Location:
Garden Castle Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. Whyte’s Cave is most easily accessed from the Bushman’s Nek office, but this involves a stiff climb up from the car park, following the Giant’s Cup Trail in reverse until you get within the vicinity of Langalibalele Cave. You then branch off left to Painter’s Cave. This route then passes White Horse Cave before twisting back up the next valley to Whyte’s Cave. An alternative is to follow the Giant’s Cup Trail from Garden Castle, then branch off right to Painters Cave in the vicinity of Langalibalele Cave.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29.7929 E29.1849 at 2303 metres
Description:
Whyte’s Cave is a large cave under a narrow but exceptionally high cliff overhang. It has a sandy, level floor suitable for bedding down on almost its entire length.
Comfort: 4/5
There are several large, level sleeping areas surrounded by low stone walls, but the floor is very dusty.
Water: 4/5
There is a reliable supply of water all year round.
Pools: 5/5
There is a single, large, very shallow pool below the waterfall which is adjacent to the sleeping area. It is ideal for bathing in, but remember to collect your drinking water before you take a dip!
Shelter: 4/5
This is a comfortable cave, but rain can drive in under the overhang at its narrowest point. The sand can also be a nuisance in a wind.
Outlook: 2/5
The cave is east-facing. It has a large expanse of trees and bush in front of it, but there are some nice views of the valley across from the cave.
Overall Rating: 19/25
History:
Unknown