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Sleeping Beauty CavePhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This route is one of the most well-known and beautiful routes in Garden Castle. It leads up to a huge cave, a cozy cave for two people, and a panoramic viewpoint.
This route is definitely for explorers and perfect if you want to spend the night in a cave or simply enjoy a beautiful hike! The first half of the hike leads gently along a brook, which you have to cross several times. Alongside the sound of the brook, you enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. On sunny days, small forest sections provide shade and the brook offers wonderful cooling. However, the second half of the hike to the Sleeping Beauty Cave is considerably more strenuous and is not really suitable for toddlers and persons with limited mobility. Many steps lead up through native bushes to the large Sleeping Beauty Cave, where up to 12 people can spend the night. If you follow the hiking trail further uphill, you reach the Engagement Cave, which offers two people a protected sleeping place. From the Engagement Cave, it is only a few meters more to a breathtaking viewpoint that is definitely worth the effort!
Author’s recommendation
I recommend hiking to the viewpoint because the view is worth it.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and accurately according to your route. Check out upon your return and complete the register. This information can be lifesaving if you get lost in the mountains.
- Inform 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), there are increased afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains and the weather can change very quickly – so be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- In winter, planned burnings take place. Inquire at the reception to ensure your safety.
- The currents of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and speed of the water before swimming or crossing a river.
- There are venomous snakes in the mountains: the Puff Adder, the Berg Adder, and the Black Mamba.
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 Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park." Instead, you can purchase maps and "Visitor Guide" booklets at the reception that contain information about the flora, fauna, landscape, and history of the region.
The water in the brooks of the Drakensberg can generally be drunk without concern.
When entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park," you are required to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the Nature Conservation Fee, a kind of daily fee. The receipt of the entry fee must be kept without fail.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority responsible for conserving 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 revenue generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife flows into the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and rural community projects. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the sole employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization has a positive economic impact on thousands of people living around the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
The hike begins at the reception of the Garden Castle section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park." We leave the reception, go to the parking lot, and follow the street a few meters to the right. Then a footpath branches off to the left and leads us to a green sign with the inscription "Sleeping Beauty Trail Head." We follow the path, which first goes down and through bushes. After crossing a small wooden bridge, steps lead to another bridge. Once we have crossed this, we see a stone signpost directing us to Sleeping Beauty Cave to the right. We follow the signpost and then walk about 1.7 km upstream along the river. Then we have to cross the river using stones. If the water level is higher, you have to wade through the water. Four more stream crossings follow. After the fifth crossing, we enter a forest, which we leave again shortly afterwards. Now we come to a wooden ladder or a staircase. From here, the path becomes significantly steeper and more demanding. Small children and people with limited mobility may have difficulties continuing along the further path. We follow the path for about 760 m through bushes and gain about 200 meters in elevation. Then we reach the last stream crossing to Sleeping Beauty. From here, steps lead up the last steep meters. A footpath branching off to the right leads into the spacious cave.
If you want to visit the Engagement Cave or the viewpoint, go back to the main path. There we keep to the left at the cliff and cross a small bridge. Then we turn right and cross the riverbed. We continue to keep left and follow steps upwards. When we reach the top, we have to be careful. A small footpath leaves the main path to the right and leads in just a few meters to the Engagement Cave.
From there, a path leads left past the Engagement Cave and about 200 m steeply up to the rock ledge. From there, you have an amazing view!
Sleeping Beauty Cave
Engagement Cave
Sleeping Beauty Lookout
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park, as public transport is limited.
Directions
If you are on the N3 motorway between Johannesburg and Durban, take the exit onto the R617 (towards Bulwer and Underberg). Stay on the R617 and drive through Boston, Bulwer, to Underberg. About 4 km after Underberg, turn right and follow the signposts to the Drakensberg Garden Resorts. Continue on the road for another 26 km and through the resort to the Garden Castle section of the "Maloti-Drakensberg" Park.
Parking
Parking spaces are available at the reception.
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 brought along. If you want to spend the night in the cave, you should bring a sleeping bag, a camping mattress, and possibly a gas stove. A hiking stick is recommended for the hike to the viewpoint.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions