Kamberg Nature Reserve
Kamberg Nature Reserve
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
39 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD10,794 contributions
Feb 2023
We visited this morning from Nottingham Road by taking the paved Lower Lotheni Road 30km(half potholes, half good) west to the slow dirt Mpofana Rd(~6 muddy spots) and took it 10km NW to the 2000 UNESCO Maloti-Drakensberg Park entrance sign. The park’s 2km paved lane is in decent condition until meeting the slow dirt road crossing dairy farmland for 2.5km. It meets a paved highway crossing the relocated San community for 3.5km to the Kamberg Nature Reserve entrance sign. Now, just a 2km climb on 2 concrete tracks to the Kamberg Rock Art Center.
A friendly ranger opened the center, explaining the 2 trails; the easier 1.5 hour circuit to the falls and the 3+ hour guided circuit to the cave with its nice San figure artwork. There are fantastic grassland views to the high buttes and distant hills of the park.
Now to return to our lovely stay at the Nottingham Road Hotel, we needed to backtrack these lanes/roads for the 45 minutes it took to get here. On the slow parts, we spotted a Chacma baboon, a flying Cape vulture, Black-headed herons, African sacred ibis and unidentified storks/ducks.
A friendly ranger opened the center, explaining the 2 trails; the easier 1.5 hour circuit to the falls and the 3+ hour guided circuit to the cave with its nice San figure artwork. There are fantastic grassland views to the high buttes and distant hills of the park.
Now to return to our lovely stay at the Nottingham Road Hotel, we needed to backtrack these lanes/roads for the 45 minutes it took to get here. On the slow parts, we spotted a Chacma baboon, a flying Cape vulture, Black-headed herons, African sacred ibis and unidentified storks/ducks.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scapespot
Johannesburg, South Africa54 contributions
We have been coming here since I was a child and it's always been an amazing holiday. The views are incredible. The fishing can be poor at times but the views make up for it. The weather changes constantly so bring all types of clothes. The walk up to the rock art is well worth it. If you are lucky enough you will spot an Eland or even a Jackal. Another great walk off the beaten path is the one to "twalichi" which is the hanging rock 3/4 of the way up the mountain overlooking the valley. The staff are always friendly and some have been working there for 30 years.
If you are looking to catch a bigger trout then Erskin is your dam. Eland dam will be the better stocked dam but with smaller fish.
If you are in a bigger group then the fishermans or huntsmans cottages are good. They are old in their appearance but that's just the charm. The chalets in the camp got a revamp some years back and are a pleasant place to stay.
If you are in the area stop by even for just the day. I'll be doing that soon.
Steve
If you are looking to catch a bigger trout then Erskin is your dam. Eland dam will be the better stocked dam but with smaller fish.
If you are in a bigger group then the fishermans or huntsmans cottages are good. They are old in their appearance but that's just the charm. The chalets in the camp got a revamp some years back and are a pleasant place to stay.
If you are in the area stop by even for just the day. I'll be doing that soon.
Steve
Written 3 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charl D
Johannesburg, South Africa145 contributions
Oct 2012 • Business
Kamberg, with only five well-placed self-catering chalets is the ideal getaway-from-it-all hideaway in the central Drakensberg. Set in a beautiful valley with the mountain range as a backdrop, we stayed there for six days recently, and it was one of the most refreshing breaks I've had. There's not much to do except watch the scenery, sit in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine, or take short walks to Bushman paintings, the one or two waterfalls in the area, or amble down to the trout dams for birdwatching, and if you're lucky, see the otters frolicking the water. The chalets are comfortable and well-equipped (I recommend number 1 for privace or 5 for the best view). I've visited many other Drakensberg places in the KZN Wildlife range (Didima, Giants Castle, Royal Natal) and while some of the others have more spectacular mountainscapes than Kamberg, the latter takes the price for peace and tranquility.
Written 16 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard S
Durban, South Africa77 contributions
Dec 2015
i have just spent a week[15/12/15-- 20/12/2015] in the Kamberg valley and as always i like to spend my days exploring places and especially visiting Nature reserves and supporting "Parks Board" now known as Ezemvelo. upon entering the park I immediately commented on the state of the roads/concrete strips which are crumbling and in disrepair. we then made our way up to the "ROCK ART CENTRE/RECEPTION" where two lady staff members[not even in uniform, but rather casual clothing] were lounging around and basically not interested at all. upon asking them where the CENTRE is their reply-- "you can either do a 3,5hr hike using a map, or we can show you a video"-- So I ask what kind of "CENTRE" is this?? The RECEPTION/SHOP was very disorganised and very very poorly stocked. whilst standing in the "SHOP" a guest who had been staying in a chalet came in to check out and was complaining bitterly about Rats that had got stuck into his supplies as well as some of the furniture and the sliding door which had fallen out and smashed amongst other things. well the two ladies didn't seem at all perturbed that this paying guest had not enjoyed his stay and basically their attitude was-- Tuff Luck for you n u going home now so whats the problem-- im disgusted by this attitude and total "lack of passion towards paying customers who want to enjoy nature and wildlife--- that's why we visit these places after all. see my next review regarding Giants Castle reserve as well as Entabeni Crane & Wetlands Sanctuary.
Written 20 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim D
Kinsale, Ireland239 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
The old Natal Parks Board was a strange organization. The facilities were often basic, but everything was polished 'til it shone, under the watchful gaze of strict wardens. Maintenance was a matter of pride. These days, under Ezemvelo, the position is often reversed. The facilities have improved, management is friendly, but maintenance is slapdash or non-existent, especially in the cinderella reserves like Kamberg.
Once a fly fisher's paradise, the dams here, while still stocked, are poorly maintained. The jetty drums are unpainted, the fringes not mowed as they used to be and reeds have invaded much of the shallows, making casting difficult. The gates swing loose on the otter fences, there is graffiti in the hut and the catch register book has been stolen. Cattle have obviously got into not only the reserve, but the dam areas. Up the road,
following the lead of the eco-nazi's, the hatchery ponds have been filled in and the research centre (which could make a fabulous lodge) stands abandoned. There is just a feeling of decay about the place. Unlike many of the other parks there isn't even an adventure or MTB race run through Kamberg, which could add to occupancy and help publicise the reserve.
The surroundings are still gorgeous, the dams do have some fish, and for a newcomer, who doesn't remember this camp and the fishery in its heyday, it's probably still a great day out. I enjoyed myself, sure, but the experience was tinged with sadness at the decline of the facilities
Once a fly fisher's paradise, the dams here, while still stocked, are poorly maintained. The jetty drums are unpainted, the fringes not mowed as they used to be and reeds have invaded much of the shallows, making casting difficult. The gates swing loose on the otter fences, there is graffiti in the hut and the catch register book has been stolen. Cattle have obviously got into not only the reserve, but the dam areas. Up the road,
following the lead of the eco-nazi's, the hatchery ponds have been filled in and the research centre (which could make a fabulous lodge) stands abandoned. There is just a feeling of decay about the place. Unlike many of the other parks there isn't even an adventure or MTB race run through Kamberg, which could add to occupancy and help publicise the reserve.
The surroundings are still gorgeous, the dams do have some fish, and for a newcomer, who doesn't remember this camp and the fishery in its heyday, it's probably still a great day out. I enjoyed myself, sure, but the experience was tinged with sadness at the decline of the facilities
Written 25 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter B
London, UK664 contributions
Sept 2019
One of the entry gates/ parking areas (High Moor road) is just 15 minutes drive from the beautiful Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse where we tayed for two nights - we ventured up a took a lovely four hour round-trip walk - relatively flat from the car park. The route is a bit eposed in the high winds we were experiencing, but the extensive views and rugges scenery were worth it.
Written 10 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wynette
Johannesburg, South Africa19 contributions
Aug 2018
Upon arrival, we didn't make much of the site but when we took our first walk here, we experienced the majesty. Khanyi at reception (I think she's the manager here) was friendly and informative. Unfortunately, we found that most of the trails were overgrown after the rains and no clear markings were offered, which forced us to leave two trails unfinished.
We did, however, get to see the wonderful waterfalls leading up to the San paintings. The beauty here is splendorous and we returned a second day to enjoy the sights and scenes.
The hatchery is no longer functioning due to local authorities' (and UNESCO's) decision not to support the breeding of invasive fish species, which is understandable.
The site can do with a bit of maintenance and information boards about the area must be utilised.
We will return and hope to see the main buildings and info boards updated.
We did, however, get to see the wonderful waterfalls leading up to the San paintings. The beauty here is splendorous and we returned a second day to enjoy the sights and scenes.
The hatchery is no longer functioning due to local authorities' (and UNESCO's) decision not to support the breeding of invasive fish species, which is understandable.
The site can do with a bit of maintenance and information boards about the area must be utilised.
We will return and hope to see the main buildings and info boards updated.
Written 29 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doertheh
London, UK68 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
On a little bit cloudy day we were wandering to the Bushmen Art Rock near the hilltop ( about 1 1/2 hour) . This alone was wonderful with exciting views over the “Drakensberge”, nice Proteas flowering next to the way. At the cave ( it’s more a shelter) with the paintings a ranger explained the fascinating history- 3000 years old, 2300 m above sea level, made of the fat and the blood of the Eland antilope from shamans.
Written 11 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeoGM
Sao Paulo, SP1,017 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
We stayed for two nights at kamberg and took the guided hike to the game shelter. The cottage is huge, very basic but meets well requirements for self catering. Being a quiet place offers you the opportunity to be closer to nature. Access road is being paved (oct/2017) so should become very easy to arrive as well. The hiking to the game shelter is a must. No special gear or skills needed, but being fit helps a lot since the upper part is quite steep.
Written 3 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KenPope48
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa45 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Lovely resort at the top of the Kamberg Valley. Road in is potholed but easy. Good cottages for those that like nature, walks in the mountains and fly fishing. The Eland Dam is a short walk from the accommodation and is well kept with mown walks around the dam and useful jetties to fish from. The walks are generally short and one will take you to the San rockart although a guide is required. The plentiful waterfalls and mountains make any walk here enjoyable. Pack a hat, water and a jacket the weather can turn in an instant from sunny to thunderstorm. The self catering cabins are comfortable and equipped with all you need for a short stay. Not much animal life during the day but good birding. Friendly helpful staff, I will come back.
Written 4 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We need to know if a late arrival and early departure is possible!
Written 28 March 2019
hi Dagmar H
may I ask you about the Kamberg Rock Art Centre?
is the walk there and back very strenuous? I read it is 3 hours...is that one way or return?
does it get busy? we are going in November and I have seen on the website that it is necessary to bk but have also been told I wont need to.
thanks for your help
regards
Terry B
Written 28 October 2015
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