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Majestic mountains, tumbling waterfalls and captivating caves
Maluti Cave Route Trail, Free State
Interesting geological features on the Maluti Cave Route.
© Maluti Cave Hiking Trails
Did you know?
Maluti is the Sotho word for Drakensberg - the highest mountain range in southern Africa.
The Maluti Cave Route Trail nudges the Lesotho border in the eastern Free State, a stone's throw from the imposing Drakensberg Mountains.
It's one of the few hiking trails in the Free State's Phuthaditjaba area, and takes in the rolling valleys of the Kgotjwane River before climbing up the foothills of the Drakensberg escarpment to look-out points some 2 500m above sea-level. As the names suggests, the trail is home to several caves, including the massive Wetsi Cave and several smaller caverns featuring original San (bushman) rock art, dating back thousands of years.
The trail starts at Tseki, just outside Phuthaditjaba, and branches out east and west into circular trails that can be done either independently or as part of the greaterfour4-day trail. Although most of the route is suitable for hikers of moderate fitness, there are some sections that are rated difficult, and therefore only appropriate for experienced hikers.
On the 9km trail from Tseki to Thabaputswa chalet you'll pass the Wetsi Cave and several water features, including clear mountain pools and a waterfall. You can overnight here before setting out on one of three trails - back to Tseki camp along the 10km river route; proceeding along the guided 5.5km Drakensberg route 850m up to Dagga Nek (with breathtaking views down the Tsehlanyane Gorge and waterfall); or advancing along to the Matsieng chalet and the Thabana-Tshowana Dam.
You'll have ample time to take in the stunning landscape, with scenic lunch spots and rest stops dotted along the route. There's also abundant birdlife in the area, with a hide at Thabana-tshowana Dam providing the perfect place for birdwatching.
Accommodation on the Maluti Cave Route Trail is provided in four, eight-sleeper chalets, complete with a bathroom (and hot running water), lounge and kitchen with wood stove and gas plate.
The trail is accredited by the South African Hiking Trail Owners Association (SAHTOA) and the Hiking Federation of South Africa (HFSA).
Nearby attractions include the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve and Royal Natal National Park.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Maluti Cave Hiking Trails
Tel: +27 (0) 58 713 2955
Mobile: +27 (0) 76 252 9231
Email: kbmkhondo@yahoo.com
Web: www.maluticaves.co.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Bloemfontein Airport. From Bloemfontein, take N5 to Harrismith – Phuthaditjaba is about 50km south of this. If you’re driving, from Johannesburg and Cape Town take the N1 south and north respectively to Winburg and then the N5 to Harrismith. From Durban, take the N3 to Harrismith.
Tours to do
Hikes, walks, mountain bike rides and horse riding at the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park; Basotho Cultural Village; Maloti Tourism Route, which takes in the eastern highlands of the Free State and Maluti Mountains, Ash River rafting.
What to eat
Authentic Basotho fare at the Basotho Cultural Village in the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park; cherries and cherry liqueur at Ficksburg during cherry season (October and November); farm-fresh asparagus at Fouriesburg in season (September to November).
What's happening
In the eastern Free State: the Cherry Festival at Ficksburg in November; the Asparagus Festival in Fouriesburg in September; Bethlehem Air Show at Bethlehem in August; Vintage Tractor Fair at Clocolan in March.