Aasvoel Krantz Cave
Aasvoel Krantz Cave is an easy 4,5km hike to an amazing over night spot, right next to a waterfall and swimming pool. Starting from the Highmoor Camp it’s an easy overnight hike suitable for the novice hikers to small family groups.
The waterfall and pool makes this a popular day walk as well and it’s not uncommon to see a number of day walkers on the trail to and from the cave.
For overnight hiking trips we usually overnight in the cave, and the cave is spacious enough to fit a group of 12 hikers with ease. Sleeping in a cave is an experience that will bring you closer to nature, cooking over a gas stove brings us all back to basics.
(Please note that we are not allowed to cook or make any fires in the cave and all cooking needs to be done on a gas stove.)
Quick Facts:
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 9km (there and back)
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for the whole family)
Max Elevation: 2200 masl
Terrain: A mark single track trail.
The standard itinerary:
Day 1: The walk in – 4,5 km
We will depart from the Highmoor car park and follow a well worn trail to the Kamloops Dam. Soak in the magical view of the Giants Castle, and in my opinion some of the best views over the Drakensberg. At the river crossing, we will enjoy a snack break, re-fill with water before making our way on to the cave. The drop down into the cave is steep and looks very intimidating and careful foot placement allows us access to the main cave.
Day 2: The walk back 4,5 km
After breakfast, we tackle steep sections up and make our way back. The walk back is easy and we will be back at the vehicles early and in time to get a late breakfast on our way home.
Essential Preparation & Safety
Safety concerns: There are a steep drop of infant of the cave and any young children should be supervised and not allowed to get to close to the edge.
Navigation Skills: Trail is marked and easy to follow.
Weather Volatility: The weather in the Drakensberg can change rapidly. Summer can bring heavy afternoon thunderstorms; winter brings sub-zero temperatures, freezing gales, and occasional snow.
River Crossings: The only river crossing should not be a issue and is easy to cross.
Self-Sufficiency: There are no shops, facilities, and limited cell reception on the trail. You must carry all of your own gear, food, water purification tools, and emergency communication devices. All cooking needs to be done on a gas stove and no fires are allowed in the cave.
Safety concerns: There are a steep drop of in front of the cave and any young children should be supervised and not allowed to get to close to the edge.