Is it a cave? Is it a kraal? No, it's both!

During our December South-North GT, we (HAC, Pathfinder and myself) visited Didima Cave for the 1st time for a planned lunch stop and some respite from the sun. Due to its location, we've never been able to work it into any of our previous trips before.

I was not sure what to expect, but my expectation of the cave that it was a solid shelter with good views. It was always in the back of our minds as a potential overnight option as part of a fast-packing trip. I am however, super relieved that we took the effort to check it out first. I'm not sure whether it has always been the case or a more recent development (images and comments on the cave are far and few apart) but the cave has been converted into a kraal with clear signs of a permanent / semi-permanent resident too. The cave floor and entrance is filled with animal dung, with the sleeping area covered in a layer at least 5 - 10cm thick. A kraal rock wall has also been built around the cave entrance (20m radius or so).

 

Cave floor
 


Needless to say but even the view and shade couldn't persuade us to take our lunch (couldn't stomach the smell and site) so we were on our merry way shortly after taking a few pics 

View
 

Hope this update may be of some value to future hikers planning to visit the cave. 

Re Didima Cave. It's a pity about this cave being lost in sheep shit. It is located well on the South African side of the border though. Slowly but surely this cave amongst others are being lost to the expansion of sheep herding.

Despite the smell, GriffBaker and I spent a night in that cave in April 2022! We put down some plastic groundsheet, and it was bad but we survived. I think we opted for the cave because of the bad weather, can't quite remember.

There is another cave (which I haven't visited yet) a bit earlier next to the path, towards Grays pass side. Seen pics of it on VE. Anybody knows the current condition of this cave as it could be used as an alternative.

As Mark T mentioned we stayed in there April 2022 and I was also there in April 2021. Both times it was in a similar state but last year it had the addition of cattle dung in the front area. It would interesting to hear from anyone who has tried to use it in summer, to see if they have encountered any Basotho herders who may be occupying it permanently in the summer months.

My view is that maybe it serves as a stopover point on occasion for guys moving their herds over the highway from Champagne Castle to yodlers.

Despite the mess, the back section is flat and comfortable for 2-3 people and I also found it quite warm in there. Both times I have been totally worn out from long days, so perhaps could have slept anywhere.

Riaan, is the other cave you have heard about not Reido Cave? www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/12-drakensberg-caves/743-reido-cave.html
Have not been to it myself but have always thought it looks like a better option particularly for a non tenting gt stopover.

@GriffBaker,

No, I'm not referring to Reido cave. The one I saw in the pictures had a much larger opening and kinda looked like Rolands inside. The positioning would be kinda similar to the Reido, i.e. in the upper rockband section looking over the escarpment, The position of this cave was below the footpath, on your right (North facing) as you approach the part where you would turn off to go towards Didima cave. I'm not sure exactly how far this point is as I've not physically been to it, but remembering back from images, if you stood at the entrance of Didima cave (escarpment on your left), this cave would be roughly on your 2 O'Clock.
 

Spot on SmurfateFrog!

Thanks for sending the ink and refreshing my memory

i pointed out the ruination of didema cave 10 years ago.  the smell of urine was overpowering.  no one responded, not that i could think of anything.
i also pointed out the ruination of injasuti cave by 10cm of ash on the floor.  basothos bring in dung - sheep, baboon and human and burn it.
i also have no ideas.

these are our caves.  if we don't assert ownership they will be invaded.

basotho herders have killed all the wildlife on the summit and replaced the ecology with cattle and sheep.  basothos are invaders in south africa.
if we don't assert ownership, kiss it goodbye.

@ Oneye
As per the discussion about "Sheep in the Drakensberg" and my dealings with the staff at Giant's around that and the horses living up on Oribi, by my account for at least 2months, I reckon the goodbye kiss is already being made. The malaise we've succumbed to in our failing state is overwhelming. Most people are just growing their fingernails to cling on. The Staff at Giant's were almost tickled by the fact that there were horses up there. When I showed pics to them they responded "Ooooh yes that guy said he saw those horsiz there." And I recalled at the time, Dec, that they were on the thread in Nov already. I have since followed up on it and have been ignored.

Point is on these topics my guts feel like boiled Pronutro. Like swatting the locust plague with a badminton racket.
But you are right.