Pillar Cave Hike (2 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

12 The 2 Day Pillar Cave Hike

Easy Drakensberg Hike
Family Friendly Drakensberg Hike
Overnight Hike

The Pillar Cave Hike is probably one of the nicest and easiest hikes in the Drakensberg, only 2 days! Our Guided Drakensberg Pillar Cave Hike is a wonderful introduction to hiking in the Drakensberg. Click here to watch a video I made of this hike.

This is an ideal hike for beginners and families, but it is also great for those who want a Drakensberg Hiking experience but don’t have the time for an extended hike.

Pillar Cave is a lovely cave with a flat floor and a pillar providing some protection from the elements. It is also at the base of Mashai Pass, so whilst sitting and relaxing in Pillar Cave we can enjoy views of the massive Rhino Peak towering way above us at 3056m. Because we are so close, we can go exploring up the river valley where the higher we go the better the views!

We start the hike at Garden Castle and stroll along a clear footpath for 3 km. while crossing the Mashai River a few times. This gives us plenty of opportunities to cool down with a dip in the mountain pools as we walk along.

Because the Guided Drakensberg Pillar Cave Hike is fairly short, we can easily add on a 4×4 drive up the famous Sani Pass. Usually we get back to our cars between 10 and 11am, and Sani Pass is just around the corner. You must have a valid passport to enter the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho though. Of course, we can also just spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Mashai valley.

Who is the Guided Drakensberg Pillar Cave Hike is most suitable for?

Families with children over the age of 8, couples, singles, anyone interested who just wants to spend a couple of relaxing days in the Drakensberg, ideal for beginners, weekend getaways; families and anyone who just wants a short break in the Drakensberg!

The Pillar Cave Hike is an Easy, Family Friendly Drakensberg Hike.

What are the most notable things we see on the Pillar Cave Hike?

Pillar Cave, Rhino Peak, Garden Castle, Mashai River.

Drakensberg Hiking Package Options

We have differentiated between options for porters for your hike using ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ as the options to choose from, so remember to select the correct option on your enquiry or hike form when you contact us.

We understand that the Gold, Silver and Bronze packages might seem a bit confusing, so we have done some calculations to assist you with which one will be most suitable for you, and to ensure that you have the most enjoyable hike possible!

It is a good idea as part of your hike preparation to do some extra walking anyway, so while doing a walk of approximately 5km, including some uphill and downhill parts, carry a pack with the pack weight listed in the description of the package you are interested in. If you are quite comfortable with that weight, then that is the right option for you.

If you find yourself battling, and don’t have time to do some more preparation, then consider moving to a different package.

All three options (Bronze, Silver & Gold) include full catering, and the supply of your tent.

GOLD

Fully Portered Drakensberg Hike

You carry only a day-pack containing your own with drinks, snacks and jacket for each day.

Includes 3 meals a day!

You will not be carrying a standard hiking backpack at all, instead we will supply you with a 35l drybag into which you will put all your personal gear for our porters to carry.

The day pack you will carry weighs approximately 4kg.

Sleeping bags, tents, etc are carried our porters who also put your tent up!

SILVER

Partially Portered Drakensberg Hike

You carry a backpack with your clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, wash kit, and water bottle.

Includes 3 meals a day!

The pack weight you will carry on the Silver Package is approximately 14kg.

Tents etc are carried and put up by our porters.