Location:
Garden Castle Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. This large, unmarked cave is situated in Secret Valley which opens into Hidden Valley opposite the old Sherry Cave.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 45.490 E29 10.229 at 2191 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
The cave is a very long overhang, but the only part suitable for overnight stays is near the left-hand end as viewed from across Secret Valley. It is relatively easy to reach, either from Hidden Valley or via Sleeping Beauty Cave. The lower, narrow end of Secret Valley is littered with pools, while the upper end opens up as it sweeps up to the base of Tsepeng Pass.
Comfort: 4/5
The floor of the sleeping area is level, and is recessed behind some large flat rocks with a door-like opening that allows access to this part of the cave. The sleeping area is quite dusty, however.
Water: 4/5
There is plenty of water in the river below the cave, but getting to it involves a walk of about 100 metres.
Pools: 2/5
There are several small pools in the river below the cave.
Shelter: 3/5
The large slabs of rock in front of the sleeping area provide good shelter from the wind, but driven rain can make its way in under the high overhang.
Outlook: 4/5
The large slabs of rock are not so high that they completely restrict the view across the valley, which is quite picturesque.
Overall Rating: 17/25
History:
At the point where the cave lies, the valley appears so secluded that it has been named Secret Valley, which is also quite appropriate because it lies off Hidden Valley.