Home
e-mail

 
 

OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To support sustainable resource utilization, and to conserve wildlife and their habitats in the Balgowan Conservancy for the benefit of present and future generations by stimulating interest and active participation among all residents of the community through communication and education.

ECO - TOURISM

The Kwazulu Natal Midlands is an ecotourism paradise, and the Balgowan Conservancy is situated in the heart of the Midlands and boasts some of the most beautiful countryside and wilderness areas.

Balgowan has many well established, thriving natural and man-made ecosystems such as wetlands, rivers, dams, veld, indigenous mistbelt grassland and mistbelt forest. These habitats are home to a multitude of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and fish. Balgowan is truly a biodiversity hotspot! This rich biodiversity coupled with spectacular rolling hillsides make Balgowan the perfect environment for low impact, sustainable ecotourism.

The conservancy is aware that tourism plays a critical role in conservation and together with the local community it has developed several exciting ecotourism activities in the area.

Birding
With millions of birders around the world seeking new and exciting places to bird watch, South Africa has much to offer. Avitourism adds economic value to the birds and their habitats, thereby creating an economically sustainable environment.

Balgowan is one of the participants of the Midlands Birding Route which forms part of the Southern KZN Birding Route. Other participating conservancies in the Midlands Birding Route include the Dargle, Karkloof, and Boston . The Midlands Birding Route currently has 13 sites, 3 of which are to be found in Balgowan. The birding sites in Balgowan offer birders a variety of habitats such as wetlands, dams, rivers, grassland and mistbelt forest. Some the special birds found in Balgowan include the Cape Parrot , Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Half Collared Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco, Olive Bush Shrike, Narina Trogon, Crowned Crane, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Grass Owl and African Fish Eagle. The "Birds of Balgowan Bird List", compiled by Michaelhouse pupils and teachers lists 249 species.

To find out more about the birding sites in Balgowan or the Midlands Birding Route and the Southern KZN Route contact Matthew Drew on 033-234-4486 (home), 082-325-3514 (cell) or email to skzn@birdlife.org.za

The Balgowan birding sites and contact details are as follows:

Site: Contact, Telephone, Website/email

  • Caversham Hall - Yvonne Thompson - 033-234-4091
  • Terlings Farm - 033-234-4319
  • Beacon Vlei - Matthew Drew - 033-234-4486 - www.beaconvlei.co.za

Mountain Biking
Balgowan's mountain biking trails weave their way through beautiful mistbelt grasslands, indigenous forest and plantations and allow riders spectacular views over the Midlands . Various antelope species such as Bushbuck, Reedbuck and Duiker are regularly sighted whilst riding.

Most of the trails traverse private property and environmentally sensitive areas and it is therefore necessary for riders to be accompanied by a guide. Bicycle Tours SA provides a professional guiding service to ensure the best mountain biking experience possible. Bicycle Tours SA can also provide quality mountain bikes as part of their guided rides. In addition to the Balgowan trails there are many other very special trails in the neighbouring districts of Curry's Post, Karkloof, Lidgetton and the Dargle. To book contact Paul Rencken at Bicycle Tours SA on 082-493-5263 or 033-330-3767.

The following accommodation establishments welcome mountain bikers and will be happy to assist you plan your mountain biking holiday in Balgowan and the KZN Midlands:

Establishment Contact, Tel, Website/email

Beacon Vlei: Alexander Drew 033-234-4486 www.beaconvlei.co.za

Fly Fishing

- Trout

The picturesque still waters of Balgowan are home to some very healthy bass, rainbow and brown trout. In 1965 the Natal record rainbow trout was caught in one of these dams by a Michaelhouse boy. The fish weighed 10.1 pounds! This is a good indicator of what the waters in the area can produce.

The following guest farms and accommodation establishments provide fly fishing for trout on site to guests staying overnight:

Establishment Contact, Tel, Website/email

- Yellow Fish

This increasingly popular indigenous sport fish can be caught in the Lions and Mpofana rivers which meander through Balgowan and Caversham valleys.

The following guest farms and accommodation establishments provide fly fishing for yellow fish on site to guests staying overnight:

Establishment Contact, Tel, Website/email

Caversham Mill Manor & Country Cottages: Terry Acres - 033-234-4524

© Copyright Balgowanconservancy.co.za