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Drakensberg Caves & Huts Database
RATING

Shelter Cave

Location:

Vergelegen Wilderness Area

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 could be quite daunting.

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

S29 27.937 E29 25.846 at 1965 metres

Description:

Accommodation: 6

Shelter Cave is a long, low overhang with some nice, level floor areas that can accommodate 6 to 8 hikers comfortably.




3
COMFORT

The two main sleeping areas are fairly level, though a little dusty.


3
WATER

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.


3
POOLS

There are some nice pools in the river, provided you are happy to negotiate the steep bank below the cave to reach them.


3
SHELTER

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.


3
OUTLOOK

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.

Bookings:

+27 (033) 7020712

Contributors:


Last updated: 2009-08-18 12:40:20 | Report Listing Report Listing
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