Cave security database

Good initiative Herman, thanks. This thread will prove useful to collect info which will ultimately be used in a formal list of caves, such as already exists for the passes.

It will be helpful to distinguish use of the caves by the locals from historical security issues that have happened at caves, since they are not necessarily synonymous. For example Waterfall Cave is heavily used by locals, there are dagga fields all around it, and there is much traffic through the area - yet I'm not aware of any problems experienced by hikers there (I may be wrong). Bell Cave, on the other hand, I don't think is used by the locals, but there was an alleged armed mugging in 2004, and cattle rustlers pass by (followed by angry, gun-wielding Zulus sometimes).

If a cave is marked as being used by the locals, just a note to everyone that it doesn't necessarily mean that you should not use it, or that it is risky. It is an indication that a) the cave might be dirty b) you shouldn't be surprised if the cave is occupied when you get there c) you shouldn't be surprised if someone arrives there while you are sleeping in it, and d) don't leave your gear there unattended. Other than that, it could be an interesting cross-cultural experience sharing the cave with them

All of the Little Berg caves in the Mnweni that are marked on the map, are to some extent used by the locals. I'd have to think a little bit about each one to give it a rating. Yet security problems are not often heard of there, at least in recent times (again I stand under correction). I think in the 80's there was a skirmish between hikers and smugglers at Shepherds Cave, and some shots were fired in the middle of the night. Don't have much detail on this.

More comments to follow.

@ghaznavid: I would like to think that Roland's Cave has largely remained under the radar. However, given the high smuggler traffic in the area, and the fact that they literally have scouts who keep watch for the authorities, I think we should assume that some of them know of the cave. The occasional shepherd cross over the ridge may also have stumbled across it. Watching hikers heading up there is of course a dead give-away. Still, I also feel secure and out of the way there. Not just because of the immediate access to the cave but because its high up and most of the traffic falls on either side of Ndumeni Dome. If they use Thuthumi Pass at all, its mostly only up until the point where you can access the escarpment to the South of Ndumeni (ie Smugglers Pass). I don't think many use Thuthumi Pass all the way to its summit (ie near the cave).

@Herman: from what I've seen, the smugglers are pretty brazen in that area and actually walk quite close to the hotel and KZN Wildlife staff accommodation at night. They do use Ribbon Falls Cave since thats one of the places they come down. They don't have routes near Shermans and Barkers, and so from that perspective I agree that those caves seem pretty quiet and safe.