Marble Baths Caves
29 Apr 2012 09:25 #53674
by Smurfatefrog
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Marble Baths Caves
To add a bit more info...
I also found the annex cave much better than the main one. Annex could sleep 6 comfortably, 8 at a slight push
There was dripping water on the left edge of the cave but getting to it would've meant climbing up a slippery wet rock
There is a swallows nest on the edge of the overhang, after flying in & out a few times they eventually didn't worry about us & used their nest
Main Cave:
Annex
Annex outlook
I also found the annex cave much better than the main one. Annex could sleep 6 comfortably, 8 at a slight push
There was dripping water on the left edge of the cave but getting to it would've meant climbing up a slippery wet rock
There is a swallows nest on the edge of the overhang, after flying in & out a few times they eventually didn't worry about us & used their nest
Main Cave:
Annex
Annex outlook
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30 Apr 2012 09:11 #53679
by Smurfatefrog
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Marble Baths Caves
Another note, the Annex had evidence of fires & candles. Not sure if this would be from Basothos or hikers. The office really should inform hikers to these popular caves about the rules, I bet a lot of casual hikers have no idea that fires are not allowed. As it was the reception couldn't even give us a map never mind a list of cave or overnighting rules
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30 Apr 2012 09:52 #53680
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Marble Baths Caves
I suspect that the fires and candles are from hikers. The cave is not really on a smuggling route that I am aware of and they don't normally use candles either. And this is not a new problem either, especially for popular caves. For some it is a case of ignorance, for others it is indifference.
Normally there are signs up in the offices informing people of this kind of thing, as well as brochures, and it is also stated on the rescue form. Obviously this will only go so far. What we can be doing is promoting and creating a culture and a value system where this kind of thing is not OK, and where we actively promote this and educate others.
Normally there are signs up in the offices informing people of this kind of thing, as well as brochures, and it is also stated on the rescue form. Obviously this will only go so far. What we can be doing is promoting and creating a culture and a value system where this kind of thing is not OK, and where we actively promote this and educate others.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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24 Nov 2025 13:31 #80089
by GriffBaker
Replied by GriffBaker on topic Marble Baths Caves
I spent this past Saturday in the annex on a family hike. Ten of us slept there(5 adults & 5 kids) and although wet it had dry sleeping space for all of us. Disappointingly a fire pit had been left in the middle and candles left in all the nooks and crannies.
The main cave was the most misused and abused cave I have visited in all my times in the Drakensberg. Disgusting piles of toilet paper just outside and all manner of litter scattered around. Perhaps KZN wildlife needs to close it off to the public now. It seems the popularity of the marble baths is putting too much strain on the area.
The main cave was the most misused and abused cave I have visited in all my times in the Drakensberg. Disgusting piles of toilet paper just outside and all manner of litter scattered around. Perhaps KZN wildlife needs to close it off to the public now. It seems the popularity of the marble baths is putting too much strain on the area.
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28 Nov 2025 14:35 #80098
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Marble Baths Caves
Which one is the annex, the one closest or further away from the pools?
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28 Nov 2025 17:03 #80099
by Smurfatefrog
The main cave itself is much bigger, but I much prefer the Annex
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Marble Baths Caves
Furtherest.Which one is the annex, the one closest or further away from the pools?
The main cave itself is much bigger, but I much prefer the Annex
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30 Nov 2025 14:47 #80100
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Marble Baths Caves
OK. I stayed in the annex on the 17 October and it was as clean as a whistle. There was no fire pit and I dont recall candle wax.
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01 Dec 2025 15:27 #80101
by GriffBaker
Replied by GriffBaker on topic Marble Baths Caves
It has been reported to management and I was assured that a team will be sent to do clean up.
My point to Ezemvelo was that any person experienced or inexperienced can book caves at Injasuthi online and receive a booking confirmation.
There is zero info on the booking confirmation as to what proper cave etiquette is. If you book a chalet you get told what the rules are in a detailed chalet booklet. So you have a higher percentage of Cave kooks rocking up at Injasuthi than anywhere else.
My point to Ezemvelo was that any person experienced or inexperienced can book caves at Injasuthi online and receive a booking confirmation.
There is zero info on the booking confirmation as to what proper cave etiquette is. If you book a chalet you get told what the rules are in a detailed chalet booklet. So you have a higher percentage of Cave kooks rocking up at Injasuthi than anywhere else.
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