Location:
Mnweni Reservation, northern Drakensberg escarpment.
GPS Coordinates: WGS 84
S28 51.278 E28 56.713 at 3018 metres (Chris Sommer)
Description:
This pocket lies in a rock band on a ridge leading up to Mbundini Abbey. Directly across and visible from Rat Hole Cave it also conveniently lies between Mbundini Pass and Fangs Pass. It has a very tall entrance from the side, a window which is partially closed by a stone wall and a gap in the roof at the back of the cave. This gap can be approached from the top via the grassy plateau leading up to the edge of the rock band. The window forms the front of the cave in a sense and is south facing. Apart from the gap in the roof and the window which make it interesting, it is not a good cave and is more of interest to those who enjoy exploring caves. It can sleep 3 people. Rat Hole Cave offers much better protection though some parties may find it’s cramped conditions unfavourable making Skylight Cave a better alternative.
Comfort: 1/5
The sleeping area is not totally level and one has to sleep slightly sprawled out to avoid the bumps. The cave is very wet in the summer and is only usable in the drier months. The fact that it is exposed to the weather in three different places gives one an added sense of discomfort and insecurity should bad weather move in.
Water: 3/5
During the rainy months water is not a problem to come by but in the drier months (when this cave can be used) one may have to walk up to 500 m to the perennial stream in the main valley of the area.
Pools: 1/5
Some shallow pools may be found along the stream forming the main valley.
Shelter: 1/5
The entrance is quite large which exposes the cave to the weather. This is aggravated by the fairly large window next to the sleeping area, in spite of it being partially closed off by a stone wall. The gap in the roof is at the back of the cave and not over the sleeping area but still degrades the protection offered by this cave even further.
Outlook: 3/5
The view from the cave is over the gulley coming up from below Mbundini Abbey. In order to get more dramatic views one has to walk around a bit.
Overall Rating: 9/25
History:
The cave is named after the gap in the roof which resembles a skylight. Information about this cave was supplied by Chris Sommer.