Location:
Monk’s Cowl / Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, lower northern Drakensberg. The cave can be reached via Solar Cliffs and the Mhlwazini River valley, from Hospitalspruit, or down the valley from Zulu Cave. Another alternative is to follow the very good path from Hlatikhulu Nek towards Stable Cave until you are in line with the third peak in the ridge on your right, and then head out left onto the spur which eventually descends into the middle of Eagle Gorge. There is no obvious path along the spur so you will need to make your own judgement about the best line to take.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29.01539 E29.35419 at 1689 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Eagle Cave is a relatively small, high overhang situated in the lower cliff band where the Mhlwazini River enters Eagle Gorge. This area used to be very popular with backpackers because of the setting and the fine swimming opportunities, but the campsite area marked on Slingsby’s map has long disappeared through lack of use and Eagle Cave is now the best alternative. In addition to the chutes and pools in the Mhlwazini River, there is a very large pool (known to some as Phil’s Pool) around the corner up a major tributary of the river. This tributary enters the Mhlwazini near the bottom end of Eagle Gorge.
Comfort: 3/5
The cave is reasonably comfortable, although it is a bit dusty. The upper end may need to be trenched in rain to direct a trickle away from the sleeping area.
Water: 3/5
The Mhlwazini River flows all year round about 150 metres in front of and below the cave, but access to it is via tall grass and reeds.
Pools: 3/5
The best pools and chutes are about 400 metres downstream, but there are other, less attractive options closer by.
Shelter: 4/5
Eagle Cave provides good shelter, being shielded on the escarpment end by a large boulder, scrub and steeply-sloping ground.
Outlook: 2/5
The cave overlooks the Mhlwazini River, with a fine though restricted view towards the escarpment if you step outside to take a look.
Overall Rating: 15/25
History:
Unknown