The Cavern - Holiday Resort Accommodation in the Northern Drakensberg

The Cavern Holiday Resort can accommodate up to 140 people. So how is it possible that guests still feel they're coming back to their own holiday home? There are the obvious things such as its splendid mountain setting, the diverse range of activities and facilities on offer, comfortable thatched rooms and good food. However, the main ingredient of its popularity is that the place is steeped in good old family values and traditions.

Ruth's time-tested methods of breaking the ice between people have been kept. Guests are seated together in carefully selected groups for meals, and games evenings are held to encourage further mingling. No matter what age you are, there's always something to do and someone to do it with. Guests gather each day for a choice of guided walks - past tinkling streams, through yellowwood forests, to rock-art sites and to the top of peaks. Or to go horse riding, trout fishing, mountain biking or play a game of bowls. And, the Saturday night dance is still a highlight.

The Cartes aren't trying to make The Cavern the most luxurious, fashionable holiday destination in the area. It's a hotel for people who love the outdoors and want value for their money. How many resorts in the Drakensberg offer hotel accommodation, three delicious meals a day and guided hikes for such good value

The Cavern is named after the massive sandstone cave called Cannibal Cavern. When Shaka's impis rampaged through Natal in the 1820s, less powerful Zulu clans were forced to flee. Some sought refuge in the overhanging sandstone of the Little Berg and resorted to cannibalism in order to survive. Walks to see the cave are offered at the resort.

The resort is steeped in tradition. One that will hopefully never change is the serving of freshly made tea on a hike. While the walkers relax in a scenic spot, the guide collects stream water in a large aluminium kettle and boils it over a small fire. There's nothing like a steaming mug of tea with a Cavern crunchie on a chilly day in the Drakensberg.