Yesterday was the perfect weather for a hike. The weather was dry, cool (about 20 degrees) and it was slightly cloudy. Bryan and I decided to try out one of the hikes in Highmoor Nature Reserve. We decided on Aasvoelkrans (Vulture's Cave) Hike. This is described as an easy hike of about 8kms.
The route is clearly marked and very easy to follow, (unlike the route we took to try and find The Roman Baths in Kamberg Nature Reserve). The scenery at first was rolling hills and we then came across a small river with a lovely waterfall. We have not received a huge amount of rainfall yet this year, so the river was quite low, but still extremely pretty.
The route is clearly marked and very easy to follow, (unlike the route we took to try and find The Roman Baths in Kamberg Nature Reserve). The scenery at first was rolling hills and we then came across a small river with a lovely waterfall. We have not received a huge amount of rainfall yet this year, so the river was quite low, but still extremely pretty.
So, after taking a couple of photos here (always a good excuse for a little break), we crossed the small river and continued along the narrow path with the river flowing on our right hand side.
We came across a couple of dung beetles (which we haven't seen around here before) and then as we came over the ridge, the view opened up and changed from rolling hills to a spectacular view of the Drakensberg across to Monks Cowl. Unfortunately with the overcast sky, it was't as clear as it could have been, but still looked fabulous!
We came across a couple of dung beetles (which we haven't seen around here before) and then as we came over the ridge, the view opened up and changed from rolling hills to a spectacular view of the Drakensberg across to Monks Cowl. Unfortunately with the overcast sky, it was't as clear as it could have been, but still looked fabulous!
After about 1 hour or so of walking, we came across the sign that pointed the route down to Vulture's Cave. There are two separate caves. One is the Upper Cave and the other is the Lower Cave. It is possible to stay overnight and camp in the caves, you just have to bring along everything with you. Firstly we decided to check out the Upper Cave.
The path down to the caves is pretty steep and a bit gravelly, so best to take it slow and easy.
The path down to the caves is pretty steep and a bit gravelly, so best to take it slow and easy.
Next we decided to head further down in to the valley to the Lower Cave. This path was extremely steep and narrow, so we carefully climbed down and are so glad we made the effort. From the lower cave we scrambled down to the crystal clear waterfall & pool. Bryan was brave enough to go for a swim, but after seeing his reaction, I decided it was way too cold for me, so I busied myself taking some more photos.
Once Bryan had dried off we decided to face the steep, narrow climb back up to the path and head to a little Kopje we had noticed before we took the path to the caves. The view across the valley was stunning and we also had a great view of the two caves.
Next we headed back to the two main dams at Highmoor Nature Reserve so that Bryan could enjoy a spot of fly-fishing. The clouds had cleared a bit and we had a lovely view of the two dams and Giants Castle as we walked back along the same path.
Unfortunately the fish were playing hard to get and other than a couple of bites, Bryan didn't manage to catch, however, I was happy to capture a couple of shots of this beautiful dragonfly!
So, at the end of another fabulous day spent in Highmoor Nature Reserve we headed home for a cup of tea! (How very civilised)!
I would definitely recommend the hike to Aasvoelkrans to any guests visiting or staying at Kamberg Valley Hideaway. The majority of the walk is very easy and clearly signposted and the changing landscape is a pleasure to enjoy, however, the path down to the two caves is definitely a little tricky! Steep, narrow and in parts quite gravelly, so if you do decide to check out the caves, please do take care!
I would definitely recommend the hike to Aasvoelkrans to any guests visiting or staying at Kamberg Valley Hideaway. The majority of the walk is very easy and clearly signposted and the changing landscape is a pleasure to enjoy, however, the path down to the two caves is definitely a little tricky! Steep, narrow and in parts quite gravelly, so if you do decide to check out the caves, please do take care!
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