Location:
Vergelegen Wilderness Area, lower southern Drakensberg. The cave can be reached from the Vergelegen office via Rooibessiesbos and The Hook. Finding a way down into the Hlathimbe Valley through the rock bands could prove difficult in mist, unless you are prepared to first head off in the direction of Kapper’s Mine and the Mimela Ruins, and then head back up the valley. Shelter Cave is a much better option for overnighting in than Runaway Cave. However, there is a very steep scramble up to it from the good, unmarked path below, and getting back down carrying a backpack is quite daunting. It is possible to approach the cave from the path to Mlahlangubo Pass on the ridge above, but this requires very careful navigation and a clear line of sight because of the many rock bands in this area. Shelter Cave offers an alternative to tents for those who are heading for the escarpment but are not in a rush to get there.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S29 27.937 E29 25.846 at 1965 metres (Landlubbers)
Description:
Shelter Cave is a long, low overhang with some nice, level floor areas that can accommodate 6 to 8 hikers comfortably.
Comfort: 3/5
The two main sleeping areas are fairly level, though a little dusty.
Water: 3/5
The cave is perched just above a 3-metre high waterfall, but this water is almost inaccessible. The Hlathimbe River is about 150 metres from the cave.
Pools: 3/5
There are some nice pools in the river, provided you are happy to negotiate the steep descent below the cave to reach them.
Shelter: 3/5
Although the cave is shallow, the overhang is low enough to keep out most rain and its position at the head of a tight little V means that is should also be fairly well protected from wind.
Outlook: 3/5
There is not much of a view from the immediate vicinity of the cave, but if one ventures a little way out it is possible to see Hlathimbe Buttress and Duart Castle on the escarpment.
Overall Rating: 15/25
History:
Unknown