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Drakensberg Caves & Huts Database
10
RATING

Runaway Cave

Location:

Vergelegen Wilderness Area

Runaway Cave can be reached from the Vergelegen office via Rooibessiesbos and The Hook.  Finding a way down into the Hlathimbe Valley through the rock bands could prove difficult in mist, unless you are prepared to first head off in the direction of Kapper's Mine and the Mimela Ruins, and then head back up the valley.  The position of the cave is not marked correctly on the maps, since it lies 500 metres further down the valley in the same rock band as Shelter Cave.  Due to the bush and unsuitably small level areas, the cave is not much use as a place to overnight in.  There is a single, lone painting of an eland near the entrance.

Co-ordinates (WGS84 / dd mm.mmm):

S29 28.106 E29 26.074 at 1975 metres

Description:

Accommodation: 4

This is an untidy cave with a rock-strewn floor and a lot of bush that leave very little space for sleeping.




1
COMFORT

At best this cave could accommodate 2 people reasonably comfortably, although they would probably not be next to each other.  The maps claim that it is capable of accommodating 6 hikers, but this is overly optimistic!


2
WATER

The Hlathimbe River flows about 200 metres away in the valley below the cave, and can be reached over some steep terrain and through tall grass.


3
POOLS

There are some pools in the river, but the effort involved in getting to and from them could negate their use.


2
SHELTER

The only areas suitable for sleeping are fairly well protected from rain because, although the overhang is high, these lie well back from the entrance.


2
OUTLOOK

The Hlathimbe Valley is a very beautiful one.  There is no direct view of the escarpment from the cave, however.

Bookings:

+27 (033) 7020712

Contributors:


Last updated: 2009-08-18 12:31:55 | Report Listing Report Listing
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