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Drakensberg Caves & Huts Database
16
RATING

Tom's Cave

Location:

Hillside

This cave was on the horse trail from Hillside Camp that also used to take in Tree Fern Cave. Hillside Camp is now closed and the horse trails have been discontinued. Both caves had fenced paddocks for the horses, and these are now totally overgrown with brambles. It appears that an effort has been made to discourage the use of Tom's Cave by scattering small boulders over the main sleeping area, although there is another suitable area adjacent to this one that can still be used. The main problem with Tom's Cave is that the area in front of it has been badly eroded by over-use, especially by the horses, and so far no effort has been made to rehabilitate the area.

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

at metres

Description:

Accommodation: 12

Tom's Cave is officially closed!  It overlooks a shallow, grassed valley through which runs a perennial stream. This is about 150 metres away. The cave itself is an overhang which has formed in a prominent rock band about 25 metres above the level of the stream, and reaching it involves a short, steep scramble through erosion ditches, brambles and bush. It could be reached fairly easily from the old Hillside Camp. The best route to it now is via Poacher's Stream and the jeep track.




4
COMFORT

The sleeping areas are level and smooth, but a bit dusty. The main area is strewn with small boulders which must have once been part of a stone wall inside the cave.


3
WATER

The river provides a reliable source of water all year round, although it is some distance away and reaching it requires negotiating the scramble in front of the cave.


2
POOLS

There are some small pools in the stream, suitable for a shallow dip.


5
SHELTER

Due to the large overhang and the location of the sleeping areas behind some boulders, the cave provides good shelter.  It is east-facing and receives the morning sun.


2
OUTLOOK

There is not much of a view from the cave and you will have to walk a considerable distance uphill to see anything spectacular.

Bookings:

Closed

Contributors:


Last updated: 2009-08-21 11:28:52 | Report Listing Report Listing
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