Location:
Monk’s Cowl / Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, lower northern Drakensberg. The cave can be reached from several directions, although the most popular route is via Jacob’s Ladder – a zig-zag path up the hillside on the Culfargie side of the cave. Steilberg or Hlatikulu Nek are the alternative routes.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S28 59.845 E29 21.788 at 1988 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Stable Cave is a huge overhang which has been divided into several sleeping areas, including two which are surrounded by stone walls (the old “stables” from which the cave derives its name). It can accommodate the maximum allowable group size of 12.
Comfort: 4/5
The cave is reasonably comfortable, although it is a bit dusty. It is quite unique among berg caves in having real lawn in front of it, probably a product of domestic animals spreading meadow grass via their droppings. There is also plenty of space to walk around under shelter.
Water: 1/5
In summer there are many drips over the front of the cave, some of which make puddles with sufficient water for general use, although this may not be suitable for drinking. If it has been very wet there may even be some small waterfalls in front of the cave. There may be a small trickle of water near the cave in winter, otherwise getting to the nearest alternative water source involves a stiff 1 km return trip to the stream in the valley below or behind the cave.
Pools: 0/5
There are no pools near the cave.
Shelter: 5/5
The cave provides very adequate shelter, with a choice of sleeping areas ranging from completely open to completely walled in. The bush in front of the cave protects its occupants from wind.
Outlook: 5/5
The cave offers spectacular views of the northern berg, and on a clear day you can see the escarpment from Monk’s Cowl through to the Amphitheatre. The view across the valley in front of the cave, which is generously covered with proteas, is also spectacular in summer when these shrubs are laden with their pink blooms. Below on the midlands-side of the cave there is a sandstone cliff of some considerable height, which is home to a Cape Vulture colony. These birds are often seen riding the air which is forced up and over the cliff.
Overall Rating: 15/25
History:
The cave was once used for overnight horse trails, and has also been used until fairly recently for sheltering goats, hence its name. Since becoming a wilderness area, herders from the settlement nearby have been made to keep their animals out of the area and the cave is now very clean.