After a heavy thunderstorm the previous evening, and heavy rain overnight, we were unsure what the day would bring. We were pleasantly surprised to find a fine clear day when we assembled on the lawn at 9am. Our route took us down past the lake before starting the long climb to Camel’s Hump. At the summit we found shelter from the breeze for our morning break before making our way along Surprise Ridge. Relatively easy walking eventually brought us to Cannibal Cave. This huge cave was quite impressive and served as our lunch spot. Suitably refreshed we began the descent and took a detour to Jim’s Cave. This entailed more climbing before reaching a grotto, rather than a cave, enhanced by a waterfall. After a quick return to the main track we descended to the hotel, admiring the views along the way.
Looking across to Cannibal Cave . . .
and down to the hotel
We can see most of the route for Friday's walk up to the Ace of Spades, Scilla Gap, Hlolela and Battleship, descending by Sugar Loaf Gap
The group disappears in the grass
From this angle the reason for the name, Camel's Hump, is more obvious
A brief pause before we climb to the last summit . . .
and another view across to the Amphitheatre
Time for elevenses on Camel's Hump . . .
At Cannibal Cave a waterfall is highlighted by the sun . . .
and a breeze creates ever-changing patterns
A garden in a cave!
Lunch was taken in Cannibal Cave where tribal people had to resort to cannibalism whilst hiding from the wrath of Shaka Zulu as he purged the Drakensberg area of his enemies
Our final walk - so a group photo is called for
Taking in the landscape before the end of our holiday
Jim's Cave - which is more of a grotto than a cave
Our last walk past Cowslip Falls Dam on our way back to the hotel