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NATURE RESERVES
HIGHMOOR NATURE RESERVE
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Drakensberg
Main Attractions: Fly Fishing, Rock Art, Hiking
Accommodation: Camping, Caves
Highmoor Nature Reserve nestles in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park's Central Region and is bordered by Kamberg and Lotheni to the South and Giants Castle to the North. Highmoor forms part of the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area and is approximately 15 000 hectares in extent and boasts a huge array of rare, endemic and endangered species.
Visitors to Highmoor return again and again as there is an incredible sense of freedom emanating from the wide landscapes of mountains, grasslands and streams.Highmoor possesses seven tastefully concealed campsites which are reputed to be both the highest and quaintest campsites in KwaZulu-Natal. The communal ablution block is equiped with hot and cold showers and flush toilets.
As you can imagine, Highmoor does get cold, very cold, so do come prepared. Highmoor also offers some of the countries' most exciting fly fishing.To ensure the sustainability of SA's wildest trout, we implement two control measures. There are two closed seasons, the 19th of December to the 28th of February and the 1st of July to the 31st of August. The open fishing seasons are from the 1st of March to the 30th of June and from the 1st of September to the 18th of December.
If you are lucky enough to fish the dams you'll see just how well these closed seasons work.
The other control measure is the limitation of anglers to six at any one time on all three dams.
It is recommended that you bring your float tube as the surrounding terrain is not forgiving on those who are novices.
Our record so far is a trout weighing in at 5.5 kg's which was caught in 1998 from Salmo Dam.
The Little Mooi Mansion overlooks the Little Mooi River and has the most incredible view. It is very popular amongst the anglers as it is close in proximity to the dams.. The Mansion sleeps four people (two on bunk beds) and is fully self contained with a fire place.
Two caves are available for school groups and large families (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.
Highmoor also boasts a number of excellent rock art sites which can be visited by arrangement, accompanied by a field ranger. Fulton's Rock is probably the most famous of these.
ACCOMMODATION
Highmoor has seven tastefully concealed campsites, said by many to be the most atmospheric (and incidentally the highest) campsites in KwaZulu-Natal.
The communal ablution block is equipped with hot showers and flush toilets.
Two caves, Aasvolkrantz and Caracal, are available for large groups (maximum 20 people). Aasvolkrantz, approximately an hour and a half walk from the car park, is a double storey-size cave that has a permanent supply of water throughout the year, and Caracal cave, approximately two hours walk from the car park, overlooks the Ncibidwane River and Giant's Castle with water only readily available in the summer months.
Tel: (033) 263 7240.
GENERAL INFORMATION
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times:
All Year: 06h00 to 18h00
(Earlier rises are possible for the extra keen angler)
Office Hours:
08h00 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 16h30
Camp Telephone Number: 033 263 7240
Bookings can be made directly with the Shaws at Highmoor.
Speak to Gavin or Debz.
For Sale: Only Firewood, Reference Books, Good Hiking Gear and Maps.
What To Bring: Camping Equipment, Binoculars, Torches. To Fish: Fly Fishing Equipment Only.
N.B. Be prepared for extreme weather changes especially in summer.
Special Attractions: Hiking, Mountain Views, Wildflowers and Trout Fishing in season.
How To Get There
From Mooi River take the old main road to Rosetta. Turn west (right) onto the Kamberg road and travel 31.5kms. Turn left at the Glengary/Highmoor turnoff onto a gravel road for 7kms to the reserve entrance and then 4kms of tar road to the office.
From Pietermaritzburg take the Nottingham Road turnoff from the freeway, pass through Nottingham Road and take the old main road to Rosetta and then follow the above directions.
The nearest Doctor, Dentist Police Station and Garage with a workshop are in Mooi River which is 60kms from Highmoor.
The nearest Grocery Shop is at rosetta which is 46kms from Highmoor.
The nearest Hospitals are at Estcourt and Pietermaritzburg both approximately
100kms away.
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