The Grootkop caves of Table
Mountain
Grootkop is the largest peak on the Back Table above Oudekraal. It is on a wild and lonely part of Table Mountain and is accessible via a number of routes the nearest of which are Oudekraal ravine and Llundudno corner. The path between these 2 routes passes by Grootkop on the Orange Kloof side. Although the path is clear, if the clouds come down it is very easy to lose your bearings.
The easiest way to find the caves is to follow the path in a Northerly direction. ie towards Oudekraal and the main table. Groot Kop is a clear rounded peak along the way.
A view of Grootkop from the path
The path takes you around the shoulder on the right of the peak. The caves are not at all obvious. In fact if you don’t know they are there you will walk right past them. To get to the caves as you climb the shoulder of the peak look for a very small path that leads across the face of the peak. Follow the path for less than 20metres until you pass a yellow wood in a cleft of rock. Further investigation will reveal that this tree hides one of the larger cave entrances.
The yellow wood hiding the cave entrance
Squeeze past the tree and you find yourself in a sizeable cavern.
Inside the cave it is quite roomy
At the back you can follow tunnels to either the left or the right. The right leads you to a small opening and a way out. The left takes you further into the cave past another smaller entrance. The floor is damp all year around and during the summer can be a great way to get out of the heat of the day.
There are many exits to the cave.
This a great destination for a days hike. Remember to take a torch so you can explore right to the back and along the tunnels.
