Private Tour
4-Day Private Natal Midlands Falls to Falls Tour
Overview
Available languages
96 hours
Mobile ticket
The Karkloof Falls2Falls 3-day slack-packing hike is an all-inclusive trek encompassing some of the most picturesque and hidden parts of the Midlands countryside. From indig-enous mist-belt forest, to pristine grasslands, pastoral vistas and eye watering panoramic views, the ever-changing scenery contains something for everyone. Highlights include traversing the forest canopy on a zip line tour, a visit to a world-class bird hide with the chance to spot the critically-endangered Wattled Crane, and an indigenous tree trail with abundant wildlife including various birds, antelope, zebra, wildebeest and other game
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Day 1 - Arrival: Self-drive drive to the trail head in the Midlands (21km from Howick) Overnight: Country Lodge
Accommodations
4-star Country lodge
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Arrival to your comfortable 4 star country lodge where you will be staying.
Day 2 -Hike through indigenous forest to Grey Mare Waterfalls and Mount Gilboa (Approx 13km)
Accommodations
4-star Country lodge
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
12 km Elevation 850m 6HRS The hike begins with a 2 km climb following ancient logging paths through the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa. This special place is home to duiker, Samango monkeys and the rare Karkloof Blue butterfly. From here we trace our way up the escarp-ment to the summit, Mt Gilboa (the highest point of the Karkloof range at 1768m) We then snake our way through indigenous forest and pristine grasslands to Grey Mare’s Falls for a picnic lunch with tremendous views overlooking the 900 HA Karkloof Nature reserve.
Day 3 -Start with a Karkloof canopy tour followed by a circular forest trail to the Karkloof Falls inc. picnic cream tea
Accommodations
4-star Country lodge
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
There is an optional early morning visit to the world-class Karkloof bird hides followed by a hearty breakfast at our Guesthouse. After breakfast guests will then make their way up the road to the Karkloof canopy tours to glide through the Karkloof forest canopy along a series of well secured ziplines. With entertaining, well-trained guides, there is plenty of time to rest and admire the unique fauna and flora from a series of elevated platforms offering an extraordinary perspective of the forest. Setting off from the canopy tours, we trail through beautiful cool forest in time for some well-earned cream-teas.
Day 4- Hike along the Umgeni gorge to the magnificent Howick Falls, inc. picnic lunch
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
The final day’s hike takes us on an indigenous tree trail with spectacular views overlooking the mighty uMngeni gorge below. uMngeni Valley is home to giraffe, Zebra, antelope and 270 species of birds, with our trail offering plenty of look-out points to admire this unspoilt tran-quillity. Keep your eyes and ear open and your camera primed for some special encounters. It is with heavy legs but dancing hearts, our journey comes to an end overlooking the cascading waters of the iconic Howick Falls.
Options
4-Day Private Natal Midlands Falls to Falls Tour
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Karkloof
iansA7779GM,,Jun 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the walk along the Umgeni river valley; the dramatic Karkloof Falls; the excellent bird life and the truly superb meals at Thistledown Lodge. To be honest, we did not really know what to expect but the Karkloof and Spekboom Tours really did deliver a marvellous weekend ‼️‼️‼️ Thank you Julia .. an very interesting and interested guide .. your many lovely personal touches made this so much fun 🤩
Fantastic slack packing experience.
PeachtreeBLP,,Apr 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Julia again did a fantastic job, she realy looked after us and could not do enough for us. The accommodation and food at Thisteldown we outstanding, could not have had better food in a 5 star hotel. Highly recommended....thank tou Julia and Norma.
Well organised, spectacular multi - day hike
Ingmac110,,Jan 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Julia's fun, informative and perfectly planned hikes, in some of the most picturesque areas in the midlands, are definitely recommended for the adventure seeker who enjoys a touch of luxury. Filled with Personal touches, there is no wonder she receives plenty of repeat business. Her home made breakfast muesli, and healthy snacks on route are a real treat.
Magical getaway
CathLan,,Jan 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most wonderful couple of days in the Midlands with Julia of Spekboom Tours. She curated a collection of hikes over three days in the Karkloof and Dargle areas that covered various types of terrain (forest, hills, climbs, wide open spaces, waterfalls). Julia adjusted the itinerary according to conditions (mud, rain, mist) and our group’s wishes. There were delightful treats and surprises along the way. Julia is a knowledgeable and experienced guide who is also great to chat to. The accommodation on offer was top class (the food!) and the Karkloof Canopy Tour was a fantastic addition to the trip. Definitely worth it!
Nature Wonderland
Juneliebenberg,,Jan 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a special trip with excellent food, beautiful views and special friends. Loved it. Julia very knowledgeable.
Fantastic experience & professional guide
Lisa G,,Jan 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spekboom Tours have a superb selection of hikes and this one is divine! Julia is really knowledgeable and engaging as a guide. I can highly recommend Spekboom and this hike.
The Best Way to get to know the Magical KZN Midlands
bridgetr186,,Jan 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is one of a few Spekboom tours i have done and found this one to be incredibly unique - for getting a real feel of the spectacular midlands. The days of hiking were wonderfully varied and challenging but not overly so. I personally loved the variety of biodiversity we walked through. Julia's knowledge and enthusiasm for the area is contagious. I learned alot in terms of history, nature and plants. Added to this was the delicious food, being vegetarian i had no issues as plant-based food is another feather in Spekbooms cap - utterly delicious!
Slackpacking at its best!
DurbanActiveAlison,,Jan 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did my first slackpacking hike with Spekboom Tours. I loved it so much I quickly signed up for everyone on the calendar and told my mates. I could not fault anything - brilliant walking, food, accommodation. Julia is a very special hike leader. Highly experienced and very knowledgeable. She adds a special touch to her hikes.
Related Experiences
Operated by Spekboom Tours