This hike grabbed my attention as the area being explored on the first day was one that I had planned on doing for some time. We would approach Cods Eye Valley from the north and explore the ridge that runs behind it. The plan was to sleep over in the Cods Eye Valley Cave and then head South and traverse along the Sondomzima Ridge taking in the Tunnel Caves along the way before heading back to camp.
The weather forecast was good for the weekend aside from strong winds and for once the weather man got this entirely right!
There were 6 of us on this hike and we made our way up the Mlambonje river valley before cutting off at the first left side valley. From here it was a steady pull up a sustained slope until we reached the top rock band. We had spotted what seemed to be two large overhangs from below and made our way towards these. The first was not really suitable for staying in but the second was very impressive, absolutely huge and there were one or two spots where a sleeping area could be organised. Dave called this overhang ‘Gargantuan Cave’ – very apt! We continued traversing under the rock band and discovered another large cave with a wonderful view directly up to the Rhino. While enjoying our lunch, we discussed possible names and Dave came up with one or two possibilities - watch this space........ We now had a bit of a climb on to the ridge behind and were not far off when we discovered another find - a massive rock arch. We were keen to walk across the top of it but as we approached it we found our way blocked by a drop off which was disappointing. Perhaps an idea for another hike if we approach from the other side. We gained the top of the ridge and were met by extremely strong winds which had us staggering around a bit, such was its furiosity. Fortunately this subsided as we descended the steep grassy slope to the little stream far below that enters the Cods Eye Valley. I have been to Cods Eye Valley a few times but had somehow forgotten how magical the approach is. As the water is very low at this time of year we were able to boulder hop through the stream, entering the narrow gorge and delighting in the views around us. From here one enters Cods Eye Valley itself and although it is very rough and you have to push your way through thick bamboo and bush, the effort is entirely worth it. This is an area that seems to be lost in time and not many people know about it. The cave itself is a huge curtain like overhang and there are a few rough ledges at the top where the sleeping areas are. It is very much like being underneath a massive wave. We were entertained by some foraging baboons on the cliff face opposite who elicited gasps of astonishment from us more than once at their death defying antics. How they are able to scale those smooth rock walls without mishap is amazing!
A huge orange moon came up and signalled the end to a lovely day. I fell asleep to a cool breeze on my face and the sound of the river in the valley below.
We were up early the next morning and soon ready for our first challenge of the day. Dave knew of a different route out of Cods Eye Cave and this turned out to be a bush whack of note, probably the most severe I have experienced to date. It entailed a 100 metre climb up a thickly infested gully to the top of the cliff face. The pace was slow as we fought our way through woody chi chi bush and all manner of other vegetation. Dave bore the brunt of it as he was in front, hacking and breaking branches to make it easier for us. We were all coughing and sneezing due to the dust and pollen from the Chi Chi flowers and the different sound effects coming from all of us with all the grunting, groaning, cries of ‘ouch’ and sneezing were quite comical. We reached the top only to discover a massive drop off below us so had to search for another way down. Fortunately there was,which involved another bit of excitement, walking along a knife edge rock and then hauling ourselves and packs through a hole in the rock before eventually discovering the way down to the next valley. This grassy slope brought us past Engagement Cave and we continued until crossing the stream where we had a break and collected some much needed water.
We climbed up a gully on the side of Sondomzima Ridge and were soon on the top, enjoying the panoramic views before us. The day was warm and hazy with a strong gusting wind blowing at times. We visited the Tunnel Cave, which is an unusual blow hole and also home to a flower that only grows in Lesotho and the high Drakensberg. It likes damp areas in rocks and cliff faces up to 3300 metres and is known as the Yellow Dobo Lily (Cyrtanthus flanaganii). We traversed along the cliff line and Dave named another cave ‘Rockstar Cave’ – so named as it faces the Splashy Fen venue!
Soon we were descending the long hill down to the Garden Castle offices , arriving hot and rather dirty and looking forward to our shower at the camp site.
It was lovely to meet new folk, Graham, Ashleigh and Sydney and thanks to Dave once again for a memorable hike
