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Bushman's Nek to Cedric's Pool
Drakensberg Hikes
Route: Bushman's Nek to Cedric's Pool
Distance: 4.5 km (9 km return)
Duration: 2 hours each way (day hike)
The pool is apparently named after Cedric Biggs, a former leader of the Mountain Backpackers Club. Cedric was known for plunging through the ice into the freezing pool. Cedric's pool is also referred to as "Three pools" on some of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife maps.
From the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife office walk up the road to the border post. Go through the boom gate and then along a short section of concrete driveway. Cross the river twice and when on the other side, walk straight ahead, the path to the right leads to Thomathu Cave and Bushman's Cave. Cross the river a third time (this river can be quite high in the summer months so you may need to take off your shoes) and then follow the path along the Ngwangwane river.
After about 4 km's the river turns to the right as the path forks to the left up the slope. Stay on the path nearest the river on the right until you come to Cedric's Pool, which enjoys a spectacular setting at the base of a waterfall beneath the steep escarpment. The pool is deep with a ledge you can sit on under the waterfall.
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