Sehlabathebe ( Bushmans Nek) is a place that is very close to my heart as it is a veritable wonderland full of mysterious little tarns, weird and wonderful rock formations and it has a completely different feel to the rest of the Drakensberg. It is all presided over by the Three Bushmen or Devils Knuckles and this little kingdom is a hikers paradise. Those that have been there will know exactly what I am talking about!
We spent 4 days taking our time to explore the area in more depth than we have previously and we were not disappointed.Many years ago the area was a sheep and cattle post and evidence of many little kraals and sleeping areas are to be found amongst the rocks. These were all abandoned when the area was declared a protected area in 1970. I have many fond memories of the times we used to hike up and stay at Chief Jonathans old hunting lodge - pure luxury with roaring fires and hot baths! Sadly, the building has been abandoned and is now falling apart with gaping holes in the roof - it is heartbreaking to see.
We discovered two new caves which was fascinating and also saw the Sehlabathebe Lily which grows nowhere else in the world. A delicate beauty that grows on a single slim stem to float on top of the tarns. Just one of Sehlabathebe's many treasures.
It is place I never tire of and I know we will be back!
