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Drakensberg Caves & Huts Database
15
RATING

Gargoyle Cave

Location:

Bushman\\\'s Nek Wilderness Area

Gargoyle Cave is about 500 metres from Tarn Cave, and lies in the same band of sandstone in which the latter is found.  It is best approached from above, since there are no paths up from the valley below.  There is a very easy gully which leads right to the cave, but finding this particular gully could be a challenge!

Co-ordinates (WGS84 / dd mm.mmm):

S29 51.391 E29 07.834 at 2414 metres

Description:

Accommodation: 4

Gargoyle Cave is a small overhang with a floor area capable of accommodating about 4 hikers.  Although Tarn Cave is a better choice because of its size and the availability of water, Gargoyle Cave offers an interesting alternative to a small group.


The cave was discovered and named in September 2005 by a group of Mountain Backpacker Club members who had spent the previous night in Tarn Cave.  The group entered the cave from above, and it was only while descending into the valley below that an appropriate name for the overhang became obvious.  A gargoyle is defined as "an ornament consisting of a grotesquely carved figure of a person or animal", and in horror movies these are the statues that usually come to life with red eyes!



4
COMFORT

The sleeping area is relatively level and smooth with plenty of headroom.


1
WATER

In mid-winter there is no running water in the vicinity of the cave, but in summer a small stream trickles down the gully to the side of the cave.


2
POOLS

The nearest pools are the two large tarns on the plateau above Tarn Cave, although there are several smaller ones nearer the cave in summer.


3
SHELTER

This is a dry, relatively sheltered cave in winter, but it may become damp is summer.  It is certainly more sheltered from the wind than Tarn Cave.


5
OUTLOOK

The cave is north-facing and provides a spectacular view of the Devil's Knuckles and the escarpment towards Tomathu Peak.

Bookings:

+27 (033) 7011823

Contributors:


Last updated: 2009-08-17 15:52:49 | Report Listing Report Listing
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