Sherry Cave (Old)
Location:
Garden Castle Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. The cave is close to Wave Cave and Rob’s Cave and about 100 metres off the main path up Hidden Valley. It is very easy to pass by without noticing, and you have to keep a sharp lookout for it.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 46.524 E29 10.883 at 2010 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
The cave is formed by a very large, flat boulder, which tumbled down from the cliffs above and partially covered a small stream. It is likely that herd boys levelled the inside, built the low stone walls and made it habitable during summer storms. However, the stream eventually flooded and eroded their handiwork. There is now only level sleeping space for about 4 hikers (the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife map claims 12, which is wildly optimistic!).
Comfort: 1/5
The two sleeping areas are cramped but will provide good shelter from the elements. The floor of the cave is composed mostly of pink clay.
Water: 3/5
The small stream which eventually damaged the cave still runs through the lower part of the overhang, so water is close at hand. However, it may become muddy during heavy downpours. Better quality water can be fetched from the Mzimude River, which is less than 200 metres away over relatively easy ground.
Pools: 3/5
There are no pools at the cave, but plenty in the Mzimude River below it.
Shelter: 4/5
This old Sherry Cave has an extensive roof that will keep out the rain, but beware of the stream in torrential downpours! The low stone walls and low roof make for a cosy environment which should protect the occupants from wind.
Outlook: 3/5
There are some fine views towards the escarpment, only slightly obscured by the lower foothills and ridges which run up to meet it. Hidden Valley itself is quite picturesque.
Overall Rating: 14/25
History:
How two caves in such close proximity to one another got to be named Sherry Cave is a mystery. The group that named the new Sherry Cave must have been unaware of the existence of the old one. Doubtless both have a similar reason for their name!