Dargle Discoverer Trail
The Dargle Discovery is a 3-day slackpacking hike encompassing some of the best of the KZN Midland's hidden gems. Traversing privately owned land in conservancies otherwise not accessible to the public, the area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and high level of endemism. The ever-changing landscapes include highly threatened Mist-Belt Forest, Afro-Montane grassland, rolling farmlands and challenging summits.
Every season brings its own floral display including Aloes, Kniphofia (red hot pokers), Gladiolus, Hypoxis, Watsonia, Brungsvigia (river lilies) and Wahlenbergia (bell flowers).
As a 2 or 3-day trail with flexible daily distances, it is well suited to a family weekender.
- Trip Duration3 Hike Days / 3 Nights* Shorter & longer variations
- Daily DistancesDay 1: 7-10km / 5-6hrDay 2: 15km / 5-7hrDay 3: 10-15km / 5-7hrs
- Trail Grading2-3/ 5 - Fitness. A fair level of fitness is required2 -3/ 5 - Technicality. Cleared paths, but also some off-camber grassy trails (relatively well maintained), and a few vertical up and down sections.
- Trail TerrainVaries between well maintained yellowwood forest logging paths, stone terraced paths, mountain paths, ravine trails and rocky ridges
- AccommodationFarm stays & 2-3 star equivalent B&B's and rustic farm style lodges
- Logistic SupportA fully guided and catered lodge-to-lodge tour with vehicle back-up and daily luggage transfersReturn transfer provided
- Group SizePreferred min of 4 persons and max 12-14 persons per group
- PricingOn a group of 4 persons: from R5,100/pp/sharing
The upper Dargle/Impendle area, although part of the Midlands, is also considered the start of the mighty Drakensberg escarpment, and this hike combines some more rugged berg hiking with the luxury of Midland's comforts.
Given the variety of ecological niches, the Dargle valley is home to over 200 bird species including the rare Cape Parrot and White-winged Starling. Due to the protection status of this area, it is not uncommon to find highly specialised animals like the elusive Samango monkeys playing in the Cape Chestnut trees, or some of the successfully re-introduced rock dassies sunbathing in the forest fringe. Blue duiker, oribi and mountain reedbuck are also frequent visitors.
Some steep ascents and off-camber grassy trails, make this hike challenging at times. As with the Karkloof Falls2Falls, 10% of profit will go towards local conservation projects.
- Day 1Arrival Day: Late afternoon arrival in the Dargle valley
- Day 2Hike Day 1: Inhlosane Summit (7-10km /764m ascent/ 5-6hrs)
- Day 3Hike Day 2: The Heart of the Midlands (+/- 15km / 5-7hrs)
- Day 4Hike Day 3: The ancient Dargle Forest (10-15km /200m ascent/ 5-7hrs)
Farmstays & 3-4 star equivalent B&B's and Country Cottages
Bedding and towels provided
Locally sourced and almost all organic country cuisine
- Do we carry our own backpacks?
- What type of footwear is appropriate?
- What is the best time of year for this trail?
- Do you run scheduled trips?
- What are the trail highlights?
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
- KZN MidlandsDargle Discoverer Trail
3 Day / 3 Night Dargle Discoverer
Group Size | Price (PP) | |
---|---|---|
4 Persons | R5200/pp | |
5-7 Persons | R4900/pp | |
8-10 Persons | R4600/pp |
- 3 Nights Accom (sharing basis): country cottages
- Full Catering: 3 packed lunches for the hike days, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts
- Professional Hiking Guide - for all hike days. FGASA qualified to explore the fauna and fauna with you
- Hiking Permits and private Land Permissions
- Return Transfer
- Vehicle Luggage Support
- 10% of profit donation to the local conservancies