Things to do near
Kamberg Nature Reserve
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Drakensberg (8.2 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Kramberg Valley trail is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. It passes through farmlands and forests and is between two to three hours long.
On the trail you can expect to see plenty of wildlife and bird life. The Drakensberg is an excellent place for both beginners and experienced riders to explore the magnificent Kamberg countryside on horseback.
Nature Reserves
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Drakensberg (10.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Kamberg Nature Reserve is located on the foothills of the mountains in the Natal Drakensberg Park. There are many picnic sites near the river, trout dams, and well-maintained walks, one of which is handicap friendly.
The self-guided and guided trails pass through the surrounding areas of the 'Little Berg' and along the Mooi River. There is also a rock art shelter with original Bushman rock art. The San people inhabited the area before they encountered violent clashes with the white settlers and the Nguni tribes.
Wildlife in the reserve includes reedbuck, blesbok, black wildebeest, grey rhebuck, eland, duiker, red hartebeest, and oribi.
Popular Attractions
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Central Drakensberg (10.9 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Kamberg Rock Art attraction is very popular in the area.
The rock art has existed for hundreds of years and attracts people from all corners of the world. The climb to the rock art takes about 1 and a half hours and you can get a guide for as little as R25. Guides have a rather extensive knowledge of the area and are very informative.
Nature Reserves
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Drakensberg (16.9 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Lotheni Nature Reserve is situated within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. There are many scenic walking trails for the young and old as well as a moderate 14 km mountain biking trail.
The longest trail is a circular route of 11.8 km called the Emadundwini Trail. This trail crosses a number of small fresh-water streams and carries on up a steep incline. It is the best trail for viewing the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains. The other trails include the Eagle, Falls, Canyon, Jacobs Ladder, and the historically significant Gelib tree trail.
There is a variety of wildlife including duiker, eland, grey rhebuck and mountain reedbuck. There is also a diversity of more than 172 bird species such as lanner falcons, giant kingfishers, and Cape vultures. Trout fishing is also popular at Lotheni and a refreshing swim at the Cool Pools is a must.
Hiking Trail
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Drakensberg (21.4 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Mehloding Hiking Trail is a 4-day trail that passes through the lush mountainous terrain of the Drakensberg, with rural villages and rock art sites along the way.
The region is home to a variety of indigenous plants, bird life and pristine mountain streams. The trail is managed by the Mehloding Community Tourism Trust, who arranges the hiking package for you, including night stays, guides and meals.
Contact the trust to organise your hiking trip.
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The hiking route incorporating Grindstone Caves and Cataract Valley
is graded a moderate 4-hour hike. Start at Injasuti camp and follow the circular route to Grindstone Caves, the waterfalls and Cataract Valley. Return along the Mhlwazini River back to Injasuti camp.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Start at the Injasuti office and take the Cowl Stream divergence. This short one-hour walk turns left at the incline to the Old Kraal and then a quick left again through a yellowwood forest to the Old Woman Stream. The path leads back to the camp after the stream crossing.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Guided 4-hour tours of the Battle Cave offer pictorial displays depicting Bushman life in the valley and a taped guide to the paintings. Overnight stays in the Lower Injasuti Cave can be arranged. Book in advance for this experience and the Battle Cave tour.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.5 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Mhlwazini Valley Trail
offers a tough 9 to 10 hour trek from the Monks Cowl campsite. The 24 km route ascends the Sphinx before curving around the uppermost reaches of the Hlatikulu Forest. From here the trail descends into the valley and along the Mhlwazini River.
Duration: 9 – 10 hours
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 24 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The hike to Sterkspruit Falls through the gorge is a moderate to severe 6-hour trail. Some fun boulder hopping and river crossings are required on this tough long route. Start at Monks Cowl Campsite and follow the Serkspruit River into the gorge. Return via the Little Berg, descending to the Sphinx and back to the campsite.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to tough
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The lovely Fern Forest Trail is a comfortable 30-minute amble along a stream and through forest. After a 1 km walk, the path leads to a picnic spot at a waterfall.
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 km
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Start at the Monk's Cowl KZN Wildlife office on a southbound path. The Crystal Falls and Sphinx Trail will eventually head west across to the Sphinx and beyond to Breakfast Stream. This moderate 1.5 hour hike is the initial section of all the routes radiating from the Monk's Cowl office.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 km
Nature Reserves
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Sublime mountain scenery and exhilarating hiking steals the show at Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, but that’s not all this historic park has to offer.
Giant's Castle is home of the largest antelope in Africa, the eland, and the impressive bearded vulture. Watch these broad-winged beauties and some of South Africa’s rarest birds swoop down for meaty treats at the Vulture Restaurant during the winter season.
Situated in the central region of the UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve is a spectacular fusion of grassy plateau and deep valleys careering down from the lofty Drakensberg peaks.
Other attractions are the rather commercialised but wonderful rock-art sites and the Main Caves Museum, providing alluring glimpses into the past lifestyle of the San people.
Hiking Trail
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Giants Castle Nature Reserve (23.6 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) The Marble Baths
Trail is a fair 9 km hike from Injisuthi camp. The route follows the footpath to Fergy's Cave. After 4 km, take the right fork along the Injisuthi River. Overnight in the cave at Marble Baths.
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9 km
Galleries and Museums
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Fort Nottingham (26.8 km from Kamberg Nature Reserve) Fort Nottingham is very quiet and there’s not much to do except visit the smallest town hall in South Africa – it’s more like a medium-sized garden shed – and spend an hour or so in the museum that’s now housed in the old fort.
Fort Nottingham derives its name from Nottingham shire's Regiment - the 45th 'Sherwood Foresters', who were stationed there in 1856. This fort was originally developed when a body of troops manned it to protect settlers in the foothills of the Drakensberg from Bushman or San cattle raids. Visitors can visit the Fort Nottingham Museum located 15 km southwest of Nottingham Road.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00. Closed Monday to Tuesday.
The annual Bell’s Fort Nottingham Highland and Traditional Games are held on the grounds of Fort Nottingham (8 km from the village). The festival encompasses events, exhibitors, food stalls, highland dancing and athletic games typically found at the Breamar Games in Scotland.