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
The Gorge car park is the starting point. Initially follow the path to The Gorge. Take the sign-posted path towards Devil’s Hoek Valley. After a further 1.6 km a path branches to the left, leading across a stream just below a forest and into Vemvaan Valley. After crossing a second stream the path, now less
GRADE: E TIME: 4½ hours. DISTANCE: 15 km return. TERRAIN: Undulating path. The Gorge car park is the starting point. Initially follow the path to The Gorge. After about 30 minutes the path emerges from a forest, and there is a signpost to Devil’s Hoek Valley. A further 10 minutes walk will bring you to,
GRADE: D GRADE: C+ if you continue past the Chain Ladder for better views and more excitement. TIME: 5 hours return. DISTANCE: 14 km return. TERRAIN: The path is easy to follow and climbs gradually. The only part that may present difficulties is the last two kilometres in the Gorge itself, which involves boulder hopping
