Location:
Injasuti Wilderness Area, lower central Drakensberg. Lower Injasuti Cave is about 9 km from the Injasuti Hutted Camp over a relatively easy route, but it does require several river crossings which may prove difficult for young or inexperienced hikers. Beware of the Njasuthi River crossing in summer though – this can be dangerous and you should far rather take the alternative route over the road bridge instead under these conditions.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 10.254 E29 24.288 at 1813 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Lower Injasuti Cave overlooks a very wide flood section of the Injasuti River, but this is not easily accessible from the cave. About 100 metres downstream the river squeezes into a narrower channel, and it is around this point that a fairly large tributary cascades down a series of small waterfalls and pools into the main river. This is a wonderful spot for swimming, with its bare sandstone bedrock and miniature gorges. There are a few small Bushman paintings at the entrance to the cave, but these are a safe distance from the sleeping quarters. The cave can easily accommodate 12 people, but Slingsby’s map specifies only 8 and the latest Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife brochures specify 10, although they seem quite happy to accept 12.
Comfort: 5/5
The cave floor is sectioned off into several large sleeping areas.
Water: 3/5
The Injasuti River provides a reliable source of water all year round, although this is some distance away. The tributary is the better option, and since it is large it flows all year round.
Pools: 5/5
The pools are about 100 metres from the cave and not much effort is needed to get to and from them.
Shelter: 4/5
Due to the large overhang and its location behind some trees and bush, this north-facing cave provides good shelter from both wind and rain.
Outlook: 3/5
There is not much of a view directly out of the cave, but a small but impressive section of the escarpment can be seen from the pools lower downstream. There is a domineering closeness about the setting.
Overall Rating: 20/25
History:
There is another cave in the same area of the berg but on the escarpment called Injasuti Summit Cave. This explains why the lower cave is referred to as such.