Battle Cave in Central Drakensberg

Marble Baths Walk

The Marble Baths are natural rock pools and slides, where the sandstone bedrock of the Drakensberg has been polished by the Buttress Fork stream, a tributary of a tributary of the upper Injisuthi River.

The walk each way takes four to five hours, so make a day of it - preferably in summer when you'll be up for a swim.

You could include a guided trip to the Battle Cave rock art site on your way up. The huge basalt tower protruding from the main escarpment at the head of the valley is called The Molar, and you can see why. You can't overnight in Junction Cave because floods caused it to collapse some years ago.

Grindstone Caves Trails

This walk is only 7 km each way, with a slice of forest near the start, the possibility of a guided tour of Battle Cave (one of the best rock art sites) on the way, majestic views of the Injisuthi Triplets, Trojan Wall and other high points along the Drakensberg Escarpment, and a memorable river crossing. 

There are two possible routes to the 'semi-detached' caves, you can go up the Injisuthi ('well-fed dogs') River or via Gibisila Ridge, which makes a pleasing round trip. Take time to explore the small valley (just before reaching the caves) for the rock pools and natural water chute that are otherwise hidden, as well as some lesser-known rock art sites.

By David Bristow