The KZN Midlands, and the Karkloof in particular, has a colourful history.

The area played host to two prominent historical figures. One being the “Father of the Nation.” The other, to this day, a relative unknown.

On 5 August 1962, just outside Howick al0ng the R103, Nelson Mandela, today widely known to be the Father of the Nation, was arrested and captured. The Rivonia trial soon followed and he was sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment at Robben Island. Today, guests can travel to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site where the historical day is marked with a extraordinary sculpture and museum.

Before the Wright Brothers had even thought about flying, John Goodman Houshold took a few practice runs in our very own Karkloof! Between 1871 and 1875, Goodman Houshold launched at least two flights from den Magtenburg, just outside Spitzkop Farm. What a pity his name will never be as synonomous with flight as that of the famed Wright Brothers.