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Marble BathsPhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This hike leads to the Marble Baths Cave, a cave where you can spend the night, and to the Marble Baths, a swimming spot with crystal clear and turquoise shimmering water.
This pleasant hike follows the Njesuthi River with only a slight incline, while you are surrounded by proteas and impressive sandstone cliffs. After crossing the river, either over stones or by wading through water, the path follows the river valley towards the impressive escarpment. You continue hiking through meadows and proteas, accompanied by the pleasant murmur of the river until you cross it again. Then the path continues still with only a slight incline along the river until a steep path leads up to the caves. From there, you can already see the nearby Marble Baths. The Marble Baths are a swimming spot where the stone in the riverbed has been polished so that it looks like marble. Additionally, the water is crystal clear and shimmers turquoise blue.
Author’s recommendation
If you are willing to walk only 1.8 km more, you should definitely follow the hiking trail to Battle Cave. There you can find some of the best-preserved San rock paintings south of the Sahara. Access is only possible with a key, so it is best to discuss this in advance with the reception (Tel: 0027 36 431 9000).
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to completely and accurately fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" according to your route. Report back on your return and complete the register. This information can be life-saving if you get lost in the mountains.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are hiking and when you should be back.
- It is best not to hike alone but in groups!
- In winter (May - August), the days are significantly shorter than in summer (October - March).
- In the summer months (October - March), afternoon thunderstorms increasingly occur in the mountains and the weather can change in a very short time – so definitely check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Planned controlled burns take place in winter. Inquire at the reception to ensure your safety.
- The current of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and the speed of the water before you go swimming or cross a river.
- There are venomous snakes in the mountains: the puff adder, the berg adder, and the ring-necked cobra.
Tips and suggestions
To preserve the wild character of the Drakensberg and keep the area as natural as possible, there are no information boards along the hiking trails in the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park. Instead, you can purchase maps and “Visitor Guide” booklets at the reception that include information about the flora, fauna, landscape, and history of the region. The water in the mountain streams of the Drakensberg can generally be drunk without concerns.
When entering the UNESCO World Heritage Maloti-Drakensberg Park, you are obliged to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the Nature Conservation fee, a kind of daily fee. The payment receipt of the entrance fee must definitely be kept.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and the accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority responsible for the conservation of biodiversity in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife secures and preserves the unique biodiversity and the natural and cultural world heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenues generated through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife flow into the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage and projects of the rural community. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization positively affects thousands of people economically living around the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
We start the hike at the parking lot in front of the resort and walk back 900 m along the access road until we reach a bridge that crosses the Njesuthi River. In front of the bridge, there is a stone signpost that points the way to the Upper and Lower Injasuthi Caves, the Battle Cave, Centenary Hut, and the Marble Baths. We follow the path a few steps up and then hike for 1 km along the river above until we have to cross it. Here there is a metal strip and several stones in the river that help us get to the other side. If the water is too high to use the stones, we have to wade through the water. With a strong current, this could be difficult for people with mobility restrictions and children. After reaching the other bank, we follow the path to the left, away from the river. On the way toward the rock wall, we cross a small stream. 570 m after the first stream crossing, when almost at the foot of the rock wall, we reach an intersection. We follow the main path to the right and thus turn into the right river valley. We hike for 2.5 km relatively flat between the rock wall on our left and the river on our right, across meadows and through small wooded areas. Then we again reach an intersection where a Marble Baths signpost directs us to the right. We follow the path downhill, down to a river which we also have to cross. After reaching the other side, the path continues for another 2.6 km deeper into the right river valley. When you can already see the Marble Baths in front of you, several paths lead up to the caves. There are two caves, the front one being smaller. From the second cave, you return to the main path and follow the way to the left to the Marble Baths, which you should already be able to see from the cave.
Having cooled off in the crystal clear water and possibly spent the night in the cave, the same path takes you back to the resort. Alternatively, you can also follow the instructions of the “circular route to Marble Cave, Marble Baths, and Grindstone Cave.”
Marble Baths Cave
Marble Baths
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park, as public transport options are limited.
Directions
If you are on the N3 motorway between Johannesburg and Durban, leave the N3 at exit 179 towards Escourt/Giants Castle. Immediately after the exit, turn off to go to Loskop. 23.2 km after the N3 exit, turn left and follow the signs to Injisuthi. The 31.1 km long road now takes you to Injisuthi Resort. The road is partly a gravel road. Therefore, a vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended in bad weather.
Parking
Parking is available at Injisuthi Resort.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Maps and brochures are available at the receptions.
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, as well as sun or rain protection depending on the weather, water, and snacks should be taken along.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions