For the past couple of months the big pines above Charlesworth Dam have concealed a mystery creature. The evidence has been a series of wails, screeches and other spooky noises. Suggestions have ranged from mating bushpigs to Tokoloshes. Because of the steepness of the slope investigation is not easy, but a large bird has appeared
This is the closest cousin of the Olive Thrush, so familiar in The Cavern garden. Normally the Karoo Thrush is found in the Karoo and on the Highveld, and is common in Jo’burg gardens. Imagine our surprise when one was seen pulling worms out of the lawn near the bowling green.
Secretary birds are often associated with big game reserves, but they are actually very widespread. Almost any open country will do, the Drakensberg included. A typical territory size is about ten square kilometres. The Cavern has a resident pair, often to be seen striding purposefully on the hillside leading to Camel’s Hump. They are looking
The ground hornbill is the largest of all African hornbills. It is a huge black bird with a bright red face; in flight large white wing panels are obvious. As the name suggests, it spends most of its time graciously strolling around. Unlike other hornbills it is entirely carnivorous, eating large insects and other invertebrates,
GRADE: S TIME: ½ hour, return or round trip DISTANCE: 1.5 km TERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. Top Gate is the starting point. Take the path right, leading past the football field. Keep left, going uphill, where the path forks at the Gate. The Wattle Dam will be on the left in front of you &
GRADE: S TIME: 1 hour, return or round trip DISTANCE: 1.5 km TERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. Starting point is above the Spa – The Putterills weir path. Follow the path on an easy gradient through the Fern Forest, crossing the stream several times. You will pass May’s Falls and cross the river once more. The
GRADE: S TIME: 1 hour, return or round trip DISTANCE: 1.5 km TERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. Top Gate is the starting point. Take the path left, through the Pine Trees and the old jeep track towards Cowslip Falls Dam. Walk along the dam wall then left for a short distance and then immediately right. The
GRADE: S TIME: 1 hour, return or round trip DISTANCE: 1 km TERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. The starting point is the car park behind the 70s block. There is an information board here with details of the trail, and many more information boards at points of particular interest along the way. Walk up the mowed
GRADE: S TIME: 1 hour, return or round trip DISTANCE: 1.5 km TERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. The starting point is just alongside the lower tennis court. Walk towards the Stables and along Darter Dam wall. At the northern side of the dam cross the river and then follow the meandering path through the valley. There
GRADE: STIME: 1 hour, return or round tripDISTANCE: 1.5 kmTERRAIN: Undulating well-marked path. The circular return leg has a bit of a climb up reinforced steps. The starting point is behind the children’s dining room. The path leads through the pine trees. Beyond the pines head for a big cypress tree growing next to an
