Hlathimbe Cave North

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The cave is slightly larger than its mouth suggests. Photo by Peter Hilder

Location:

Loteni Wilderness Area, central Drakensberg escarpment.  The cave is situated just below the top of Hlathimbe Pass (North), and can be reached either via an escarpment traverse or by climbing one of the passes in the area, viz. Redi Pass, Buttress Pass, Hlathimbe Pass (North), Hlathimbe Pass (South) or Mlahlangubo Pass. Except for Redi Pass (which has a crux), these passes are all relatively easy. The cave can be seen from the top of Hlathimbe Buttress.

GPS Coordinates: WGS84

S29 26.025 E29 24.367 at 2871 metres (Landlubbers)

Description:

Hlathimbe Cave (North) was formed when a basalt lava tube or gas void was eroded away to expose it to the outside world. It therefore has the appearance of a proper cave rather than just an overhang – something which is common to most of the escarpment caves, which were nearly all formed in the same manner. This is a little gem of a cave and well worth a visit.

Comfort:  3/5

The sleeping area is almost perfectly level, but damp in summer. It can easily accommodate 4 people, but if you are prepared to sacrifice some comfort, it can provide shelter for 6 provided the weather allows them to use the area closer to the entrance. In summer, the cave has several drips of varying frequencies.

Water:  3/5

There is a small stream in the direction of Duart Castle, about 150 metres from the cave and almost level with it. This seems to be quite dependable although it may stop flowing at the height of the dry season. If approaching the cave from the direction of Mlahlangubo Pass, this is the best place to fill up with water.  Alternatively, you can explore for water in the cut-back (gully) just north of the cave, along the contour path that leads to Hlathimbe Buttress. At the height of the wet season you may also find trickles running down Hlathimbe Pass (North) itself.

Pools:  3/5

The stream mentioned above also has some shallow pools in which one can possibly wallow, but they are more suited for a billy bath.

Shelter:  4/5

Although it is a small cave, its low height and good depth should provide adequate shelter except maybe in poor weather driven from the east.

Outlook:  5/5

The cave faces east across Hlathimbe Pass (North) onto the Hlathimbe Buttress and its environs,  providing a spectacular outlook.

Overall Rating:  18/25

History:

Unknown