Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

14 The Xeni Cave Overnight Hike

Easy to Intermediate Drakensberg Hike
Family Friendly Drakensberg Hike
Overnight Hike

The Xeni cave overnight hike is a great 2-day hike for people who don’t have much time, but who want to experience the beautiful Drakensberg.

It is found in the well known Cathedral peak part of the Drakensberg and is a 3 hour drive from Durban or 5 hours from Johannesburg. Some people may want to stay at Cathedral Peak Hotel before or after the hike.

Xeni is a great big and well sheltered cave.

It is a perfect cave for people new to the sleeping in caves thing. There is lots of space and even has a waterfall over the front. Maybe a ‘cold’ shower?

The hike starts at the Cathedral peak hotel after we sign the hiking register at Didima camp just down the road. As we leave the hotel we soon see some spectacular mountains way up ahead of us. This includes the famous Cathedral peak. Within 45 minutes we cross our first stream so can get the best mountain water for a drink. From here we walk up along the Mlambonja river valley and soon see the Column and Pyramid above. After another river crossing we turn left along a path up a wild valley to Xeni cave.

This valley is lovely and wild with beautiful indigenous forests.

By now we are getting a bit peckish so time for lunch at a pool. This place is amazing and we carry on until a wood ladder up the bank and another 150m of climbing to arrive in Xeni cave.

Click here to see how to prepare for your hike with us.

This cave is huge so lots of space. There are even 2 cement tables for cooking on. While relaxing in the cave we can chat about the beautiful Drakensberg and enjoy the views looking out the cave. After dinner and then breakfast we head back down the valley the same way we came up.

It is amazing how different the views are walking in the opposite direction.

Anyway after around a 3 hour walk we arrive back at the Cathedral peak hotel in time for late morning tea. And there you have the Xeni cave overnight hike.

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.