Location:
Injasuti Wilderness Area, lower central Drakensberg. Marble Baths Cave overlooks the large but un-named river which has its source in the Leslie’s Pass area and flows into the Injasuti River about 2 km down the valley from the cave. This cave has now replaced Junction Cave, which was almost completely washed away by the 1976 floods. It can be reached either via the Grindstone Caves or via the Injasuti River, thus allowing for a circular weekend route.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
Unknown
Description:
The cave is set quite high on the hillside above the Marble Baths, but can be reached via a gently sloping path from the river. The main section of the cave consists of a raised rock platform with a relatively low roof. This can accommodate about 8 hikers with a squeeze. The annex, which is only about 25 metres away, offers a nice level floor under a higher overhang, but this can only accommodate about 4 hikers.
Comfort: 3/5
The floor of the main cave is a little uneven and may be damp in summer, with several overhead drips.
Water: 3/5
The nearest good water source is about 200 metres away on the main river which is accessible where the path from Grindstone Caves crosses it to Marble Baths cave.
Pools: 5/5
The Marble Baths pools offer a variety of medium-sized pools and chutes which cut through sandstone bedrock, so there is also plenty of room to stretch out in the sun. This is, however, a popular spot for visitors from the Hutted Camp at Injasuti, so don’t expect any privacy!
Shelter: 4/5
The cave offers good shelter from the rain, but is exposed to winds blowing up the valley.
Outlook: 4/5
There are some good views of the escarpment in the Leslie’s Pass area, which can be seen over the grassed spurs and hills upriver.
Overall Rating: 19/25
History:
The cave is named after the Marble Baths in the river below it.