Gladstone Nose Trail

About Gladstone Nose Trail

Start: Kamberg Nature Reserve camp
Finish: Kamberg camp
Duration: day or overnight trail
Fitness: moderate to easy
Our tip: Gladstone's Nose is regarded as one of the most scenic trails in the Drakensberg, passing through grassland and indigenous forests; watch out for summer thunderstorms

The highest point of Kamberg Nature Reserve is Gladstone's Nose, although even it is not particularly high in relation to other peaks of the Drakensberg.

For this reason, Kamberg is best known for its bird life, of which there is an abundance, rather than its hiking. However, Gladstone's Nose is one hike you really should endeavour to do, because of the scenery.

The hike heads off up the Kamberg plateau with views of Giant's Castle on the horizon. It is not uncommon en route to catch sight of eland, although they are quick to run out of sight. And the initial part of the walk is easy and gentle going along a well-worn path.

The next section climbs up towards Gladstone Nose rocky outcrop and gets steeper.

The trail's path is not always clearly defined and there are parts where thick grass and vegetation makes it almost impossible to follow.

You can choose between reaching the outcrops and then heading back, making this a lovely day hike.

Or pressing on to an overnight cave in the cliffs where you can choose between tents out on the plateau, or sleeping under the overhang.

En route back down, the next day, stop off at 'waterfall shelter' for a welcome cool swim.