Didima Gorge Hike

During the December Day of Reconciliation long weekend, I did a hike in the Didima Gorge as part of a group of seven.


We got a lift from Didima Camp with EKZNW and hiked in from the road near eMhlwazini Store into the eMhlwazini valley, with Cathkin Peak visible up the valley in the distance; the Cathkin Range was to dominate the southern horizon for much of the hike. After crossing the deep eMhlwazini River and having a swim in one of the pools, we continued up the valley to the confluence with the Didima River and beginning of Didima Gorge,and again crossed the eMhlwazini and entered Didima Gorge.



The path climbs up above the river, giving good views of the river and natural forest in the gorge, among the largest natural forests in the 'Berg. After passing several shelters, we headed down to the pool below Nanni's Cave for lunch and another swim.



As the path climbed higher and the gorge opened out, good views were presented up the gorge to the escarpment with Windsor Castle and it's Little Saddle predominant. After passing some more caves, we arrived at Gravel Cave, our overnight spot, late in the afternoon.



At sunset, some of us went back out onto a ridge giving a grand view of Windsor Castle, Castle Buttress and Cleft Peak silhouetted in the sunset light.



The following morning we headed off eastwards towards the iNkosazana Valley to do some exploration in the valley, and passed some impressive shelters. After lunch near the river, we ascended a steep ridge up to the Contour Path, which gave a wonderful view to iNtunja and the Cathkin Range.



We would return to the top of Didima Gorge via the Contour Path along Eastman's Ridge. The Contour Path descends quite steeply towards Didima Gorge, giving a good view up the Thuthumi River across Didima Gorge.



We tented across the Didima River upstream from the Thuthumi confluence at Upper Didima Campsite, and saw flattened grass indicating another parties campsite from the night before. Another nearby cave was visited, and the next morning we returned to Didima Camp, starting by ascending the long pull up Phillip's Folly.



A good view is available from Phillip's Folly above the Didima River to the escarpment with Witch Peak, Didima Buttress, Didima Dome, The Sphinx and Sugarloaf visible. From The Nek at the top of Phillip's Folly, we descended on the old jeep tracks to the top of Mike's Pass at Arendsig, returning to Didima Camp via Mike's Pass and the hikers shortcut cutting out the big zigzag. Unfortunately by late morning much of the Cathedral Range was already obscured by cloud, and we sympathised with anyone climbing Cathedral Peak or doing the Bell Traverse being unable to enjoy the views.

A great hike with good, although quite hot, weather was enjoyed in one of the finest 'Berg gorges!

Geordie and I did almost the same route in reverse, the same weekend! First night on the flat grass area below Phillips Folly, 2nd night in a shelter along the Didima valley and 3rd night back late into Didima campsite! It was a great walk.