Injasuti Wilderness Area

The most direct access to the Injasuti Wilderness Area is via the N3. Take the Escourt North off-ramp, then head through the rapidly-sprawling settlement of Loskop. The turn-off to Injasuti is a busy little intersection. Do not be put off by the different spellings for “Injasuti”. If it sounds like “Injasuti” when you say it, then it is the same place that is being referred to!

The tar road winds its way through more rural settlements and stray livestock, becoming increasingly narrow and steep, until it breaks into dirt which continues for a few kilometres to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife entrance gate. This is followed by another short section of dirt, but this gives way to a very narrow tar road (punctuated by some deep drainage channels) which continues into the picturesque Injasuti Hutted Camp. In addition to the chalets, there is also a well-maintained caravan and camping site at the entrance to the camp. The dirt section of the road can become very rough and rutted, and in wet weather a 2-wheel drive car might get stuck, especially if it is towing a caravan. It is best to travel in a vehicle which has a good ground clearance.

Bordered by the Monks’ Cowl Wilderness Area to the north and the Giant’s Castle Wilderness Area to the south, the Injasuti Wilderness Area is quite large and includes some seldom-explored sections. It offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, starting with guided day walks out to the Battle Cave rock art site and short overnight hikes to Wonder Valley Cave or the Grindstone Caves suitable for beginners. Marble Baths Cave is a little further out, as is Lower Injasuti Cave. The caves are well-maintained and usually have a thick layer of straw in their sleeping areas. The main rivers in this area are large by Berg standards and can be dangerous to cross when in flood, so take this into consideration when planning your route, especially if your party includes young children. Junction Cave (as marked on the Singsby map) does not exist, it having been washed away in a flood many years ago.

For the more advanced hiker, the spectacular Injasuti escarpment includes Injasuti Summit Cave (one of the highest caves in the Berg) and Mafadi, the highest point in South Africa at 3 450 metres. These can be reached by five passes, the easiest of which is Leslie’s Pass. Hilton Pass and Injasuti Pass are technical rock passes and require climbing gear. Judge Pass and Corner Pass are not as daunting but involve some clambering that may require rope to raise or lower backpacks and provide some assurance for less sure-footed hikers. Unless your party is exceptionally fit, it is unlikely that you will be able to ascend the escarpment from the Injasuti Hutted Camp in a day, so you should allow a full day for the walk-in to the base of any of the passes.

The Injasuti Wilderness Area also has some other attractions. Dinosaur Cave contains some of the finest examples of dinosaur footprints you are ever likely to see. This cave is deliberately not marked on the maps of the area and finding it requires careful navigation. The impressively large Dead Dog Cave is also worth a visit.  Fergy’s Cave and Cow Den contain some rock art. Unfortunately, though, Centenary Hut is derelict and Tree Fern Cave and Tom’s Cave are both closed. 

Road access: 3/5

The route via Loskop is becoming increasingly busy and congested. Beware of livestock, minibus taxis and pedestrians when you enter this area. Running this gauntlet is worthwhile once you reach the hutted camp.

Parking: 4/5

Vehicles can be left safely under the poplar trees at the entrance to the hutted camp.

Toilet facilities: 5/5

There are well-maintained toilets down at the campsite but facilities are lacking at the office.

Washing facilities: 5/5

There are hot showers at the campsite.

Sales: 4/5

The office shop is quite well stocked with some basic items, including drinks, and also offers some books and souvenirs.

Atmosphere: 5/5

Injasuti Hutted Camp is inviting, tranquil, well-established and well-maintained. It is an idyllic starting point for any hike.

Overall rating: 26/30

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