Welcome to Moorfield Private Nature Reserve
Located within the greater Ncandu Forest and Grassland Reserve we offer Accommodation, Day Visits, Camping, Hiking and a space for gatherings or special events.
Moorfield has recently been declared a private Nature Reserve, adding its beautiful terrain to the protected areas of South Africa in perpetuity.
We are situated just below 2000 m in the mist belt of the upper Drakensberg reaches, near Newcastle, Kwazulu Natal (35km), and Memel, Free State (30km). People come here to enjoy pristine nature in this beautiful and dramatic landscape. Moorfield can be reached from Johannesburg in about 4 hours. We offer Self-Catering Accommodation as well as Camping and Day Visits.
On arrival, please sign in, or check in at Reception.
Accommodation
We offer a range of self-catering accommodation for overnight guests and retreats. Please click here for room rates.
About Moorfield
Moorfield is a place of great natural beauty which has been incorporated into the Greater Ncandu Forest and Grassland Reserve, along with several other farms in the area of the Ncandu Nature Reserve. It is a guest farm and nature reserve tucked into the hills on the escarpment above Newcastle, Kwazulu Natal. The biodiversity of nature and the beauty of its dramatic natural setting make it well worth a visit.
Hike, camp, swim, braai, picnic on the lawns, in the hills, gorge, river, overhangs and forest pockets. Book a cosy self catering accommodation and experience the incredible natural beauty for yourself.
General Notices
Day visitors
Day visitors are welcome at Moorfield on weekends and public holidays from 7am till 5pm. There is no need to book for a day visit. Other days and times are available by arrangement with Lindie on 0713077917.
Moorfield has long been a destination for visitors from the area for hikes, picnics, braais and swimming. When you arrive, please sign in at Reception. Then you are welcome to choose a spot on the big lawn, or set out on a hike, or a swim in the Ncandu river. There is a children’s play area and an epic tyre swing. Explore the forests, gorge, river and overhangs.
Group Function Facilities:
Oakleaf is our public space for day visitors and it includes our camping ablutions. It could be used for an indoor gathering space for up to 15 people. It includes a covered stoep, kitchen area as well as a wood burning fireplace, and indoor and outdoor braai area. Tables and chairs can be provided.
Our newest facility, Burnham Hall, can now be hired by groups. This space can hold up to 60 people, seated, and includes cooking and serving facilities.
Please send your enquiries to home@moorfield.co.za or Whatsapp Lindie on 0713077917.
Pets:
- Well trained pets may come to Moorfield with Day Visitors or Campers only. Pets must stay on a lead within the Moorfield Homestead fenced area at all times, as there are Moorfield dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife on site, which must be respected at all times.
- Outside the fence, with you on hikes, you may let your pets off lead if they follow your voice commands and don’t harass livestock or wildlife.
- We do not currently have a pet friendly accommodation available. We are working on having one in future.
Hikes
There are many possible hikes at Moorfield, ranging from gentle ambles to adventurous and strenuous hikes. The good news is you don’t need to go far or steep to be in the beautiful nature and scenery of Moorfield!
Near to the camping and picnicking spots is the beautiful Ncandu River, with paddling and pools suitable for swimming; and of course a couple of waterfalls, with the gorge opening up from there. Our tallest waterfall has a 32m drop, and is a beautiful sight. Please use caution!
There are many places to discover at Moorfield. Besides the river and waterfalls there are forest pockets, overhangs and caves as well as many beautiful views into the valley, set into beautiful high grasslands with a multitude of flora and fauna.
The elevation change within Moorfield’s borders are nearly 500m, as it lies directly on the escarpment. Please be prepared on visits to Moorfield that the weather can be changeable and we can experience more extremes than elsewhere. We regularly experience high winds, and sometimes more rain than elsewhere nearby.
Past Events
A practical course on Butterflies and a weekend
with South African author and expert Steve Woodhall.
- Butterfly safaris
- Informative lectures
- Nighttime moth safari
- Other fun activities
Steve Woodhall is the author of the popular Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa and is South Africa’s lead- ing expert on these amazing creatures.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein