Kamberg Nature Reserve

About Kamberg Nature Reserve

Kamberg Nature Reserve, one of the smallest of the KZN Wildlife resorts, lies in the foothills of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - one of the easiest reserves to visit from the northern reaches of the Midlands Meander (Nottingham Road and Mooi River).

Did you know? For rock art enthusiasts the Kranses group of caves, a 12 km round trip, is a highlight.

The reserve lies at the end of a horseshoe-shaped valley on the banks of the Mooi River. It is well known for a number of reasons: the scenically appealing Clarens Sandstone that is a feature of the reserve; trout fishing, for which there is a hatchery open to the public and a number of dams stocked with rainbow trout; manageable hikes (that are not too steep); and impressive rock art, particularly the Game Pass Shelter.

Kamberg's Rock Art Centre deserves a mention. Run by the local Tandela community it offers daily tours that incorporate a relatively easy guided 3.5 km walk to Game Pass Cave (for those who cannot manage the walk, a multimedia centre screens a visual tour of the walk). Waterfall Shelter, a second cave filled with San rock art, is close enough to visit as well. Visitors describe the rock art as vivid, and the tour as impressive.

For rock art enthusiasts the Kranses group of caves, a 12 km round trip, is a highlight. The narrow sheltered rock wall is awash with paintings of eland and some scenes depicting a group of people carrying shields (the San did not use shields and it is likely that these rock art paintings depict the Amazizi who lived peacefully alongside the San).

There is a well maintained dam for flyfishing, and the plentiful waterfalls in the reserve are perfect for mid-morning swims. Weather, as with any stay in the drakensberg, is variable and you will need to take all-weather clothing.

To get there, turn off the N3 at Mooi River, take the R103 to Rosetta and then follow the signs to Kamberg.