[imagesource: Cameron Inggs/Drakensberg Hikes/Facebook]

We’ll lose our minds if we spend another wet weekend trapped indoors. It may already be too late. We need the warmth of the summer sun on our faces and the smell of the great outdoors to remind us of a life outside the confines of an office that always seems to smell of cheap cologne and farts.

We’ve had enough of wet city streets and humid elevators lurching up and down between floors painted the same prison grey. Our sanity is frayed and our toes are frozen because Sharon at the desk next to us is mid-menopause and needs the aircon cranked to -10 degrees. Nobody wants HR to come and break up another brawl over the remote because that means another synergy seminar hosted by a Simon Sinek-wannabe who shows you pictures of his cycling trips to prove that you too can “crest that hills of adversary”.

Sharon didn’t buy it last time, and neither did you. While she was trying to stab Simon with his retractable pointer and the skinny guy from HR soothed the triggered Millenial interns, you just sat there staring out the window, wondering how much petrol it would take to burn the building down. But of course, you would never do it. Some of your colleagues are bearable and you’re not that far gone yet, besides, you don’t even earn enough to afford the petrol needed to level a Wendy house.

But take heart. Summer is around the corner, and though it’s too late for Sharon, you might still be able to drag yourself out of the clutches of winter madness. What you need is to escape the city, and sleep under the stars.

What you need is to go cave camping.

Nothing soothes the office-scarred soul quite like a night in the open, with a crackling fire and the sounds of nature all around you. For many folks, the growing popularity of glamping has made the outdoors even more accessible and comfortable, but to truly experience a great escape from the city, nothing beats spending the night in a natural cave. Fortunately, South Africa has several caveman experiences to choose from.

Silwerfontein in Western Cape

An hour west of Cape Town, this round mountain path begins at a charming Cape Dutch homestead or, if you get there early, in a converted double-decker bus that doubles as a base camp. The trail winds around a farm within the Voëlvlei Nature Conservancy and leads to Ontongskop across beautiful fynbos.

Slightly below the peak at the six-kilometre point lies the deep, well-protected overnight cave. There isn’t another source of water until you’ve completed the descent, so fill your bottles at the creek that runs down the kloof on the way up (about an hour into the trip). The farm offers several day treks and welcomes dogs. For more info, contact them at info@silwerfontein.co.za, or visit www.silwerfontein.co.za.

 

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Barker’s Chalet in the Drakensberg

Barker’s Chalet is a fairly substantial overhang overlooking a neat little wooded gorge with a good stream and some swimming opportunities in summer. It can easily accommodate a maximum of five people.

The sleeping areas are level and smooth, but a bit dusty, and a small, reliable stream runs below the cave, which can be reached quite easily. Tucked behind some trees in a little gorge, Barker’s Chalet offers excellent shelter from the elements. The cave is nicely situated in a forested gorge which adds considerable appeal to it. Find out more here.

Barker’s Chalet is by no means the only cave in the Drakensberg, so check out this hut and cave database for more options when exploring South Africa’s most famous mountain range.

Camping in some of these caves is prohibited because of environmental impact damage, the presence of Bushman paintings in or near the caves, or the proximity of the caves to other large public campsites. The general rule is that no overnight camping is permitted in caves containing Bushman paintings. The making of fires is prohibited, and this applies to campfires in caves as well.

 

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Rietrivier Trail in Baviaanskloof

For cavemen (or women), this four-day trek in the Baviaanskloof foothills is the ultimate. You spend the night in a different cave every night, which ranges from simple shelters to luxurious guesthouse-style accommodations. This is a unique chance for the whole family to enjoy because there are modest daily distances and the possibility of having bags moved between sites. You can arrange for meals upon request. For more info contact them at www.makkedaat.co.za.

Some of you may however be keen for a bit more luxury when cave camping, and for the refined caveman, there are still plenty of options available.

Kagga Kamma Cave Suites

Famous for their integrated design and breathtaking views, Kagga Kamma’s Cave Suites blend seamlessly into the environment and complement the Cederberg area. The façade of each Cave Suite is manmade but melds perfectly with the incredible surrounds; providing guests with the opportunity to experience the interesting biome and unique rock formations up close.

Strategically positioned for wide-angle views of the majestic surroundings, the cave suites offer every comfort from the highest vantage point. Guests are treated to incredible views where sunsets colour the skies in rich tones. For more info, visit their site at www.kaggakamma.co.za

 

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Hang in there baby, summer is almost here.

[source:getaway]