MTSZ
MTSZ térképportál
Turista Magazin
TuristaShop
Kéktúra
Gerecse50
A kéktúrázás napja
-
Spare Rib CavePhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This route starts at the Bannerman Hut and is only an excursion for ambitious hikers. The path leads steeply uphill towards Lesotho and ends at a cave with breathtaking views!
This route starts at the Bannerman Hut and leads brave hikers up part of the escarpment. Hikers should note that this mountain route is very strenuous and should only be undertaken in good weather. After overcoming the 475 meters of elevation gain to Spare Rib Cave, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view! The cave itself is huge and houses several sleeping places of the Basotho, inhabitants of Lesotho, who allegedly smuggle drugs and stolen cattle over the Bannerman Pass. The same path that took you up to the cave brings you back down. You should plan about 1.5 hours per way.
Author’s recommendation
If you encounter the Basotho, it is best to keep walking and avoid contact.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and accurately according to your route. Sign out and complete the register upon your return. This information can be life-saving 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 much shorter than in summer (October-March).
- In the summer months (October-March), there are more 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.
- Planned burnings occur in winter. Inquire at the reception to ensure your safety.
- The currents of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and speed before swimming or crossing a river.
- There are venomous snakes in the mountains: puff adder, berg adder, and snouted 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." However, maps and "Visitor Guide" booklets are available at the reception, providing information about the region's flora, fauna, landscape, and history.
The water in the streams of the Drakensberg can usually be drunk without concern.
Upon entering the UNESCO World Heritage "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 entrance fee must be kept.
The Maloti Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority entrusted with preserving biodiversity in the South African province KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife secures and preserves the unique biodiversity and the natural and cultural heritage of the Maloti Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenue generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife flows into the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and rural community projects. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization positively impacts thousands of people economically in the surroundings of the Maloti Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
The step-by-step description is not very precise in this case, as the path is not always clearly visible. It is best to try finding the way yourself, and this description serves only as a guide.
The path to Spare Rib Cave starts behind the Bannerman Hut and follows along a stream. We cross it after a few hundred meters. After that, it becomes difficult to see the path, but if you orient yourself above a wall and continue hiking uphill, you should find the path again. It is important to keep moving upwards. You should be able to see the pass in front of you.
When looking at the escarpment, you will notice that to the left of the path, below a high steep wall, there is a dark rock overhang. When you reach its height, you need to turn left and will first find a smaller cave. Moving further left, you will see the Spare Rib Cave.
Spare Rib Cave
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park, as public transport is limited.
Directions
If you are traveling on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban and
- coming from the north, take the N3 exit to Estcourt. At the intersection of Conner and Lorne Street, turn onto Ntabamhlope Road and follow the signs to Giants Castle. After entering the Giant's Castle section of the UNESCO World Heritage "Maloti-Drakensberg Park," the road continues a few kilometers to the Giant's Castle Resort, where you can fill out the mountain rescue register and start the route.
- coming from the south, take the N3 exit to Mooi River, drive through the town, and follow the signs to Giants Castle, 64 km away. After entering the Giant's Castle section of the UNESCO World Heritage "Maloti-Drakensberg Park," the road continues a few kilometers to the Giant's Castle Resort, where you can fill out the mountain rescue register and start the route.
The nearest town with a comprehensive range of services and workshops is Estcourt, 65 km away. The drive from Johannesburg takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and from Durban about 2 to 3 hours.
Parking
For overnight guests, parking lots are located directly at the camp, for day visitors, parking lots are located just before the camp.
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. A walking stick is also very advantageous.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions