Hiking Trails in the Garden Castle Area

Pillar Cave

The view of the Rhino from the Pillar Cave Hike

After paying the entrance fee, walk through the parking area and Bluegum Forest, following the signs to The Rhino and Mashai Pass. Follow the main path in a north-westerly direction, parallel to the Mlambonja River. The path crosses the river about 2 - 3 times. This is regarded as a fairly easy walk, about 6 km return, with not too many steep sections, lovely scenery combined with various pools ideal for swimming. Takes 3 - 4 hours.

The Rhino

An early start is definitely advisable as one has to cover about 18 km, and this trail is graded severe to extreme.

NB Sign the Mountain Register before setting off.

The Rhino Peak from the Mlambonja River approach to Mashai pass.

Follow the main path from the office in a north-westerly direction, parallel to the Mlambonja River. Follow the path for about 1,5 km with the river on the right, before going onto the left-hand bank for another 1,5 km past Pillar Cave. Shortly thereafter it crosses the river and another path (not shown on the map) branches off just below Pillar Cave and goes up to the three Little Caves before rejoining the Mashai Pass path.

From the river crossing above Pillar Cave the 4 km slog up the pass begins. You will pass the Mashai Fangs on the left, and the Mashai Shelter marks the top of the pass.
The path takes the obvious line across the saddle between the escarpment and the peak, which juts out like the head after which it is named.

From the head of the pass to the tip of the Rhino's Horn, it is 2 km, gaining 150 m in altitude.If the weather is anything but fair, think carefully before proceeding along the knife-edge ridge to the horn, because you will be very exposed. This trail can take between 8 and 10 hours to complete. If possible carry a cell phone and space blanket for any emergencies. Always be prepared for bad weather and carry rainproof clothing. Drink enough fluids whilst walking.

Three Pools
This occasionally steep shorter walk of 9 km, leads to Three Pools and Champagne Pool. Start at the office, walk through the parking area and Bluegum Trees and follow the sign to Three Pools. After crossing the Mlambonja River, one climbs up the steep hill for about 1 km. There is a short respite before the path climbs to the top of the ridge. Follow the slope down in front of you and cross the stream, carry on until the path forks. Take the right hand cul-de-sac to Three Pools, and walk another 400 m to Champagne Pool.

Hidden Valley
For those with an interest in geology, this hike up the Mzimude Valley offers interesting formations as well as unusual erosion features. The return trip is an all-day outing covering 18 km's partly going along the National Hiking Way trail, which starts at Swiman Hut. The path gently climbs past Sunken Valley and up to Bushman's Nek. A kilometre above the river, the path to Hidden Valley branches off to the right form the National Hiking Way. This is a pleasant detour down the suspension bridge across the river. The Hidden Valley path then climbs uphill, before levelling off to descend down to the river after 2 km. It is up to you to determine when and where you should turn back, keeping the gate closing times and weather in mind.

Sleeping Beauty Cave
This is one of the more popular short walks in the area and deservedly so. There are grand views and river and mountain scenery.
Follow the signs from the office after paying your entrance fee, cross the first river over the bridge, and follow the signs to Sleeping Beauty. A return distance of 8 km. After about 2 km walk, the valley narrows as the path enters the sandstone portals of Swiman and then The Monk, with Rhino Peak nudging the sky to the North. Along the path there are lovely pools ideal for swimming. The path along this section can become rank with Hyparrhenia and Danthonia grasses and bracken, which is the most widespread of all ferns. The path gets steeper as it approaches the Castle Towers of Mlambonja and Wilson's Peak. Do take regular rest stops here.
Sleeping Beauty Cave is situated on the steep slope above the river. There are about 3 - 4 river crossings along the route and parts of the path go through natural forest patches. Please note that the first part of this walk is suitable for everyone, but the last section is steep with wooden constructed steps. The steeper part might also be slippery especially after rain. Engagement Cave is in a side gully on the right, 700 m upstream.

Southern uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Hiking Trails