Walking in the Karkloof

The Karkloof Conservancy offers a variety of guided walks each month. Check the upcoming events on our calendar to see what’s available. Or email us for more info: conservancy@karkloof.co.za

THE YARROW WALK – SELF GUIDED

The Yarrow Walk is on private land, on a working farm, which means it is only open on selected week days. Email us to find out when the walk is next open conservancy@karkloof.co.za

The office is open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-4pm. So please be patient with response time. 

Banking details:                                                           

Karkloof Tourism t/a Karkloof Conservation Centre

Account No: 62045693860                FNB Howick 220725

Reference:  your surname and the booking ref code 

Please see information about the walk below.

WALKERS PLEASE NOTE:  You are on private property. This is a working farm and a conservation area.

Please stay on the path and or road, do not wander off and do not drink from the river.

Let us respect the birds and animals in their natural habitat. This is their home and you are a guest.  Do not approach the Cranes or any other bird or animal.

Let’s keep our noise levels down and not litter. NO DOGS. Not even on leash. Also no fires are permitted. Be careful of cars, trucks and tractors etc on the road.

Wear suitable clothing, take your own hat and water. Follow the arrows.

YOUR VISIT WILL BE ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN HEALTH RISK AND WE TRUST YOU UNDERSTAND THIS CAUTION. 

Your support helps us maintain the facilities we love to share with others. Thank you.

If you haven’t been here before. Our office is located 15km up the Karkloof road, on the right hand side. At the entrance to Gartmore Farm. 

In case of Emergency phone Charlie: 082 809 2590 or Jacquie 083 4093 278

Please ensure you sign in the indemnity form and register. On your way in and out so we know you have returned safely.

HIKING TRAIL INFO

YARROW FALLS WALK –  Long Version            Approx 10.6km

Cost: R60pp Adult. R30 for children under 12 years

Directions: Park your vehicle at the Karkloof Conservation Centre and sign in. Walk down the grass path, parallel to the Avenue of Liquid Amber trees. When this path comes to an end wonder onto the dirt road that leads you down towards the river. Cross over the bridge and walk towards the first homestead. About 2.9km from the Gartmore farm gate.

Just past (a few meters) the entrance to the first house on your left (do not go further than the 1st house), you  will see a paddock gate with a small white triangular arrow and a sign that says Yarrow Walk. Go into this paddock (if gate is open please leave it open and if closed, please leave it closed) and follow the dirt road/track down to the small stream, through the glade of trees. Stay on this dirt track and when it forks at the LONE TREE keep right. Follow the little white triangle markers along the grassy dirt road through/along the side of the field, down to the river.

Walk along the path parallel to the river, until you get to the Yarrow falls. Careful here it is very rocky. There may be hidden rocks in the grass. This is where you can enjoy the river and your picnic.

Walk back the same way.

Route Description: Predominately flat, meandering farm roads, dirt tracks and grass paths. There are a few rocks to look out for around the river/falls area. This is a working farm so the shale road can get quite busy with trucks and tractors. Take care. Do not drink from the river.

Difficulty rating: Farm/field road uneven ground (bring a walking stick if need be), little to no shade. Easy to moderate, no hiking experience needed. But you need to be fit enough to do 10km.

No water – carry your own water, bring hat. Very little shade.

YARROW FALLS WALK – Short Version            Approx 4km

Cost: R60pp R30 for children under 12 years

Difficulty rating: Farm/field road uneven ground (so bring a walking stick if need be), little to no shade. Easy, no hiking experience needed. Bring your own water and a hat. Do not drink from the river.

 Directions: Drive down the Ave of Liquid Amber trees, towards the river. Cross over the bridge and look for the first homestead on your left. Approx 2.9km from the Farm Gate. Just past the first house (do not go to the 2nd house) you will see a paddock gate with a small white triangle and a sign that says Yarrow Walk.  Park your car here inside the paddock (not in front of the gate). If the gate is open please leave it open and if it is closed, please leave it closed. No cars to drive past this point. Follow the small white triangles.

Follow the road/dirt track down to the small stream, through the glade of trees. Stay on this road and when it forks keep right at the lone tree. Keep right. Follow the road through/along the edge of the field, down to the river.

Walk along the path parallel to the river until you get to the Yarrow falls. Be careful here it is very rocky. There may be hidden rocks in the grass. This is where you can enjoy the river and your picnic.

Walk back the same way.