Location:
Bushman’s Nek Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. The most direct access to Bushman’s Cave is via the Bushman’s River from the Bushman’s Nek Border Post. The river valley is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt in the berg, and there are many pools to swim in en route. No passport is required to hike in the area unless you will be entering Lesotho via the official border post near the Sehlabathebe National Park. The climb from Bushman’s Cave into Lesotho via Ngwangwane Pass is the easiest in the entire Natal Drakensberg. This is a very beautiful part of the escarpment and it offers a simple, safe access route for those venturing into Lesotho for the first time.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 48.503 E29 08.074 at 2276 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Bushman’s Cave is a smallish cave under a fairly narrow overhang. It has a level floor and a nice cooking area. Although recorded on the map as being able to accommodate 12 people, a more practical limit is 8. You can get wet in driving rain!
Comfort: 3/5
The cave is reasonably comfortable, although the sleeping areas are quite small and fairly rough. Another section of the cave provides a suitable cooking area.
Water: 4/5
There is a reliable supply of water all year round, available from a stream about 25 metres from the cave.
Pools: 2/5
There are no pools suitable for swimming within the immediate vicinity of the cave, but a few small pools can provide for an adequate wash. On a line directly above the cave, the more adventurous and energetic can find a wonderful spot at a hillside tarn to take a dip.
Shelter: 3/5
This is a comfortable cave, but rain can drive in under the overhang at its narrowest point. It gets both the morning and afternoon sun, so it can be very hot in summer. High stone walls provide protection from the strong winds which can roar down the valley.
Outlook: 5/5
The cave is north-facing. It provides a magnificent view of Thaba Ngwangwe and Andre’s Knob.
Overall Rating: 17/25
History:
Unknown