Activities
Snug in the mist-belt forests of the Dargle, Ferndene is just the right distance of 15 minutes by car from the nearest little town of Howick. Close enough for comfort, far enough for solitude.
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Ferndene Farm is part of the Dargle Conservancy Area, a non profit organisation that aims to conserve the beauty and biodiversity of the area for the benefit of present and future generations. We offer peace and serenity, ample green space and privacy; a country haven in the midst of the unparalleled natural beauty of the Dargle.
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Forest Bathing and Waterfalls
Slow down and move through the forest slowly, breathing in the cool air and smelling what’s around you.
Exchange your positive ions which bombard us every day in our toxic urban environments, to negative ions created near our waterfall and gurgling forest stream.
Crab catching in the stream is a firm favourite with the children!
photographer Anton Frolich
photographer Alan Manson
Bird Watching
We have a rich presence of beautiful birds in our expansive garden – of note is the Knysna Turaco (Lourie) and a variety of Robins, including the shy White - Starred Robin. Dr Austin Roberts, renown ornithologist and related to the Fannin family, stayed on this site and started his bird watching at the tender age of 10 in these forests. Our forest glade is the perfect spot to sit and watch the robins!
We have a bird list started in 1940 by the late David Fannin, of all bird species seen in the surrounding garden and forest.
Wildlife
We also have a rich diversity of wildlife.
photographer Bernard du Pont
Cape Bushbuck
Water Mongoose
Bush Pig
Oribi (Very Scarce)
Porcupine
Black Backed Jackal
Serval Cats
Caracal (Lynx)
Grey Duiker
Reed Buck
Tree Hyrax
Black Tipped Mongoose
Large Spotted Genet Cat
Rock Dassie
Blue Duiker (Very Scarce)
Scrub Hare
Cape Clawless Otter
Vervet Monkey
...and of course our famously endangered Samango Monkey!
photographer Andy Armstrong
Walks / Trail Running and Mountain Biking
Walk through the forest or to the top of the hills or take a hike to the top of the iNhlosane.
Mountain biking and trail running abound in the area, the closest being 10 minutes away at St Ives (www.stives.co.za) followed by Howick Mountain Biking (www.howickmountainbiking.co.za) and Karkloof Mountain Biking (www.karkloofmtbtrails.co.za)
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We are in the heart of the Midlands Meander and as such there is plenty to do and see and great eating spots right on our doorstep. We always have an up to date Meander magazine to browse through in the house. (www.midlandsmeander.co.za)