DrakensbergHiker
  • Upcoming Hikes
    • Sep - Dec 2026
      • Sep 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (5-6 Sep 2026)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (12-17 Sep 2026)
        • 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (25-29 Sep 2026)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (25-27 Sep 2026)
      • Oct 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (3-4 Oct 2026)
        • Mnweni Circuit Hike (16-19 Oct 2026)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (24-25 Oct 2026)
      • Nov 2026
        • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (5-8 Nov 2026)
        • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (7-10 Nov 2026)
      • Dec 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (5-6 Dec 2026)
        • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (12-15 Dec 2026)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (15-20 Dec 2026)
        • Kosi Bay Turtles Tour (16-19 Dec 2026)
        • 5 Day New Year’s Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (30 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day New Year’s Hike (31 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027)
    • Jan - Mar 2027
      • Jan 2027
        • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle 2 Day Hike (2-3 Jan 2027)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (9-10 Jan 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (15-17 Jan 2027)
        • 4 Day Kosi Bay Turtles Tour (22-25 Jan 2027)
      • Feb 2027
        • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4-7 Feb 2027)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (27-28 Feb 2027)
      • Mar 2027
        • Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike (20-22 Mar 2027)
        • Long Weekend 3 Day Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (20-22 Mar 2027)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (21-26 Mar 2027)
        • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (26-28 Mar 2027)
        • Blindmans Corner Overnight Hike (27-28 Mar 2027)
    • Apr - Jun 2027
      • Apr 2027
        • 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (24-28 Apr 2027)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (27 Apr-2 May 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (28 Apr-2 May 2027)
      • May 2027
        • We are working on our 2027 Hike and Tour portfolio, check back soon for hikes in May 2027
      • Jun 2027
        • Mnweni Circuit Hike (13-16 Jun 2027)
        • Wild Coast and Drakensberg Mountains (15-20 Jun 2027)
        • Summit Cathedral Peak Hike (19-20 Jun 2027)
        • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (26-29 Jun 2027)
    • Jul - Sep 2027
      • Jul 2027
        • Central Drakensberg Contour Path Hike (1-4 Jul 2027)
        • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (10-11 Jul 2027)
        • 5 Day Overland Winter 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (7-11 Jul 2027)
      • Aug 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Sep 2027
        • Long Weekend Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (24-25 Sep 2027)
    • Oct - Dec 2027
      • Oct 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Nov 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Dec 2027
        • Christmas in Lesotho (16-18 Dec 2027)
  • About Us
    • Our Blog
    • Contact DrakensbergHiker
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Meet the DrakensbergHiker Team!
    • Our Reviews
  • Our Hikes
    • Overnight Hikes
      • Drakensberg Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls Hike (2 Days)
      • Blindmans Corner Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Summit Cathedral Peak (2 Days)
      • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle Hike (2 Days)
      • Our other Overnight Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Easy & Family Friendly Hikes
      • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle Hike (2 Days)
      • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (2-Days)
      • Pillar Cave Hike (2 Days)
      • Our other Easy & Family Friendly Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Intermediate Hikes
      • Drakensberg Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls Hike
      • Summit Cathedral Peak (2 Days)
      • Mnweni Hike (3 Days)
      • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4 Days)
      • Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike (3 Days)
      • Our other Intermediate Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Intermediate-Challenging Hikes
      • Mnweni Circuit Hike (4 Days)
      • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4 Days)
      • Sani Pass to Thabana Ntlenyana, Highest Peak in Lesotho (3 Days)
      • Central Drakensberg Contour Path Hike (4 Days)
      • Champagne Castle Hike (4 Days)
      • Our other Intermediate to Challenging Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Challenging Hikes
      • Drakensberg Northern Traverse (6 Days)
      • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (4 Days)
      • Hike the 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (5 Days)
      • Our other Challenging Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Extreme Hikes
  • Hike Planning
  • Services
  • KZN & Lesotho Tours
    • KwaZulu-Natal Tours
      • 3 Day Drakensberg and Beach Tour
      • 4 Day Kosi Bay Turtles Tour
      • 5 Day KZN Berg, Bush, Beach and Battlefields Tour
      • 6 Day Wild Coast and Drakensberg Tour
    • Lesotho Tours
      • Weekend Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho
      • 3 Day Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho
      • 4 Day Overland Tour of Lesotho & Golden Gate
      • 5 Day Overland Tour of Lesotho & Maletsunyane Falls
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DrakensbergHiker

Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers
  • Maximum Number of Hikers

14

When are our next Xeni Cave Overnight Hikes?

Xeni Overnight Cave Hike

Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (10-11 Jul 2027)

If none of these dates suit you to book a scheduled hike, or we don’t have upcoming hikes here … please use the contact form on the hike below to book a private hike with us!

Intermediate Drakensberg Hike

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.

 
Xeni Overnight Cave Hike
Xeni cave overnight hike

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.

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!

Our amazing DrakensbergHiker Porters

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.

Magnificent Cathedral Peak

BRONZE

Non-portered Drakensberg Hike

 

You carry your own backpack with all your personal gear, including your tent, and your share of the food.

Includes 3 meals a day!

The pack weight you will carry on the Bronze Package is approximately 22kg.

You will put up your own tent and take it down again each day.

Easter cave 4 day 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!

Our amazing DrakensbergHiker Porters

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.

Magnificent Cathedral Peak

BRONZE

Non-portered Drakensberg Hike

 

You carry your own backpack with all your personal gear, including your tent, and your share of the food.

Includes 3 meals a day!

The pack weight you will carry on the Bronze Package is approximately 22kg.

You will put up your own tent and take it down again each day.

Easter cave 4 day hike

DrakensbergHiker Souvenir Packages

For all people joining one of our Drakensberg Hikes, you will also have the option to select the size/s of the T-Shirts and Fleeces in your chosen bundle … in addition to the memories that will keep you going for years to come 🙂

All these items are available on our shop, but it is so much easier to get them when you do your hike, and benefit from the discounted pricing and not having to wait for us to ship it to you later!

‘Basecamp’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R900):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.

‘Ascent’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R1550):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.
  • Thin DrakensbergHiker fleece top.

‘Summit’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R2050):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.
  • Thick DrakensbergHiker fleece top.

DrakensbergHiker Souvenir Packages

On all our hike inquiry forms you can select the Souvenir Bundle of your choice, you will also have the option to select the size/s of the T-Shirts and Fleeces in your chosen bundle … in addition to the memories that will keep you going for years to come 🙂

All these items are available on our shop, but it is so much easier to get them when you do your hike, and benefit from the discounted pricing and not having to wait for us to ship it to you later!!

‘Basecamp’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R900):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.

‘Ascent’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R1550):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.
  • Thin DrakensbergHiker fleece top.

‘Summit’ Drakensberg Hike Souvenir Bundle (R2050):

  • Stunning double wall stainless steel DrakensbergHiker 400ml Mug.
  • DrakensbergHiker T-Shirt in orange or black.
  • DrakensbergHiker Beenie or Sun Hat.
  • Thick DrakensbergHiker fleece top.

Use the form below to contact us about this hike, if you would like to join us!

Previous ProjectCentral Drakensberg Contour Path Hike (4 Days)
Next ProjectLower Injisuthi Drakensberg Cave Hike (2 Days)
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DrakensbergHiker
Ian Shooter
+27-72 947 1174
ian@drakensberghiker.co.za

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SAfricaOverland
Ian Shooter
+27-72 947 1174
ian@safricaoverland.co.za

Copyright 2012 - 2026 DrakensbergHiker, Terms & Conditions here.

  • Upcoming Hikes
    • Sep - Dec 2026
      • Sep 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (5-6 Sep 2026)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (12-17 Sep 2026)
        • 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (25-29 Sep 2026)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (25-27 Sep 2026)
      • Oct 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (3-4 Oct 2026)
        • Mnweni Circuit Hike (16-19 Oct 2026)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (24-25 Oct 2026)
      • Nov 2026
        • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (5-8 Nov 2026)
        • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (7-10 Nov 2026)
      • Dec 2026
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (5-6 Dec 2026)
        • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (12-15 Dec 2026)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (15-20 Dec 2026)
        • Kosi Bay Turtles Tour (16-19 Dec 2026)
        • 5 Day New Year’s Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (30 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day New Year’s Hike (31 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027)
    • Jan - Mar 2027
      • Jan 2027
        • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle 2 Day Hike (2-3 Jan 2027)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (9-10 Jan 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (15-17 Jan 2027)
        • 4 Day Kosi Bay Turtles Tour (22-25 Jan 2027)
      • Feb 2027
        • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4-7 Feb 2027)
        • Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (27-28 Feb 2027)
      • Mar 2027
        • Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike (20-22 Mar 2027)
        • Long Weekend 3 Day Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (20-22 Mar 2027)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (21-26 Mar 2027)
        • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (26-28 Mar 2027)
        • Blindmans Corner Overnight Hike (27-28 Mar 2027)
    • Apr - Jun 2027
      • Apr 2027
        • 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (24-28 Apr 2027)
        • Drakensberg Northern Traverse Hike (27 Apr-2 May 2027)
        • Mnweni 3 Day Hike (28 Apr-2 May 2027)
      • May 2027
        • We are working on our 2027 Hike and Tour portfolio, check back soon for hikes in May 2027
      • Jun 2027
        • Mnweni Circuit Hike (13-16 Jun 2027)
        • Wild Coast and Drakensberg Mountains (15-20 Jun 2027)
        • Summit Cathedral Peak Hike (19-20 Jun 2027)
        • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (26-29 Jun 2027)
    • Jul - Sep 2027
      • Jul 2027
        • Central Drakensberg Contour Path Hike (1-4 Jul 2027)
        • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (10-11 Jul 2027)
        • 5 Day Overland Winter 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (7-11 Jul 2027)
      • Aug 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Sep 2027
        • Long Weekend Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho (24-25 Sep 2027)
    • Oct - Dec 2027
      • Oct 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Nov 2027
        • We are working hard to add our scheduled hikes & tours for 2027, please check back soon!
      • Dec 2027
        • Christmas in Lesotho (16-18 Dec 2027)
  • About Us
    • Our Blog
    • Contact DrakensbergHiker
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Meet the DrakensbergHiker Team!
    • Our Reviews
  • Our Hikes
    • Overnight Hikes
      • Drakensberg Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls Hike (2 Days)
      • Blindmans Corner Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Summit Cathedral Peak (2 Days)
      • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle Hike (2 Days)
      • Our other Overnight Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Easy & Family Friendly Hikes
      • Bannerman Hut Giant’s Castle Hike (2 Days)
      • Xeni Cave Overnight Hike (2 Days)
      • Giant’s Cup Trail Hike (2-Days)
      • Pillar Cave Hike (2 Days)
      • Our other Easy & Family Friendly Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Intermediate Hikes
      • Drakensberg Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls Hike
      • Summit Cathedral Peak (2 Days)
      • Mnweni Hike (3 Days)
      • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4 Days)
      • Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike (3 Days)
      • Our other Intermediate Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Intermediate-Challenging Hikes
      • Mnweni Circuit Hike (4 Days)
      • Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (4 Days)
      • Sani Pass to Thabana Ntlenyana, Highest Peak in Lesotho (3 Days)
      • Central Drakensberg Contour Path Hike (4 Days)
      • Champagne Castle Hike (4 Days)
      • Our other Intermediate to Challenging Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Challenging Hikes
      • Drakensberg Northern Traverse (6 Days)
      • Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (4 Days)
      • Hike the 3 Highest Peaks in South Africa (5 Days)
      • Our other Challenging Hikes in the Drakensberg...
    • Extreme Hikes
  • Hike Planning
  • Services
  • KZN & Lesotho Tours
    • KwaZulu-Natal Tours
      • 3 Day Drakensberg and Beach Tour
      • 4 Day Kosi Bay Turtles Tour
      • 5 Day KZN Berg, Bush, Beach and Battlefields Tour
      • 6 Day Wild Coast and Drakensberg Tour
    • Lesotho Tours
      • Weekend Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho
      • 3 Day Overland 4×4 Tour of Lesotho
      • 4 Day Overland Tour of Lesotho & Golden Gate
      • 5 Day Overland Tour of Lesotho & Maletsunyane Falls
  • Shop