It is rare to find a self-catering country retreat as unique and secluded as Rockwood Lodges in the Karkloof Nature Reserve. Less than two hours from Durban and five hours from Gauteng, the end of your journey takes you towards the scenic escarpment of the Karkloof. Drive through the main gates, across farm fields and grasslands, past breeding herds of Nguni cattle and you will discover our four unique lodges and cabins. The luxury Rockwood Farm House and nearby comfortable Farm Cottage are perched on the edge of Spitzkop dam, while Rockwood Forest Lodge and Rockwood Mountain Cabin are hidden deep within the indigenous forest of the Karkloof Nature Reserve on the Midlands Meander.
Luxury Farm Stays
Stay in our luxury self-catering farm units. Rockwood Farm House sleeps 8 and Rockwood Farm Cottage sleeps 4. Offering complete privacy, the two units are 25m apart and are ideal individually or for larger groups of up to 12 people. Situated in lush gardens, on a gorgeous dam, with direct and exclusive access to world class running and mountain bike trails and spectacular views of the unique Loskop mountain, Spitzkop farmland and the indigenous forest and grasslands of the Karkloof Nature Reserve. Units are serviced daily.
Cosy Forest Cabins
Karkloof Private Nature Reserve has two cosy, very remote self-catering forest cabins. Rockwood Forest Lodge sleeps 6 and Mountain Cabin sleeps 6. Forest Lodge has no wifi or cellphone reception. Mountain Cabin is an eco-friendly unit with solar and gas.4x4 or high-clearance vehicles are required to access the units. Enjoy exclusive views of the indigenous forests, waterfalls, and rivers. The units are 20 minutes apart and are serviced daily.
Trail Adventures
Rockwood is the perfect venue for the outdoor enthusiast. Create your own walking, trail running or mountain biking adventure with exclusive access to some of the country's best tracks that start at the doorstep of your unit. Walk inside indigenous forests, across grasslands, between rivers, dams, and waterfalls with endless spectacular, uninterrupted views.
Karkloof Private Nature Reserve
The Karkloof Nature Reserve and the greater Karkloof area have significant value due to their biodiversity of fauna and flora. The Reserve consists of 60% mist-belt forest and 40% mist-belt grassland with important wetland areas. It is home to one of South Africa’s largest indigenous forests, ranges in altitude from 1000m to 1767m above sea level and is home to lovely fauna and flora.
Live Like A Local
The KwaZulu Natal Midlands is characterised by beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all “shop-till-you-drop” unique arts and crafts. All this at a gentle pace, with genuine hospitality.
Guest Reviews
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A host who went out of her way to help us
The peace and quite and the surrounding natural areas were extremely pleasant. The cottage iself was comfortable and fully equipped. Our host also went out of her way
Cliff Wallace, February 2025
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We enjoyed some family time in a lovely setting!
The mountain cabin is secluded. It is clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the board games and books in the cabin. Views from the mountain are breathtaking. Crisp mornings. Lovely hikes around. Loved the backpack for picnic that is available in the cabin. Very friendly staff. Jabu who guided us to the cabin on our arrival, is a star! We received regular communication from Sue, lodge manager, who assisted in... Read this review
Maryna Reyneke , May 2025
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Warm and welcoming
Super safe, neat and very smart!They thought about every little detail for you to enjoy your stay and made you feel warm and welcome .Would definitely return
Yusuf Engar, June 2025
Durban
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Luxurious stay just far enough from Ballito.
Just fantastic.The fireplace was so cozy, large kitchen and living space! Loved the large yard, beautifully appointed interiors, and spacious rooms. Sue was a super host and all instructions were clear and she accommodated our special request. The kids loved the attic playroom with the ping-pong and foosball tables.
Lucille, September 2025
Ballito, Durban
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Birder's Paradise
It's not every day that you can view an Orange Ground Thrush from your bedroom as you wake up. The Buff-spotted Flufftails were calling in the evenings and I even heard a Spotted Eagle Owl.
Anneke van de Wetering
Rockwood Forest Lodge
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Luxury Farm House
We highly recommend Rockwood Farm House. A luxury farm house holiday which was perfect for our families. The aesthetics and luxury finishes made our stay exceptionally comfortable. We enjoyed all the spaces inside and outside. The bedrooms and bathrooms are perfectly balanced with style and comfort. Our kids had tons to do: From running around outside the massive beautiful lawn to playing in the jungle gym and the games... Read this review
Welile
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