Dear Friends
Can it really be July already? Somehow, we have reached the halfway mark of the year, and the winter school holidays are in full swing. True to KwaZulu-Natal winter, we have been treated to crisp mornings, gorgeous blue skies and glorious sunshine that warms the valleys by midday. It is a season that reminds us just how fortunate we are to call this beautiful corner of the Drakensberg home.
Winter has brought its own quiet delights. Our indigenous gardens are putting on a spectacular show, with the bright red blooms of the Aloe arborescens attracting a lively cast of feathered visitors. Each morning, Gurney’s Sugarbirds, Malachite Sunbirds and Cape White-eyes engage in an amusing battle for the sweetest nectar, filling the gardens with movement and birdsong. It is one of those small daily moments that never grows old and serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the wonders of nature all around us.
Royal Drakensberg Education Trust
One of the highlights of the past few months was our 3 Days – 3 Stays – 4 Education fundraising hike in May. Together with around 30 enthusiastic hikers, we traversed the valley over three unforgettable days, raising more than R500 000 for the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust.
This remarkable achievement is only possible because of the incredible village of supporters who continue to walk alongside us. Whether through hiking, donating, volunteering or simply spreading the word, every person plays a part in creating brighter futures for the children and families in our community. Thank you for believing in our vision.
Save the Date | 3 days | 3 stays | 4 education | 10-13 June 2027
July is also a month of giving as we celebrate Mandela Day. On 18 July, our team will once again be out in the community, dedicating 67 minutes to making a meaningful difference. We also look forward to our 31 July Draw and invite you to consider making a R167 donation in honour of Mandela Day. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps educate a child, provides a bowl of porridge, equips a teacher and strengthens the community we are so proud to call home.
Together, we truly can build a brighter future.
Coming up
One of the highlights of our recent marketing trip to London was a visit to the prestigious Saatchi Gallery, where we were delighted to see the beautiful work of botanical artist Gillian Condy on exhibition. Gillian was awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal, a wonderful recognition of her exceptional talent and meticulous attention to detail.
We are especially excited that Gill will be returning to The Cavern this November to present our next Botanical Art Course, alongside renowned botanist and field guide author, Elsa Pooley. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Drakensberg and inspired by our rich indigenous flora, the course offers a wonderful opportunity to learn from two of South Africa’s national treasures! Whether you are an experienced artist or simply have a love for plants, nature and creativity, we look forward to welcoming you for what is sure to be a truly inspiring few days.
An Invitation to Slow Down
The mountains have a gentle way of reminding us of what matters. They ask nothing of us except that we pause, breathe deeply and simply be present.
In a world that celebrates busyness, achievement and constant activity, it is easy to overlook the importance of rest. Yet nature teaches us a different rhythm. The changing seasons, the flowing streams and the quiet forests all remind us that renewal is an essential part of living well. Even the world’s greatest athletes understand that recovery is just as important as performance.
Perhaps that is why so many people leave The Cavern feeling lighter than when they arrived. Time spent walking mountain trails, listening to birdsong, sitting beside a stream or sharing unhurried conversations creates space for the body and mind to recover in ways we often don’t realise we need.
This year, we are delighted to welcome guests seeking a little more than a holiday. Through Walking Retreats South Africa, 4-7 August, Justin, Karen and Rama invite you to experience the restorative power of mindful walking and time spent immersed in nature.
If your body has been quietly asking you to slow down, perhaps this is your invitation. We look forward to welcoming you to our little valley, where the mountains have been restoring hearts, minds and spirits for generations.
It’s all happening
We do love a refurbishment at The Cavern! While fresh décor and exciting new facilities are always fun to unveil, sometimes the most important improvements are the ones you never see.
Over the past while, much of our attention has been focused on one of the less glamorous aspects of hospitality; wastewater management. We are delighted to have installed a DEWATS (Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System), an environmentally friendly system that relies on naturally occurring microorganisms to do the hard work of treating wastewater. The result is a sustainable solution that helps protect our precious mountain environment for generations to come. Read more about how our DEWATS system works.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon too! In the next few months, we are planning to complete our Forest Sauna, add a pickleball court and create a brand-new children’s playground, all designed to make your Cavern stay even more memorable. And we recently purchased 4 E-bikes which guests can hire!
Celebrating 85 years of Many Happy Returns
Life at The Cavern looked rather different in 1941! Geese, horses, cows and pigs kept the Guest Farm bustling with activity, while the daily milking took place at the ladies’ compound.
Many of the places our guests enjoy today carry stories from those early years. Cowslip Falls earned its name after an unfortunate cow slipped on its way to be milked. Pascoe’s Pool commemorates the adventurous skinny-dippers of the 1950s who couldn’t resist a refreshing plunge after hiking to Surprise Ridge, while Charleswood Dam honours Uncle Charles Blyth, whose generous loan enabled Ruth and Bill to purchase The Cavern Farm in 1941 and begin the journey that continues today.
As part of our 85 Years of Hospitality celebrations, we promised to share the love with a few lucky guests.
Congratulations to our monthly winners!
March: Colleen Sainsbury
April: Megan Jacob
May: Cynthia Barnes
June: James Dixon
Each winner has received two nights for two people at The Cavern. We look forward to welcoming you back to the mountains, just remember, all you need to do is stay to play!
A Final Word
The mountains remind us that while seasons change, some things remain constant. As custodians of The Cavern, we remain committed to caring for our people, our community and our environment, ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of belonging that has welcomed guests to these mountains for over 85 years. This valley is woven with generations of memories; the family holidays, lifelong friendships, celebrations and quiet moments in nature. It is a privilege to continue welcoming familiar faces back to the Berg while helping new generations create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for being part of our story and for allowing us to be part of yours. Until next time, we wish you warm winter days, happy adventures and moments to reconnect with the people and places you love.
With warm wishes
The Cavern Family
This is a wonderfully written Chronicle befitting a national treasure in Africa! Congrats for ALL YOU DO!
Thank you Colin!