Caves or tents?

dunmor wrote: The reason this question came up was that:
1. I don't have the experience
2. All over this forum people talk about the caves. No mention of tents

This made me concerned. Why the talk about caves... no mention about tents.

I think people talk a lot about caves here simply cause the Drakensberg is a very special place that has a lot caves and shelters that one can use. You don't find that in many places in the world. It's something we should really appreciate in the Berg (and also look after). Cave-talk is relevant because there are so many of them, and people want to know where to find a particular cave on their hike, how well sheltered they are, if there is water nearby etc. It's important for hike planning. And of course there is something very special about sleeping in a cave, especially the classic ones. You have much more flexibility in where you pitch your tent, than where you can find a cave, hence less discussion needed.

The classic caves aside (that almost everyone enjoys), I find that there are cave people and tent people. I, for one, love caves. I love looking for them, love watching bad weather and lightning from them curled up in my sleeping bag, love the social atmosphere they create (instead of everyone isolated in their tents), love rolling over in my sleeping bag in the mornings and firing up my cooker for coffee while watching the sunrise. I love the wilderness experience and sense of freedom caves offer. I find pitching a tent a lot of faffing, and even worse packing away a wet or iced-up one. I hate condensation build-up inside a tent. And a tent in strong wind is no fun.

Tent people, on the other hand, like the freedom of having a lot of flexibility of where you camp, and the assurance of a shelter. This is valid. They generally don't like the dampness, breeziness and dirt that can be associated with caves. And tents offer them a barrier against snakes and insects.

As much as I love caves, many of them are definitely not the best shelter. In some caves I've been rained on, snowed on, dripped on, wind blasted, sand blasted, flooded, and had mice running across my sleeping mat throughout the night. I've put up with litter and toilet mess (from hikers and smugglers alike), wet floors, and odours from animal dung and carcasses. I've shared caves with rodents, bats, snakes and a variety of insects (hiking buddies aside!). Yet I still love them. I've had many unforgettable experiences of being snug and comfortable in them with howling winds, rain and snow outside, grateful I wasn't in a tent. I've seen unforgettable lightning, sunrises, sunsets, moonlight and clouds below. And many good times with the people I was with. What a joy to enter a cave when you are cold and wet, and you don't have to pitch a tent, and have space to get dry and comfortable. And what a joy to find a cave you've had a long search for, or if you discover an unmarked cave, especially if its barely been used.

Mostly I take a tent along, even if it doesn't get used. This is recommended practice. You never know if you will reach the cave or even find it. You don't always know if it will be occupied, or offer acceptable shelter. The only time I will leave a tent behind is if everyone in the group is strong, fit and loves caves, and has a bivy bag. This along knowing the area well, and where the caves are. This is a special kind of hiking, with a special kind of freedom that I love.

I generally feel a little more secure in caves too - no interfering tent flapping noises, and no packs in the vestibule which can be grabbed. In a cave I'll pack my gear at the back of the cave, behind my head. However, some caves have been associated with security issues too - the most notorious is probably Bannerman Cave. The problem is when the shepherds cotton onto the fact they some caves are frequently used, and that if they can surprise or outnumber you, you are a little off guard wrapped up in your sleeping bag.