Location:
Bushman’s Nek Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. This cave is an enigma because it has three names. It does not appear on Slingsby’s map of the area at all, and on the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife map it is named Slab Cave although it must be booked under the name Halfway Cave at the Bushman’s Nek entry point. It is also known as Fisherman’s Cave. The cave is only about 5 km over more-or-less level ground from the border post and is within easy reach for novice hikers. It is ideal for parents wanting to introduce their very young children to a true wilderness experience. The river valley is one of the most picturesque and unspoilt in the berg, and there are several good 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.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 49.187 E29 10.453 at 1897 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Slab Cave is a small, narrow cave nestled under a short overhang above a picturesque little meadow leading down to the Bushman’s River. The cave has a couple of level areas which can accommodate around four hikers. These areas are separated by large slabs of rock which have fallen from the overhang above, forming additional seating and cooking areas.
Comfort: 3/5
The cave is reasonably comfortable, although the sleeping areas are quite small.
Water: 4/5
There is a reliable supply of water all year round, available from the Bushman’s River about 50 metres from the cave.
Pools: 3/5
There are a few small pools in the Bushman’s River in the immediate vicinity of the cave, but there are several large pools further up and down the valley. The large, sunken pool about 250 metres upriver is by far the most spectacular.
Shelter: 3/5
This is a fairly sheltered cave, but rain can drive in under the overhang at its narrowest point. The slabs of rock provide good protection from the wind.
Outlook: 3/5
The meadow and meandering river below the cave, and the cliffs on the other side of the valley, provide a pleasant outlook although there are no spectacular mountain views from the cave itself.
Overall Rating: 16/25
History:
This cave was introduced to the author as Fisherman’ Cave, a name which seems appropriate because of its close proximity to the Bushman’s River and the convenience this can afford fly fishermen, even if they only use it to shelter from the midday sun during a lunch break. However, it is advertised as Halfway Cave at the booking office, and the latest map has it marked as Slab Cave. The cave is about halfway to Bushman’s Cave and Ngwangwane Pass, and a large, broken slab of rock does lie in front of it, so both names are equally appropriate. Perhaps a committee of hiking enthusiasts should decide what to call it!