Amongst the man made forests of the Midlands, beautiful as they are, lies an even greater attraction for the lover of indigenous forestation. It is the Karkloof Forest and Nature Reserve. This area (largely on privately owned land) extends over some 930 hectares, and is categorised as mistbelt forestation. Indigenous trees found include Yellowwoods (Podocarpus Latifolius - amongst other varieties) and Stinkwoods, so named because of the strong smell of their wet timbers. Ancient cycads too abound - and it's a treat to see them thriving in their natural surroundings The area is also rich in birdlife, with some endemic species and there is a crane conservancy protecting the endangered Wattled Cranes of the area. It is estimated there are only some 230 of these birds remaining in South Africa's wilds.
A great (if pricey) way to see the forest canopy is with a commercial canopy tour experience. Not far from the better known Howick Falls, in this valley are found the Karkloof Falls, and although not as high as their near neighbour they run in considerably more pristine surroundings. We'll get to the falls, but it is the vegetation and sheer rock cliffs of the valley that will first capture your attention.
Standing close to the edge of the cliffs facing the falls, I wanted to capture the drama of the forests and the valley, the endless variety of greens, and the almost luminosity of the cycads as they seemed to glow in the noonday sun. By focussing the lens on a nearby branch the depth of field resulted in just the effect I wanted.
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