Trail Details

The trail is located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, in the Dargle Valley

Howick

The trail is not far off the N3 with Howick being the closest hub. For group bookings, a shuttle can be arranged from Durban or self-drive.

Option 1: 3 nights / 3 days of hiking
Additional days accommodation and hiking in the area can be arranged.

Start:

Starting GPS points for Mount Park Guestfarm or Lemonwood Cottages
GPS: 29˚48'64.07 S / 30˚05'35.22 E
Finish: As above

Hike area: Nhlosane
GPS: 29˚53’96.27 S / 29˚95’23.48 E

Day 1: 7-10 km     Day 2: 15 km     Day 3: 14 km

On a grading of grading of Easy-Moderate-Strenuous

This trail should be regarded as moderate with short strenuous sections. There are some steep climbs, with some easy rock scrambling.

A fair level of hiking fitness required. 

The terrain varies between well maintained Yellowwood forest logging paths, stone terraced paths, mountain paths, ravine trails and rocky ridges

Farm stays & 2-3 Star equivalent B&B's and Rustic Farm style lodges

This is a fully catered & supported trail. 

Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included, own supply can be transported.

This is a vehicle supported trail, fully guided trail.

Comfortable lodges, log-fires & healthy, local and ethically sourced country cuisine, spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the Dargle and Lidgetton Valley, challenging summits, flower spotting and ancient Yellowwood forests

Birding, Flyfishing & Wild Flowers, Horse-Riding, Mountain Biking, Midlands Meander Art and Crafts

This highly endangered and fragmented Mist-Belt grassland and forest region is considered by the World conservation Union to be one of the 5 rich floral regions in Africa. It boasts a wide selection of special trees and plants including ancient Yellowwoods, Lemonwood, Red Stink Wood and Cape Chestnuts. Grassland flower displays a splash of seasonal colour and include Gladiolus, Watsonia, Snake Lily, Orchids and Candelabra Flowers. Good chance of seeing ungulates – oribi, reedbuck, Grey duiker. Other mammals include Samango monkeys, jackal, porcupine, serval and rock and tree dassie also often seen.

The relative altitude has a moderating effect on summer temperature with day time temperatures seldom exceeding 30 degrees C. Summer nights can be cool > 15 degrees C. The rainy season is in Summer ( November to February)

Winter days are warm and dry, often above 20 degree C with night temperatures 1-10 Degrees C. Occasionally there is a small scattering of snow in surrounding higher altitude areas.Winter days are warm and dry, often above 20 degree C with night temperatures 1-10 Degrees C. Occasionally there is a small scattering of snow in surrounding higher altitude areas.Winter days are warm and dry, often above 20 degree C with night temperatures 1-10 Degrees C. Occasionally there is a small scattering of snow in surrounding higher altitude areas.

All year round. In late Spring and Summer, light mist and drizzle is to be expected. Whilst days are shorter in winter because the weather is more stable and pleasantly warm. Spring & Summer are the best months for wild flowers. March–May and Sept–Nov are particularly good months for hiking. No scheduled hikes are planned in the winter months when they burn the grasslands (June to August)

Minimum 4 persons – maximum 12 to 14 persons for single groups

Price varies based on group size, but on  10-12 persons R4200 pp

3 Nights Accom (per person sharing basis)
Full Catering: 3 packed/picnic/restaurant lunches for the hike days and 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts at the accommodation
Hiking Guide – a qualified nature guide to explore the fauna and fauna with you on the trail
Hiking Permits and land permissions for the 3 hike day
10% donation to local conservation projects

Price excludes:
Travel and health insurance
Own alcoholic and sports drinks
Travel to and from the Trail head

Spekboom Tours