Dotted along the length of the Drakensberg World Heritage site, in the foothills, are nature reserves run by Ermzvelo, the KZN Parks Board. Some have rest camps with simple fully contained self-catering huts/chalets. Some have camping sites. All have well maintained trails for hiking.
Kamberg Nature Reserve
The reserve takes its name from a nearby mountain shaped like a rooster’s comb. (In Afrikaans “die haan se kam”).
An attractive 6300 hectares (63sq kms) high altitude reserve dotted with dams and with the Mooi River running through it. There are expansive grasslands & rocky hills, with hikes to waterfalls. This is ‘little Berg’ scenery. The area is famed for trout fishing, San rock art and scenic hiking.
The rest camp has attractive thatched huts with lovely views and the office is where you obtain your fly fishing permit. Phone: 033 267 7251
Trout Fishing
Both trout and bass fishing are popular. The Kamberg Trout Hatchery, introduced in the early 1900s, was built to breed brown trout and later rainbow trout for release into nearby rivers and dams. The Mooi River and surrounding streams’ clean, cold waters were ideal for sustaining trout populations.
The Kamberg Nature Reserve further helped protect key habitats to support the trout fishery by maintaining water quality and conserving the surrounding grass and wetlands. Africa’s oldest trout fishing contest takes place here each June. (The Kamberg Trout Festival)
San Rock Art
Game Pass Shelter, rich with highly significant San rock art was instrumental in enabling us to decipher the meanings of many of the San polychromatic images… the Rosetta stone of San art. See San Rock Art.
Hiking
“Aasvoëlkrans Cave Trail
Distance: Moderate | Overnight option
This popular hike leads you to a cave that can be used for overnight shelter (with prior booking). Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Drakensberg escarpment and likely spot birds of prey—”Aasvoël” means vulture in Afrikaans.
Caracal Cave Trail
Distance: Moderate to Strenuous | Overnight
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, this trail rewards with high-altitude vistas and a chance to spend the night in a cave nestled in the mountains.
Mount Lebanon & Cleopatra Mountain Trails
Distance: Variable | Day hike
These lesser-known trails are perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and experience the unique flora, mountain streams, and quiet charm of the Drakensberg highlands.
Kamberg Rock Art Hike to Game Pass Shelter
Distance: Easy | Half-day hike
A scenic and family-friendly trail that ends with some of the most significant San paintings in Southern Africa.
Mooi River Trail
Distance: 4 km | Easy
Follow the meandering path along the Mooi River, where bird calls echo across the valley. This trail is ideal for photographers and wildlife watchers.
Emaweni Falls & Gladstone’s Nose
Distance: Moderate | Half-day hikes
These trails offer not only stunning natural scenery but also a glimpse into the past. Along the way, you’ll encounter panoramic lookouts and traces of ancient cultures”
One of the locations-Kamberg...
Game Pass Shelter, Kamberg, Ce...
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, ...
