The spectacular Drakensberg Mountains took their place on the international stage with the proclaiming of the 243 000 hectare Drakensberg Park in December 2002 as a World Heritage Site, significantly meeting the criteria for both cultural and natural properties. This makes it one of 22 sites in the entire world – a truly great achievement. […]
The Cavern was originally a grazing farm but in the 1930’s it was bought by Walter Coventry after he resigned his post as Superintendent of the Natal National Park. He continued cattle ranching here and started a small guest house, accommodating mostly friends he had made over the years while running the Hostel at National
A week or so ago I wrote about the Longcrested Eagle expanding its range, so it was particularly exciting to find one of these “expanded” eagles last week. Some of you may have noticed that we have become “frequent flyers” to the Cavern and it was there that we saw a Longcrested Eagle last week,
How did The Cavern get its name? This is an extract from Incwadi Yami (1887) by J.W. Matthews M.D. in which the adventurous doctor describes finding evidence of cannibals in the massive cave above the hotel. “Next day, with native police and horses which our host had kindly provided, off we started before the sun
Khanyisela Project – December Update Hi All, It is already the second week of December with Christmas fast approaching and time for another update on our progress with the Khanyisela Project. Below we highlight some of the projects that we have been working on over the last three months. Teacher Training Level 1 – The level
With Elsa Pooley Explore the Drakensberg wild flowers and trees with Elsa Pooley, author of MOUNTAIN FLOWERS, A field guide to the flora of the Drakensberg and Lesotho! These weekends are a great introduction to flower and tree ‘watching’ and also an opportunity for the more knowledgeable to get to know the mountain plants. The
Social Lawn Bowls Tournament Tariff includes all meals, teas and the bowling tournament with great prizes Please book your team – mixed 4’s 1st Prize: 4 nights at The Cavern; 2nd Prize: 2 nights at The Cavern; 3rd Prize: R700 Cavern Voucher Each night after dinner join other guests for the evening entertainment such as
Drakensberg Birding The Cavern is a naturalist’s paradise set in the Drakensberg foothills. The mature rambling garden alone boasts nearly 100 species of birds. Much of its charm lies in its use of indigenous plants, and in the way informal corners are allowed to regenerate naturally. The garden has no boundary, just melting into the
GRADE: C+ TIME: 8 hours. DISTANCE: 25 km. TERRAIN: Undulating with steep sections and scrambles. Not for the faint-hearted, and only to be undertaken with an experienced guide. Take the main bridle path towards Goodoo Bush, and from there to the head of the Mahai Valley. Then take the short cut to Mahai Falls. From
GRADE: C TIME: 3 hours. DISTANCE: 6 km return. TERRAIN: Undulating with steep sections. This walk is outside the RNNP and not signposted. The starting point is The Gorge car park. Cross the Tugela River and join the path going round to the right of the ridge. This path zigzags through the proteas until reaching
