Location:
Bushman’s Nek Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. The ridge route to Thomathu (or Tomathu) Cave from the Bushman’s Nek Border Post provides excellent views of the escarpment to the north and south, but is otherwise long, exposed and badly eroded in places. The cave provides a relatively easy jumping-off point for hikers to enter Lesotho, with a good path leading up from the cave to the escarpment. The cave is unusual in that it has been cut out of a mixture of pink rock (red-bed) and sandstone.
GPS Coordinates: WGS84
S29 49.924 E29 09.003 at 2333 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Thomathu Cave is a huge overhang which has been divided into several sleeping areas, some of which are recessed high up against the back wall and provide excellent shelter from the elements.
Comfort: 4/5
The cave is reasonably comfortable, although it is a bit dusty. It is quite unique among berg caves in having real lawn in front of it, probably a product of domestic animals spreading meadow grass via their droppings. There is also plenty of space to walk around in under shelter.
Water: 2/5
A small stream runs past the upper end of the cave in summer. Finding running water near the cave during the dry season can be problematic.
Pools: 0/5
There are no pools near the cave.
Shelter: 5/5
The cave provides very adequate shelter, with a choice of sleeping areas ranging from completely open to semi-recessed. Some bush in front of the cave provides a little protection from the wind.
Outlook: 2/5
The cave nestles in the upper end of a narrow valley with very little to offer in terms of scenery.
Overall Rating: 13/25
History:
Unknown