Dargle is a tiny hamlet about 15km to the north east of Midmar Dam set in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Natal Midlands. The Dargle Valley lies less than 50km, as the crow flies, from the Drakensberg Mountains. The towns of Howick, Balgowan and Nottingham Road are close by and the area forms an important part of the well known Midland Meander.
A large part of the valley is a conservancy to ensure that this magical land of rivers, waterfalls, deep gorges, indigenous forests and wetlands remains pristine. The area is a paradise for fly fishermen, hikers, mountain bikers and bird watchers. The Guduza Trust has set up an excellent cycle trail passing through forests, grasslands rivers and rock pools.
During winter the valley is often covered with snow turning it into a fairyland in total contrast to the hot humid weather in Durban only 50km away. The summers are hot and moist and heavy afternoon thunder showers are the norm.
The Dargle Family MTB Festival is held every year around the beginning of November. This is great fun for the entire family and is well worth entering.
