Gxalingenwa Cave Hike

A guided overnight hike from Sani Lodge Backpackers into the pristine Drakensberg mountains.

Great Hike Amazing Rock Art 2 Days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

This two-day guided hike will follow the beautiful Gxalingenwa valley upstream as far as Gxalingenwa Cave. Along the way, you’ll pass sparkling mountain pools in the river which offer some great swimming spots. Further highlights include a swim at the large waterfall along the way, an untouched indigenous forest and Bushman rock art sites. There are truly spectacular views as we climb higher and deeper into the pristine wilderness areas of the Drakensberg. Stay the night in the cave, and then return via the summit of Ndlovini mountain (2208m) with fantastic views of the whole southern Drakensberg.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Experience Fair Trade in Tourism in action. Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring fair remuneration for services rendered. “Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa". ~ Judges

Departure from Sani Lodge (8.15 am)

We meet near reception ten minutes prior to departure for a quick briefing and introduction to your guide.

Follow the beautiful Gxalingenwa valley upstream to Gxalingenwa Cave

Along the way, you’ll pass sparkling mountain pools in the river which offer some great swimming spots. Further highlights include a swim at the large waterfall along the way, an untouched indigenous forest and Bushman rock art sites. There are truly spectacular views as we climb higher and deeper into the pristine wilderness areas of the Drakensberg.

The hike

This is a moderate hike with an altitude gain of about 600 meters over the course of the day to the cave. The exact distance varies depending on exact route chosen by the guide but is roughly 9 – 11 km each way.

Return journey

We return via the summit of Ndlovini mountain (2208m) with fantastic views of the whole southern Drakensberg.

Food & Equipment

Hikers must provide their own food as well as cooking equipment and eating utensils. Other essentials to be provided by yourself are a comfortable backpack, a warm sleeping bag, roll mat, warm clothing, rain gear and good hiking footwear. A camping stove complete with pots and roll mats are available to hire but not sleeping bags.

The Cave

What are called “caves” in the Drakensberg are actually large rock overhangs in the sandstone and are more accurately known as “shelters”. Gxalingenwa Cave is a deep shelter with a small waterfall falling over the rock cliffs close by providing water. You sleep in your sleeping bag on a roll mat on the cave floor. There is, of course, no toilet!

The Group

These are set scheduled hikes so different individuals or groups may join the hike. Hikers of different levels of fitness and ability could be mixed in the same group. This can impact on speed of hiking, times on the trail and what objectives may be achieved by the group as groups will not under any circumstances be split up.

The Route

All groups and each day in the Drakensberg is different. Our guides will use their discretion in deciding on any changes to the route depending on circumstances.

Get in touch

Kit List

Lesotho Visa Requirements

South African Entry/Exit Regulations

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that the price quoted above is for tours running with a minimum of three guests. If you wish to do this tour with a group of less than three, there may be additional charges due to the fixed nature of certain costs.

Booking terms