Location:
Cobham Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. Siphongweni Cave is a wedge-shaped hollow under an enormous boulder that lies on the plain just below the Siphongweni Rock National Monument. This large boulder, and several other smaller ones, broke off and rolled from the top of the ridge above what is now the national monument probably thousands of years ago. Hikers may stay in Siphongweni Cave, but camping under the overhang at the rock art site itself is strictly prohibited. This popular site is less than 200 metres from the cave, so do not expect any privacy during the day. Because of the high traffic volume in the vicinity of the cave, it is closed to overnight hikers from time to time for ecological reasons, so always check with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife before including the cave in your route.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 41.228 E29 21.845 at 2004 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Because of its large, flat floor, this cave can accommodate 12 people with ease.
Comfort: 4/5
This is a comfortable cave with a near perfectly flat sand floor. However, during summer the floor may become muddy in places.
Water: 1/5
In summer, water may be collected from a small waterfall up at the rock art site, or from one of several very small streams or trickles in the vicinity of the cave. In winter the whole area can be bone dry, so all your water requirements have to be brought up to the cave with you.
Pools: 0/5
There are no pools anywhere near the cave.
Shelter: 4/5
The open side of the cave is sheltered by some bush and several smaller boulders, and it faces away from the worst weather.
Outlook: 4/5
The cave is quite closed in, but there are some spectacular views of the Giant’s Cup and southern escarpment, which can be enjoyed from the Siphongweni Rock National Monument above the cave, or just by relaxing on one of the several smaller boulders which lie scattered around on the plain just outside the cave. On a clear day after a winter snowfall, the outlook offers arguably one of the best views of the escarpment in all the Drakensberg.
Overall Rating: 13/25
History:
The cave is named after the Siphongweni Rock National Monument.