My very first overnight in a cave was some 20 years ago, the cave in question being Caracal Cave in the Highmoor area. I also lost an earring in that cave and it is there still, buried somewhere in the sand on the floor. So it seemed fitting that I would return there all these years later to revisit and reacquaint myself with the area with the added bonus of seeing Ka Dedakushe Falls which would be a new experience.
Dave, Tish, Alan, Richard and myself met at the Highmoor offices, now sadly depleted with the chopping down of the beautiful trees that once surrounded the office and parking area. I am at a loss to understand the thinking behind this as these trees were not invasive and provided shade and greenery for so many years. Sadly this is happening at all of the KZN campsites.
We visited Aasvoelkrans Cave en route as not all of us had seen this cave before. It is a ‘double decker ‘ cave which is quite unique - I am not sure there are any others in the Berg but stand open to correction. The lower cave which overlooks the waterfall and pool is very popular for day visitors and then there is the ‘top storey’ cave above it. From here we cut across on to the ridge that leads to Caracal Cave, making good time and arriving around midday. After collecting water from the small stream below the cave we spent the afternoon relaxing whilst Alan and Richard went to explore the ruins of the old stone kraals above the cave. This area was a farm many years ago. We could see dark clouds building up over the escarpment and we were well sheltered in the cave when the rain started to fall in the late afternoon.
We were all tucked up in our sleeping bags quite early on and were disturbed in the early hours by the clattering of hooves below us. We think it could possibly have been an Eland that came to seek shelter from the rain only to discover intruders!
We set off early the following morning and made our way down into the valley below. Our first stop was at the ‘Dangerous Hole’ this is a very deep sinkhole so the name is self explanatory! Dave has taken schoolboys down here many years before and they have even left a note recording the date for some future explorers to discover. As we did not have a rope we were not able to do the same although not all of us would have been keen! A bit further on we came to Fultons Rock which has some interesting rock art, amongst which is an elephant! This area is protected by a fence and can only be accessed with a game guard. Nevertheless we were able to see most of the paintings from beyond the fence.
We continued down the valley and climbed out up a steep hill which had a few false tops - a common experience when hiking in the Berg! Soon the Falls came into view, an impressive sight and well worth seeing. From here we continued on to the main path that leads back to camp and were at the cars by midday.
A great hike with beautiful scenery and good company!
