The Highmoor experience
Highmoor is Drakensberg’s best kept secret It boasts the widest mountain views of the mountain range yet is unknown to most people. In fact this is the highest part of the Drakensberg that is reachable with a normal rented car. It makes walking easy with all the benefits of being high up. You wont find crowds at Highmoor and it is a spot that has so much to offer. The hikes range from easy to difficult. Whats great is that all the hiking trails all start out as easy making them accessible to everyone. The drive out to Highmoor is absolutely breathtaking with beautiful farms that go on for miles and the winding roads that lead all the way up to the reserve.
Highmoor Nature Reserve
Highmoor is part of the Central Drakensberg with spectacular trout fishing and the widest panoramic views of the Drakensberg. The Highmoor Nature Reserve is situated in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park’s Central Region and is bordered by Giants Castle and Kamberg. Highmoor forms part of the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area and is approximately 15 000 hectares in size and boasts a huge array of rare, endemic and endangered species.
Overnighting in the Mountains
Two caves are available for hikers to overnight in (maximum 20 people). The first is Aasvoelkrantz which is a double story cave that has a permanent supply of water throughout the year. Aasvoelkrantz is approximately and hour and a half walk from the car park. Caracal cave overlooks the Ncibidwane river and Giants Castle. This cave unfortunately only has readily available water in the Summer months. Caracal is approximately 2 hours walk from the car park.
Fly fishing at Highmoor
To enjoy some fly fishing at Highmoor Nature Reserve you will need to book permits as they restrict the number of anglers per day.
Bushman rock art
The Reserve boasts excellent rock art sites which can be visited by arrangement. Fultons Rock lies just off the contour path below Caracal Cave and could easily be missed except for the rickety old fence which once protected the paintings from animals. The hike to Fulton Rock takes roughly five hours. Aasvöelskranz Cave is a large cave situated alongside a pleasant waterfall that fell into a large pool at the bottom of the cave. And just nearby are some bushman rock art paintings.
