes (the wind can be nippy!), a towel and sunglasses! Kayaking really isn’t as much fun in the rain so it’s weather permitting! Booking is essential but, the only day we don’t paddle is Sunday!