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Grindstone CavePhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This hike takes you on the shortest route to Grindstone Cave, and several other spectacular caves where you can spend the night. One of them even features a waterfall.
This hike first leads along the Delumhlwazini River and past a beautifully situated bench from which one can sit and overlook the impressive river valley and burnt plantation on the opposite side of the valley. The trail then descends to the Yellowwood Forest, a forested area with tall Yellowwood trees covered in moss. You are surrounded by chirping and the sound of the Old Woman Stream until the path leads out of the forest and slowly up through the grassland. As you continue to hike uphill and into the mountains, you pass many proteas and enjoy wonderful views of the valley behind you and the mountains ahead. After about 3.5 km you already reach the first cave, which is equipped with a "shower" - a waterfall in the middle of the cave. However, the caves that are more suitable for sleeping are located only a few hundred meters along the path.
Author’s recommendation
This hike and the caves are perfect for those new to hiking and sleeping in caves. If you think the cave option is too scary, you can easily hike back to the resort and spend the night there.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Before your hike, always take the time to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and accurately. Don’t forget to complete the "Mountain Rescue Register" upon your return. This information can be vital in case of emergency.
- Let a friend or family member know where you are hiking to, and when you plan to be back.
- It is best not to hike alone, but in groups!
- In winter (May - August) the days are much shorter than in summer (October - March), so be sure to allow yourself enough time to return before dark.
- In the summer months afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and the weather can change quickly - so be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Prescribed burning takes place in the winter months. Familiarise yourself at the office with the areas scheduled for burning for your own safety and enjoyment.
- River currents can be dangerous: check the water level and the speed of the water flow before going for a swim or attempting to cross a river.
- There are poisonous snakes in the mountains: the puff adder, the mountain adder and the Rinkhals.
Tips and suggestions
In order to maintain the wild character of the Drakensberg and in keeping with the wilderness principles, there are no information boards along the trails in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Instead, you can purchase maps and visitor-guide-booklets at the reception, which contain information about the flora, fauna, landscape and history of the region.
The water of small rivers and streams in the park is usually drinkable.
If you access the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, you have to register at the reception of the section you entered and pay the Nature Conservation Fee. All visitors must keep their official park entrance fee receipt with them.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails and the accommodation within the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority mandated to conserve biodiversity in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife safeguards and conserves the unique biodiversity and natural and cultural world heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenue generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife goes towards the management of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and funds rural community projects. In terms of the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way the organization affects thousands of people surrounding the Maloti-Drakensberg Park in a positive economic way.
Roadbook
The hike starts at the reception office. Walk across the lawn between the chalets further into camp, to the base of a hill. There are large rock signs indicating the way to Yellowwood Forest, the Old Dipping Tank and Grindstone Cave. Follow the trail uphill and after a few meters you pass a beautifully situated bench with an impressive view of the Delumhlwazini River and burnt trees on the other side of the river. Shortly thereafter, you reach a junction where you need to keep left. The path leads into a right turn above the resort until it descends into the Yellowwood Forest. After only a few meters in the forest and along Old Woman stream, a wooden bridge takes you across the stream and out of the forest. Immediately after the bridge, the trail heads uphill to another junction with a rock trail sign, where you also need to keep left. From here the path leads slowly but steadily uphill. About 1.3 km after the signpost you have a beautiful view of the valley and a patch of forest between the mountains. From here you turn towards the mountains and follow the path above the forest and up through protea woodland. After a few meters you can see a waterfall between the trees, but you cannot reach it. Although a path leaves the main trail, it disappears after a while and does not lead to the forest or to the waterfall.
After about 3.5 km, when the path becomes relatively flat, one passes through Shower Cave, a cave with a waterfall. If you follow the path a few hundred meters further, you will reach three more caves with spectacular views and enough space to spend the night.
The same path leads back to the camp. Alternatively, you can take the path into the Cataract Valley or extend the route to a two to three day tour to the Marble Baths and the Marble Baths Cave.
Grindstone Cave
Shower Cave
Yellowwood Forrest
Bench with beautiful view Injisuthi
Public transport
It is recommended to use your own vehicle since public transport is limited.
Directions
If travelling on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban, leave the N3 at exit 179 in the direction of Escourt/Giants Castle. Immediately after the exit turn onto the road to Loskop. About 23 km after the N3 exit, turn left and follow the signs to Injesuthi. The 31 km road takes you to Injesuthi Resort. The last 31 km are partly a gravel road, therefore, a vehicle with ground clearance is recommended in bad weather conditions.
Parking
Parking is available at the Resort.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Maps and brochures are available at the Registration Office.
Equipment
Sturdy shoes, as well as sun or rain protection depending on the weather, water and snacks should be taken along. A walking stick might be helpful. And if staying overnight, a sleeping bag, camping mattress, enough food and a camping stove might be needed.
If you want to stay overnight in the cave, you have to book it at the reception in Injesuthi.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions