South Africa Highlands

Day 5: Swiman Hut to Bushman's Nek Hut
After retracing your steps for about 1.5 km (1 mile) along the previous day's route the trail branches off to the right. From here you will follow an easy route, ascending gently for about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) before descending steeply to the Mzimude River, which is crossed by means of a suspension bridge.

Over the next 2 km (1.25 mile) you will gain some 200 m (650 feet) in altitude to Langalibalele Cave on the western slopes of the 2,270 m (1,407 feet) high Langalibalele Peak.

A short distance past the cave a trail leading to the escarpment via the Mzimude Pass branches off to the right. The trail to Bushman's Nek Hut continues to the left and about 2 km (1.25 mile) farther you will cross a jeep track. When the route was first laid out the trail followed the jeep track into the Bushman's River Valley, but now winds down the steep slope. From here you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Bushman's River Valley and over the final 2 km (1.25 mile) to the hut the trail loses about 300 m (1,000 feet) in altitude.

The Bushman's Nek Hut replaced the original Silverstream Hut, which is situated about 1 km (0.62 mile) below the Bushman's Nek Police Post. From the hut it is roughly 1.5 km (1 mile) to the end of the trail and another 3 km (2 miles) to the Bushman's Nek Hotel.

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