Location:
Cobham Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. Once a very dry cave throughout the year, this cave has now deteriorated – possibly due to the cracking of rock by ice in winter – and is no longer a good option for summer hikes. It is near the head of a very picturesque valley which is walled by some interesting rock formations, including the Camel and what this author has named the Oupa and Ouma. For those wanting to venture up or down Minaret Pass or Amakehla Pass on a day walk, Lakes Cave provides a convenient overnight base.
In July 2005, a new smuggling path was found leading from the tarns above Lakes Cave up Amakehla Pass, starting off along the left bank of the river. Although the path has made the pass easily accessible, as usual the smugglers have gone straight up slopes instead of zigzagging, so certain parts of the route are likely to become severely eroded. Smugglers’ litter is also frequently encountered along this route. There is a good, mapped path from the tarns that leads towards The Policeman (unfortunately only a rock one) and the Titty. The smugglers’ route breaks right before these features and heads down into the Mzimkhulwana valley, but the mapped path continues on to the Siphongweni Rock National Monument. The smuggling route suggests that Lakes Cave may be used by the smugglers during inclement weather, and this is borne out by the fireplaces that are often seen at the cave.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 39.795 E29 18.891 at 2135 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
The cave can accommodate 4 people in summer and 8 in winter, unless hikers are prepared to make use of the narrow ledge inside the cave as well.
Comfort: 3/5
In winter this is a comfortable and surprisingly sheltered cave, but in summer it has become a muddy mess.
Water: 5/5
There is a reliable stream running slightly below the cave.
Pools: 4/5
There are several small pools in the stream below the cave, sufficient for a good wallow and washing off the day’s dirt.
Shelter: 3/5
Lakes Cave has a very large rock in front of it and is also sheltered by natural vegetation. You may get wet in driving rain though.
Outlook: 4/5
The cave is quite closed in, but there are some interesting views of the rock formations opposite it. However, for some really spectacular views of the whole southern Drakensberg escarpment, you need only climb above the cave, where you can laze on some large patches of rock near the tarns and take in the beauty. Eland can often be seen from here. There is also a resident mongoose colony below the cave, some of whose members are not shy to come and investigate their new neighbours.
Overall Rating: 19/25
History:
Lakes Cave takes its name from the numerous tarns in the bedrock above it.