Location:
Garden Castle Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. Curtain Cave is about 50 metres from Wave Cave.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 46.746 E29 09.695 at 2180 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Curtain Cave is a large, deep overhang which has been carved into the base of a sandstone cliff by what is now only a small stream. This stream flows through the cave in a similar manner to the Mzimkhulu Pipeline, but is nowhere near the size of the latter river and should not be of any concern except perhaps after a really torrential downpour. At the lower end of the cave the stream tumbles over a 3-metre ledge into a shallow pool, providing a convenient place to wash off the day’s sweat. Nearby Wave Cave could be used to accommodate the remainder of a larger hike party.
Comfort: 2/5
The flat sleeping area lies between the stream and the back wall of the cave, and is rather dusty in winter and muddy in summer. A good groundsheet is essential. In winter, when the stream dries up, it is possible to make use of the large flat rock just above the waterfall as an alternative / additional sleeping area.
Water: 4/5
The stream which flows through the cave provides a convenient source of water in summer – you don’t even need to get wet to fetch it when it is raining! In winter this stream mysteriously disappears, leaving only dry sand to mark its normal course. However, there are two other streams behind Wave Cave which should provide water all year round.
Pools: 3/5
As already mentioned, there is a large, shallow pool at the bottom of the waterfall below Curtain Cave, but in the dry season it can disappear altogether. There are numerous smaller pools in the other two streams above and below Wave Cave, some of which are conveniently situated in the bedrock. However, these are all only suitable for washing, since none are deep enough for a genuine swim.
Shelter: 4/5
Curtain Cave is very deep and the upper sleeping area provides excellent shelter from the weather.
Outlook: 3/5
There are no good views from within the cave itself, but a short clamber to the flat, rocky area above the cave provides an excellent outlook.
Overall Rating: 16/25
History:
This cave derives its name from the vertical cliff face above it, which is curiously diamond-patterned.