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NATURE RESERVES
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Drakensburg
Garden Castle and Bushman's neck
Accommodation: Caves
Attractions: Hiking
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the beautiful Bushman's Nek Valley. Dominated by the Rhino a 3051m Peak which extends about 2km from the main escarpment , the area is characterized by many unusual sandstone buttresses and other formations.
The wildlife is diverse and the walks particularly scenic with many rock art sites in the sandstone caves and overhangs. A challenging hike takes visitors from 1840m up to the top of the Rhino with the reward of magnificent views from Lesotho to East Griqualand. The reserve has three of the Giants Cup Hiking way huts , each of which provides 30 beds with mattresses. Visitors provide their own sleeping bags , lighting and provisions. Overnight hikers have the choice of numerous caves or may use a tent to camp but must carry all other requirements for their hike. The Umzimkhulwana hiking way hut in the Bushman's Nek Valley may be booked separately from the Giants Cup Hiking Trail and makes a superb base for exploring the area.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
Summer ( October to March ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to September ) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00
Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: One kilometre
Camp Telephone Number: (033) 7011823 Camp Fax: (033) 7011822
Shop:
Very limited supplies are available in the reserve
Special Precautions:
The weather is subject to change at short notice and hikers must be well equipped and must fill in their details in the Mountain Rescue Register.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 38 kms away.
How to get there:
Take the Bulwer Underberg turn off from the N3 and proceed along D617 past Underberg to the Drakensberg Gardens Turn off MR317.This gravel road leads to a hotel through which visitors proceed to the reserve.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Concessions:
Education groups from KwaZulu-Natal are admitted free to the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil
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