The green Kamberg area lies in a fertile valley with the mountains of the Drakensberg a scenic backdrop. The area is best known for trout fishing and landowners offer up their private dams to fisherman during the popular Kamberg Trout Festival held here annually.
The Kamberg Nature Reserve has a number of stunning hiking trails, interesting caves to explore and important San (first nation) rock art sites. An interpretation centre provides insights into the San culture and their art.
Kamberg is filled with wonderful scenery, fresh clean air and offers visitors a destination where one can rest or actively enjoy the many eco-friendly activities.
Top 6 reasons to visit Kamberg
1. You won’t be disappointed by the many fly fishing options available in Kamberg where the Mooi River, Highmoor Dam and others bodies of water carry both rainbow and brown trout; ask your host to point out their favourite fishing spot. Kamberg has an excellent hatchery worth visiting.
2. Visit Shelter Rock and Waterfall Cave to view the magnificent ancient San rock art on show. This cultural art is deemed important enough to warrant funding from the South African government for the preservation thereof. Note: Visitors must be accompanied by an authorised guide.
3. Travel to Giant’s Castle to marvel at the 3km high sandstone cliffs and the rushing waters of the Bushman’s River. Spend time at the vulture hides to glimpse the endangered bearded vulture, believed to be the evolutionary link between vultures and eagles.
4. Wander along the 4km Mooi River Trail which mostly follows the crystal clear river. The trail is suitable for wheelchair access. A more strenuous hike, regarded as one of the best in the region, is the 8km Gladstone’s Nose Trail.
5. Entry into the land-locked country of Lesotho at the southern end of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is via the infamous Sani Pass. This pass is only traversable by 4x4 vehicle (with confident driver) and Basotho ponies but is well worth attempting. Although challenging, the tranquil mountain scenery is enough to stead the nerves.
6. Stop over at the Howick capture site to see where a young Nelson Mandela was apprehended in August 1962 after being on the run for 17 months. The Rivonia trial followed and he was not to be seen again for a further 27 years.
Transport
The nearest airport to Kamberg is King Shaka International Airport approximately 190km away. An alternate air route is via Newcastle, located 235km from Kamberg. Shuttle service companies operate at the airports, however, to best enjoy Kamberg and surrounds, hiring a 4x4 vehicle is the practical choice. To hire a vehicle, simply order one online.
Did you know?
Marilyn Monroe is known for her hourglass shape, Angela Jolie for her lips and Viscount Gladstone for his nose! Gladstone’s Nose in the Kamberg Nature Reserve is a 2.2km high mountain with prominent rocky outcrop said to be a likeness of the nose of Herbert John Gladstone, the Governor General of the Union of South Africa between 1910 and 1914.
Google maps shows an entry ‘windy’ for an area roughly 30km north east of Kamberg. Locals aren’t quite sure why this word has been placed here…
Fishing is not permitted during the winter months of June to end August. It was initially thought that wild trout bred during these months, however, these fish breed when conditions are right and not in a particular season. Relevant organisations are striving to remove the restriction and allow fishing year round.
