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Spend the night in a Drakensberg cave
Overnight in a Drakensberg cave, KwaZulu-Natal
Dawn from the Drakensberg's Spare Rib Cave.
© Fred Swart
Did you know?
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife provides comprehensive details of each cave, from comfort levels to accessibility to water.
Marble Baths Cave, Sherman’s Cave, Spare Rib Cave, Nutcracker Cave and Sleeping Beauty Cave – choose from any one of these and dozens more when you overnight in a cave in the Drakensberg.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the first site in South Africa to be recognised as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site, is home to the majestic Drakensberg, South Africa's largest and most spectacular mountain range.
The Zulus call uKhahlamba (pronounced Ooka-hlamba) the Barrier of Spears, but don’t be put off by the formidable name – there are hikes, rambles, walks and ambles for everyone from the super-fit to the couch potato.
You'll see stunning scenery while hiking and, often, superb examples of the world-famous San rock paintings – arguably the finest in the country.
If you're prepared to rough it for a night then a unique way to get really close to nature and to experience the mountains at first-hand is to overnight in a cave.
Though you are forbidden to sleep in caves with San paintings, there are many others where you can unroll your sleeping bag, tuck into your rations, enjoy a tot and watch the dawn come up over the peaks, or see the sun set from your high eyrie.
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife will give you a comprehensive list of caves you can overnight in, but you must book well in advance. Some caves sleep only two, others up to 12, so you may find yourself alone or joined by another party of intrepid hikers.
There are some important wilderness principles to abide by when overnighting in a cave: no fires; relieve yourself well away from the cave; what you take in, you take out; and, finally, leave only your footprints, so that others may enjoy the same wilderness experience.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
Fax: +27 (0) 33 845 1001
Email: webmail@kznwildlife.com
Web: www.ezemvelo.co.za
How to get here
Choose your rocky destination then get detailed directions from Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife.
What will it cost
The price varies according to which hike you do and which cave you overnight in. Contact Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife for more information.
What to pack
Comfortable hiking boots, camping equipment, food and water.