Aasvoëlkrans Cave is one of the Drakensberg's best-kept secrets for families with adventurous kids. The short, straightforward trail into the Mkhomazi Wilderness makes it an ideal first overnight hike for young hikers — long enough to feel like a real adventure, gentle enough that little legs won't struggle. The cave itself is the reward: a dramatic double-storey rock shelter tucked into the hillside above a waterfall and crystal pool, with Giant's Castle looming on the horizon and a sky full of stars once the sun goes down. This is the Drakensberg at its most approachable — wild, beautiful, and entirely unforgettable for children experiencing their first night out in the mountains.

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On arrival, we’ll cover the itinerary for the two days and discuss what flora and fauna we’ll encounter along the way. After checking our gear, we’ll head out in a north westly direction and downhill to a wooden bridge allowing us to cross a beautiful stream. After 250 m, the path leads past Kamloops Dam — a fine first rest stop with Giant's Castle filling the horizon behind us. The trail continues gently over a small hill, drops to a second stream crossing at around 2.2 km, then swings east along the contour. The going is easy across open mountain grassland with wide views north to the peaks of the Northern Berg. Just before the cave, a steep stepped descent through loose scree brings you down to the stream and the cave entrance.

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At camp, we’ll explore the double-storey cave, scramble down to the pool and waterfall below, enjoy a swim and catch the late afternoon light on Giant's Castle.

Day 2, we’ll rise early and walk up the hill behind the cave to watch the sunrise paint Giant's Castle — it's worth every minute. After breakfast, we’ll pack all our gear and waste up, and retrace our steps to Highmoor. The climb back up the steep stepped section is the day's only real effort; once you're back on the contour path it's an easy, relaxed return across the grasslands. 

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This overnight hike is perfect for families ready to hand their children their first real adventure. The trail is short enough for young legs but feels like a genuine expedition — crossing streams, navigating open mountain grassland, and earning the cave through one satisfying scramble down the scree to an epic cave location for the night. The reward is unforgettable.

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