Location:
Cathedral Peak Wilderness Area, northern Drakensberg escarpment.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S28 56.793 E29 06.037 at 2938 metres (Chris Sommer)
Description:
This delightful cave is set high up on a nameless peak between Ntonjelana Pass and Mlambonja Pass. It ranks among other escarpment caves such as Roland’s Cave. Facing east it looks onto part of the Cathedral Peak range. It’s floor gets wet in summer but with the use of ground sheets it can still be used by four people in this condition. In the dry season the cave can sleep 6 people. The cave is approached from the Kwakwatsi Valley where there is an unnamed pass between two nameless peaks near Mlambonja Pass. There are cairns marking the approach.
Comfort: 4/5
In the dry season this cave is perfectly comfortable. Being a true, tunnel-like cave, it has a cosy atmosphere. The floor is level and the cave is quite spacious. There is even a bench-like rock on one side to sit on. In summer the floor is very wet but it is still possible to sleep in it with the use of ground sheets. There are no major drips from the roof, only a low drip far back in a corner and another on the side near the front.
Water: 2/5
Since the cave is fairly high up on a nameless peak there is not much water in the vicinity. In summer there are two drips in the cave from which water can be collected. During the drier months one would have to go all the way down to the Kwakwatsi River to fetch water.
Pools: 2/5
The Kwakwatsi River has some nice rock pools especially a little further downstream. It is about a 15 minute walk to get there.
Shelter: 5/5
The cave is deep enough to offer sound protection from the weather. The sleeping area is also a little bit in from the entrance thus being protected from drips and rain/snow blowing in.
Outlook: 4/5
Being at a fairly lofty position the views are spectacular and include part of the Cathedral Range. A scramble to the top of the peak offers even better views.
Overall Rating: 17/25
History:
Information about this cave was supplied by Chris Sommer.