Mponjwane Cave vs Ledger's Cave

Great discussion guys!

The view from Ledgers is something else...the valleys below have a kind of "telephoto" effect (for lack of a better word), and the exposure of the cave makes the view feel even more "in your face". Mponj I love for its classic association with Mponj peak, its spectacular sunrise views over the Cathedral Range, and its cosy feel. I think both are classic caves and I use both depending on the mood.

For a more technical comparison:
* Ledgers has a better water supply
* Mponj is an uphill slog to get to, Ledgers is an easier walk, though a little far
* Mponj seems to offer better shelter (Ledgers is a shallower overhang and I've felt a little out in the open at times during stormy and windy nights)
* Mponj can sleep more people (have seen it take more than 10 people on more than one occasion)
* for people who don't like exposure, the access to Ledgers can be an issue.

@Stijn: agree, the Basuths don't seem to hang around either cave much, though I have seen animal dung close by from grazing activities. The smugglers don't seem to have much use for them - too far away from the route.

Was looking for some ideas on a new poll - Ledgers vs Mponj is a great one - see bottom of each page to cast your vote!

It so happened that we unexpectedly spent a night in Mponj Cave on the Easter weekend after this discussion started. First off, for the first time I saw fresh evidence that the Basotho shepherds had used it. Fresh animal dung all around the cave, a fireplace, a crude lantern suspended from the roof, left over food and the usual litter. Its the worst condition I've seen the cave in.
{joomplu:234} {joomplu:235}

Secondly, that night we had very heavy downpours of rain. Occasional gusts of wind blew rain in from the one side (which one of my buddies bravely endured), but the worst was that there was so much dripping and raining at the entrance of the cave that it funneled in the water along the floor which progressively flooded over half the cave! There was some shuffling and relocation of hikers and gear, needles to say. Good thing I'm already a firm believer in solid sheets of plastic which I use to sit out storms out in the open, and as waterproof groundsheets! So, it wasn't the best cave experience, especially for one such Mponj. But I still love this cave and all the others. Just good reminders and lessons learned!

PS: we had little time to spend at the cave but did clean up a little bit. Anyone heading up there is encouraged to continue cleaning it up.

swordfish wrote:

Please tell me, how far is the water from Mponjwane cave? And also, in case the cave is occupied, how far away can one find suitable flat camping spots close to water?

Obviously dependent on recent rains, but generally about 1km, but 150m/200m lower than the cave.
Camping answer is the same, maybe a little further

I prefer Mponjwane due to the sunrise, and also the views when approaching along the escarpment edge from the north!
Some views from this last weekend
Sad to see quite a bit of graffiti on the walls though