Location:
The cave is situated on the escarpment just inside Lesotho, in the base of the rock outcrop that forms Thaba Ngwangwe peak (3 068 metres). It can be accessed from the Bushman’s Nek Wilderness Area via Ngwangwane Pass. This pass is confusingly named Bushman’s Pass on the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife maps (there is a Busman’s Nek Pass further south which is sometimes also referred to more simply as Bushman’s Pass). At nearly 3 000 metres, Ngwangwe Cave is 700 metres higher than Bushman’s Cave which is located at the bottom of Ngwangwane Pass. This pass is one of the easiest in the Drakensberg and amounts to nothing more than a steep, grassy slope. Ngwangwe Cave makes for a stiff morning walk from Bushman’s Cave without packs.
GPS Coordinates: WGS84
S29 47.926 E29 07.440 at 2993 metres
Description:
This is the largest basalt cave in the Natal Drakensberg. It has some interesting nooks and crannies formed by gas pockets trapped inside the lava flow. At night the roof sparkles as the many quartz inclusions reflect your camp light. In good weather the cave can accommodate 12 people with ease. However, since it faces directly into the path of cold fronts coming up from the Cape, and because it has an enormously high roof, this number can be reduced to four or so in foul weather.
Comfort: 4/5
The main floor area is comfortably flat, and so is the side alcove and tunnel. The holes in the back wall of the cave can accommodate two young teenagers.
Water: 2/5
A small stream originates just below the cave and will provide plenty of water in summer. During the dry season you may have to venture further downhill to find running water. The hill is steep and the water only becomes available about 50 to 100 metres lower than the cave. In winter you may also be able to collect snow, since Thaba Ngwangwe’s prominence is a natural snow trap and this snow will be in shade for most of the day in front of the cave, which faces directly south.
Pools: 0/5
There are no pools near the cave, since it is situated near the top of Thaba Ngwangwe peak.
Shelter: 2/5
The cave could provide shelter from rain, but since it is so exposed to the wind, any precipitation is likely to be driven deep inside it. Unless you take refuge in the holes, you are unlikely to get much shelter from the elements. Lightning also poses a potential danger, so the cave should not be approached during a storm. Although the cave is quite far out of their way, inquisitive Basotho herd boys may pay a visit, so do not leave equipment unattended.
Outlook: 4/5
The cave offers a fine view into Lesotho over Thomathu Peak and towards the Devil’s Knuckles (also called The Three Bushman), but the Drakensberg escarpment ends here and is replaced by more sedate, rolling hills. If you scramble to the top of Thaba Ngwangwe, which is only about 70 metres above the cave, you will have a fine view northwards along the southern escarpment towards Rhino Peak and Hodgson’s Peaks.
Overall Rating: 12/25
History:
Unknown