Kamberg Nature Reserve, located in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, is a small but picturesque reserve that offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. Known for its Clarens Sandstone, trout fishing, and impressive rock art, Kamberg is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions at Kamberg is the Game Pass Shelter, which is home to some of the most vivid and well-preserved rock art in the region. The reserve’s Rock Art Centre, run by the local Tandela community, offers daily tours that take visitors on a guided 3.5 km walk to Game Pass Cave. For those who are unable to walk the distance, a multimedia centre screens a visual tour of the walk. Visitors can also take a short hike to Waterfall Shelter, another cave filled with San rock art.
For rock art enthusiasts, the Kranses group of caves is a highlight. The 12 km round trip takes visitors to a narrow sheltered rock wall covered in paintings of eland and scenes depicting a group of people carrying shields. These paintings are believed to depict the Amazizi, who lived peacefully alongside the San.
In addition to the rock art, Kamberg is also known for its trout fishing. The reserve has a hatchery open to the public and a number of dams stocked with rainbow trout. There is also a well-maintained dam for flyfishing. The reserve’s many waterfalls also make it a great spot for a refreshing mid-morning swim.
Hiking
In addition to the rock art and trout fishing, Kamberg Nature Reserve offers a variety of other activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
One popular activity is hiking. The reserve has a number of manageable hikes that are not too steep, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the reserve at their own pace. There are also guided hikes available for those who would like a more in-depth experience.
Roman Baths Hike
Kamberg Nature Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore its beautiful landscapes and natural wonders through a variety of hiking trails, including the Roman Baths hike. The hike starts at the Kamberg office and is a 4 km round trip, but visitors can make a day of it by exploring the area and taking in the sights and sounds of the reserve. The hike is easy and suitable for families with older children.
The Roman Baths hike is an ideal day outing for families who want to get in a bit of hiking followed by plenty of sunshine and water play. The hike takes visitors to the Roman Baths, a wonderful swimming pool in the Kamberg Reserve, an unfrequented nature reserve in the reaches of Mooi River, on the Midlands Meander.
The walk from the old trout hatchery to the Roman Baths is easy, and visitors can pick up a map at the Kamberg office to guide them. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the views of Giant’s Castle on the skyline, with the Kamberg cliff face, which is home to fine examples of rock art, to the east. If visitors have booked ahead, a rock art custodian will give them a guided tour, but the site is usually locked to protect the art from vandalism.
En route, visitors can look out for the perfectly undamaged toilet bowl, all that remains of an old homestead that once stood in the reserve. The Roman Baths are the ruins of old Roman Baths, just left of a series of giant tree ferns where the route splits 3.9 km after heading up the valley from the Kamberg Chalets (passing the trout dams to the left).
For those looking for a more vigorous hike, the trail to Gladstone’s Nose, an easily recognizable ridge to the east of the reserve, is a good option. The Roman Baths hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Kamberg Nature Reserve and discover the hidden gems of the area.
For bird watchers, Kamberg is a great destination. The reserve is home to over 150 bird species, including the endangered Cape Vulture and the Blue Crane. Visitors can take a guided birding tour or explore on their own with the help of a birding checklist provided by the reserve.
Fishing is also a popular activity in Kamberg. In addition to the trout fishing mentioned earlier, the reserve also has a well-maintained dam for fly-fishing. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it at the reserve.
Other activities available at Kamberg include swimming in the reserve’s many waterfalls, picnicking, and camping. The reserve has a number of picnic spots and a campsite for those who would like to spend the night.
Finally, for those interested in history, Kamberg is home to a number of historic sites. Visitors can take a guided tour of the reserve’s old farmstead, which dates back to the late 19th century, and learn about the area’s rich history and culture.
Kamberg Nature Reserve offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Kamberg Nature Reserve is not only a place of natural beauty and tranquility, but also offers an exciting adventure that allows visitors to explore the Drakensberg in a whole new way. The Drakensberg Canopy Tour offers visitors the chance to soar over the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg and discover the natural beauty of the reserve from a different perspective.
The Drakensberg Canopy Tour is located in the indigenous forests of the reserve, where the rugged faces of the cliffs and the verdant lushness of the greenery converge. The Cathkin Peak stands tall over the whole scene, like a sentry on guard. After a thorough safety briefing, visitors are kitted out completely and then taken in an open vehicle to the first platform. Along the way, visitors can enjoy gorgeous views of the Central Drakensberg.
Visitors will zip along steel cables from one platform to the next, hanging from the safety of a harness. The braking system allows visitors to go as fast or as slow as they choose, depending on whether they’re there for the thrill or the views. The tour includes a combination of treetop and cliff face platforms, and is the first elevated rock face walkway on the African continent.
The Drakensberg Canopy Tour is not just about thrills, but also about the spectacular fauna and flora that visitors get to see along the way. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a light meal with their tour group before heading back to the open vehicle for the ride back. This tour is perfect for families, school tours, or team-building initiatives. The guides have loads of experience and insights into the surrounding area and add so much value to the ziplining experience.
The Drakensberg Canopy Tour is just over four hours from Johannesburg and about 2.5 hours from Durban (both of which are home to international airports). It is a great addition to a visit to Kamberg Nature Reserve, offering visitors an exciting and unique way to explore the natural beauty of the Drakensberg.
Hot Air Ballooning
Kamberg Nature Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring thrill and peaceful serenity of hot air ballooning. Hot air balloon flights are offered on the edge of the Drakensberg mountains, just inland from Durban in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. The hot air balloon take-off is from a site in or around the Kamberg Valley and within sight of Giants Castle.
Visitors will meet at the hot air balloon launch site approximately 30 minutes before sunrise, where the pilot will give a safety briefing. Once the hot air balloon is heated, visitors will enjoy a flight of around an hour, taking in the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg and Kamberg Nature Reserve. After helping to pack the hot air balloon, visitors will return to a location close to the take-off point for an alfresco breakfast and champagne.
The hot air balloon is equipped with a partitioned basket that is specially designed to ensure safety, comfort, and a superb view. The baskets are about 42 inches (1.1 meters) high and have footholds to assist entry. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the flight and should be tall enough to see over the basket sides.
Hot air ballooning is a unique and unforgettable way to experience Kamberg Nature Reserve and the Drakensberg. This activity is perfect for couples, families, and adventure seekers looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the natural beauty of the region. So, take the time to experience the beauty of the Drakensberg from above, and make a hot air balloon ride a must-do activity on your next visit to Kamberg Nature Reserve.
To get to Kamberg, turn off the N3 at Mooi River and take the R103 to Rosetta. From there, follow the signs to Kamberg. Keep in mind that weather in the Drakensberg can be variable, so be sure to bring all-weather clothing.
