Last Updated on December 11, 2021 by Kevin Agar
Having done the Sani Pass we decided a more leisurely day was needed. Nearby was the Drakensberg Gardens We were informed we could go through their grounds to the campsite at the end and do some walking. Pillar Cave was our choice, so off we set.
Start of the walk to Pillar Cave
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/60 s. f/3.5 iso200 4.5-90.0 mm
Setting off
VTR-L09 1/640 s. f/2.2 iso50
It was a great walk although we had to cross a swollen river 3 times
The first river crossing
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/100 s. f/4.5 iso125 4.5-90.0 mm
Definitely going to get wet feet
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/320 s. f/3.5 iso400 4.5-90.0 mm
The walk towards Pillar Cave
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/320 s. f/4 iso160 4.5-90.0 mm
We decided it was easier to just wade through and dry our boots later. The mist settled in and we weren’t sure where the cave was, as the map we were following was very stylised. At the point of giving up and returning, Sandra walked on and finally found the cave. I presume the view from the cave is great but we didn’t see it 🙁
View from Pillar Cave
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/1000 s. f/3.5 iso320 4.5-90.0 mm
Pillar Cave
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/80 s. f/3.5 iso400 4.5-90.0 mm
It wasn’t the best walk for birds, but the flowers were good, which was a bonus.
Protea
Canon EOS 7D Mark II 1/1250 s. f/5.6 iso1600 EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Orchid
1/100 s. f/2.2 iso50
1/240 s. f/2.2 iso50
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/60 s. f/3.5 iso100 4.5-90.0 mm
Canon PowerShot SX280 HS 1/60 s. f/3.5 iso200 4.5-90.0 mm
We stopped for lunch on the way back at the first river crossing
Lunch time
VTR-L09 1/230 s. f/2.2 iso50
Whilst here we spotted a female Malachite Sunbird entering a nest
Malachite Sunbird female at the nest
Canon EOS 7D Mark II 1/320 s. f/5.6 iso1600 EF500mm f/4L IS USM
The male Malachite Sunbird was near but didn’t seem to be helping
Malachite Sunbird, Nectarinia famosa
Canon EOS 7D Mark II 1/500 s. f/5.6 iso1600 EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Driving back to our B&B in Underberg we came across this Long-crested Eagle at the side of the road
Long-crested Eagle, Lophaetus occipitalis
Canon EOS 7D Mark II 1/800 s. f/5.6 iso1600 EF500mm f/4L IS USM
To finish off a great day, we had a braai for our steak and a firepit to sit and watch as well as to help dry our boots.
Sandra relaxing with a drink by the firepit
SM-A520F 1/10 s. f/1.9 iso2000
It’s off to Didima tomorrow to our final destination of the holiday.