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.
Activities
Hike, braai, picnic and swim any time. We also offer abseiling but please enquire for more information.
Oakleaf
An indoor/ outdoor space is available at Oakleaf for your function or gathering. Please contact Moorfield for more information. This facility has a covered stoep, indoor and outdoor braai, kitchen, and gathering area as well as ablutions.
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.
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 Deon on 082 328 3819.
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.
Functions- Oakleaf Multi- use space
Toilets and indoor space with kitchen, braa areas, and undercover seating areas is available at Oakleaf for your function or gathering. Please contact Moorfield for more information.
Our public facility for campers and day visitors has a large covered stoep, indoor and outdoor braai, kitchen, and gathering area as well as an ablution area.
Well trained pets are welcome under the following conditions:
- Moorfield has farm animals and dogs, as well as wildlife, which must be respected at all times.
- Pets are to be made known on arrival to management, and must be kept on leads when they are within the fenced in area of lawns and buildings at Moorfield Farm.
- There are as yet no pet friendly accommodation unit at Moorfield for overnight visits.
- Campers must keep their pets with them at their campsite, or on a lead when that is not possible.
- Outside the fenced in Moorfield area, pets are welcome to accompany you on hikes and swims, as long as they are under your control by voice command; they may not disturb farm animals or other visitors.
Groups of 10 or more must book with Deon on 082 328 3819
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.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein