I spied this feature when descending Sondomzima Ridge at Drakensberg Gardens a few weeks ago and was surprised that I had not noticed it on previous hikes. From a distance it appears as a huge ramp below massive cliffs that then ascends to the top of the ridge that houses Robs Cave. It is situated directly above Puffadder Rock on the Mzimude River. I was immediately intrigued and wondered whether it would go all the way to the top without any obstacles. Plans were made and we left the Garden Castle office on a cool morning, making our way up and over Sondomzima Ridge. We crossed the Mzimude River and approached the bottom of the ramp at an angle from the right hand ( escarpment ) side. It was easier this way than climbing directly up from Puffadder rock and we crossed the plateau first before the real climbing began. We also noticed a lovely tarn that is quite hidden from the path below which will definitely be receiving a visit from us at some time in the future! The clouds were growing heavier and soon we had to keep putting rain gear on and off in between the showers that added to the challenge. The climb upwards was steep and sustained and as we got higher, we noticed a cave across the gully before the upper ramp. It appeared to have a level sleeping area and could sleep between 4 and 6 people. We kept to the side of the rock face as we climbed and were soon following an animal path which made the going slightly easier. The sun was out now and we got to the top under blue skies. It was pretty straight forward and we immediately found a spring of water that was flowing, so our worries about finding water were put to rest. We walked across to the other side of the ridge and found ourselves directly opposite and looking down on to Whytes Cave. From this point it is an easy walk across the ridge before you descend the steep grassy slopes at the northern end of the Whytes Cave Valley. We explored further and it was fascinating to see the valleys and rock formations behind Robs Cave itself – it certainly is a beautiful area. We found a level tent site half way down towards the top of Robs Cave Gully and spent the afternoon watching the storm clouds gather over Underberg and the subsequent dramatic clouds and mist moving over the nearby ridges. It rained steadily for a while before easing off and it was lovely to hear the roar of the river far below as we went to sleep.
Unfortunately the sun was not out for long the following morning before the mist drifted in. We had little visibility descending the gully past Robs Cave and it remained this way with cool and cloudy weather on our return back to camp.
So, mission accomplished! I think this would be a good alternative shortcut from Whytes Cave to Garden Castle, with the effort expended being about the same, if not slightly easier and also a bit quicker than the Robs Cave gully route.
