The club used to have a New Year’s Eve hike, and I wanted to see if we could revive this old tradition into the Drakensberg. The night before I had a lot of people wanting to know about the weather, and it looked like a miserable rainy evening and even wetter and colder conditions for the following day. The decision was made that we would carry on even if there was just a handful of us. The original group was at least 15 but due to family commitments and injuries, our group was whittled down to 8, but it was still a decent size, and we would all be comfortable in the cave.

The plan was to meet at Highmoor Camp at 9 o’clock and after checking bags and getting ready we would set off to Caracal Cave. As the day dawned on us, the weather looked very promising and on reaching the camp it was overcast, but dry and quite warm. After a quick meet and greet, I filled in the mountain register, paid the fees and after some bag adjustments and reorganizing, we set off into the wilderness. Our pace was fast, as we were hurrying along so we didn’t have to walk in the rain.

As we set off it was quite warm and soon we were sweating as we were walking out from the Mooi River and on to Salma Dam. The path is a gentle climb for most of the way and we were all feeling great and the group still very chatty. On route we were fortunate to spot a breeding pair of Crowned Crains feeding in the shallows of Shasta Dam as well as a big heard of Bles buck on the plains.

Soon we reached our turn off down to Fulton‘s Rock and started to head down. The start was quite easy, but soon we found that the path was very over grown and clearly very little path maintenance has been done in the last year, if not longer. The grass was thick, most probably due to this section not being burned in a while. We slowly made our way down, looking for the path ahead of us as it would just disappear just to reappear a few meters ahead of us.

Soon we heard the sound of thunder in the distance, but due to the lack of a good path, we could not increase our pace as much as we would have liked to. Soon the drops started to fall and we quickly put on rain gear and covered our bags, just in time as the heavens opened up over us. The grass soon became slippery and on the steep section most people opted to “bum slide” down. All of a sudden it started to rain and just as quickly, it stopped.

We stopped at Fulton’s Rock for lunch and we took some time to admire the unique rock art, with this being one of the few sites to have a painting of an elephant. This site is also covered with a lot of dancing scenes, and clearly this rock was a sacred spot for the Koi-San that lived in the valleys. As soon as the rain stopped, the heat seemed to return, and the wind was a welcome reprieve.

From Fulton’s Rock the path to the cave contours around the spur and is relatively easy to follow with a few small stream crossings. The streams all have water, making it promising that we would have water close if not in the cave. The drip in the cave is temperamental and some years it is dry or very little. The last up hill was tough for most of the group but soon we were all settled in the cave, with each person creating their little home away from home. We found water at a strong drip and set up a small water trap with a black bag.

The route was tough on some of the group and supper was prepared, some had brought their bubbly, to toast the new year, but soon silence fell on the cave and all the lights went out and all that could be heard is the rhythmic breathing of 8 tired hikers looking to get some much-needed rest.

The next morning was cool and overcast with mist drifting in over the hills and rolling into the cave, but we had no rain. This will mean a dry walk back to the cars. Slowly everyone started to stir and wake up from their slumber.

Soon the stoves were all lit and coffee made, followed by breakfast and a slow pack up. If I did not know any better, I would have thought no one wanted to go home, or maybe its more to do with the steep climb out.

For most of the group, it was the first time for them to sleep in a cave and for all a first to spent New Years in a cave. It is quite a novel experience as there is nothing that distracts you from your thoughts. For most it’s the quiet and unrushed experience of being out on the trail, away from all technology and distractions.

 

Soon we were all packed up, and getting ready to make our way out of the cave and up and out of the cave approach. The path leading down to the cave had been fixed and even a short ladder installed at the steep rocky section, this makes the walk in and out a lot easier. Standing on the lip of the valley, we could look up to the steep approach to the top of Windy Knoll. Everyone was dreading this climb out, but once you start, you will find that its actually very doable and looks a lot worse than it actually is.

Once we reached the top, we had a good time resting, and admiring the view, although not the best day due to low clouds, was still amazing. You can see most of the Central Drakensberg and a beautiful relatively closeup view of the Giant of Giants Castle, but that view would have to wait for another trip.

The walk back over the plateau is easy, and I would consider it a contour path with minimal climbs. Once you pass Shasta Dam, the camp comes into view, and the group was like horses smelling home and nothing could stop them now.

Our pace would not have broken any records however we reached the car park just about 12:00, and this is ideal as it would give everyone enough time to get back home safely. After signing out and packing the cars, we all agreed that this will defiantly be the first of many more adventures to come.