Westeros Cave Trip 13 September 2026

 Good day everyone, we are doing a trip to Westeros  (Sunday 13th of September)

Date: 2026/09/13
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Sasol N12 South
Meet: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Mto4uVAnuGKrvZq8
Meet leader : Edmund Harris & Teaghan Stoop
Cost: R50 SRT member fee 
Type : SRT  Members Trip

Note: On the route to the cave , a 4x4 or high raised car would be preferable. Carpool together where possible.

Gear: 
-Helmet , (club has if you need)
-Headlamp and spare batteries 
-Snacks and water 
-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots) 
-Old long sleeved clothes or overalls, and clothes and shoes to change into after caving
-We Have 6 SRT Kits for those without

Trip info
A large sporty cave suitable for experienced members.
There will be climbs, crawls, bouldering, going up sketchy slopes.
+- 25m SRT into the Cave from bipods over a sinkhole. 
Expect +-8 hours in the cave.
We'll go the the right hand side of the caves first, past the blue room and into the survey section. Then we'll go back into the main chamber and do some crawls in the sewers. Expect to be very muddy!!

Don't take a spot if you know you're not going to make it, we have limited SRT kits for Members.
If you are joining and need a SRT Kit please say so in the group.

Bolts Cave 12 September 2026

 Hi Everyone, upcoming trip on Saturday the 12th of September 2026 to Bolts Cave.

Date: 2026/09/12
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Engen Oaktree
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJFjo8J4hUfYUXtv8
Meet leader : James Harris
Cost: R100 visitors fee 

Type : Open trip (members and non-members) 
*Risk of Histo

Gear: 
-Helmet , (club has if you need)
-Headlamp and spare batteries 
-Snacks and water 
-Bag ( club has a bag if needs) 
-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots) 
-Old long sleeved clothes and clothes and shoes to change into after caving

Trip info
A medium sized cave suitable for new cavers, the entrance requires a 2 pitch ladder climb, we'll have a harness on hand to belay people. There is a crawl into the second half of the cave that can be tricky for first time visitors. 

Expect +-5 hours in the cave

The ladder pitch is a significant choke point, so trip numbers will be limited to 15

Skilpad Cave, 1 August 2026

 Date: 2026/08/01 Saturday
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdsWmKvVQ6JiHkFL7
Meet leader: Kat

Cost:
- Everyone R50-R100 Cash for Landowner (Estimated)
- Visitors R100 Cash (SEC day membership)

Who can join:
Visitors are welcome, but the is a risk of HISTO and the crawl can be intimidating. Also anyone who disrespects the cave or damages formation should fear for their life!
Numbers will be limited to protect the cave.

Gear:
- Helmet you can use a club one, there will be a poll later
- Head lamp & spare batteries
- Water & snacks
- Small Spade (optional)

There is a bit of a walk to get to the cave.

The entrance is in a beautiful sinkhole and there are some stunning formations at the end of the cave. Depending on your physical dimensions, you may have to dig a bit to get through the crawl.
For anyone keen, we will have a bring and braai afterward.

River Passage Cave 19 July 2026

Date: 2026/07/19 Sunday
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Oaktree
Meet Organiser: Andreas
Cave leader: Steven
Access: Anton (PPH)

Who can join?
- Members only SEC & PPH
- SRT proficient
- Must be prepared to squeeze
- Must be prepared to be uncomfortable

Gear:
- Standard + SRT

As per SASA Bulletin 43
"Access to the first chamber, with its narrow squeeze, and then the incredibly difficult vertical climb acts as protection to the beautiful and formation rich cave which lies below."

Porcupette Cave Sunday the 7th June 2026

Hi Everyone , We are organising an open trip to Porcupette Cave this coming Sunday the 7^th June

 

Date: 2026/06/07

Time: 9:00

Meet spot: Engen Oaktree

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPCawGDGSoZPzVcm6

Meet leader : James Harris

Cost: R100 visitors fee

 

Type : Open trip ( members and non-members)

*Risk of Histo

 

Gear:

-Helmet , (club has if you need)

-Headlamp and spare batteries

-Snacks and water

-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots)

-Old long sleeved clothes or overalls, and clothes and shoes to change into after caving

 

Trip info

A short sporty cave suitable for new cavers

Will have a braai afterwards on the cave property so bring food to braai

Expect +-4 hours in the cave.

Cave is near to Oaktree Garage

SEC Easter Weekend Caving Trip 2026 – Sudwala

Date: 2026/04/03 - 2026/04/06
Location: Sudwala
https://maps.app.goo.gl/m6sYqZfcEy2Nmvth9
Type: Members only
Meet Leader: James Harris

Trip Overview:
SEC is organising a members’ caving trip to Sudwala Caves over the Easter weekend. We’ll be staying on the Sudwala premises at River Camp, arriving on Friday, 3rd April. Caving officially starts the next day, Saturday.

Saturday – Mbobo Makhulu Cave
We’ll explore Mbobo Makhulu Cave, aiming to push further into the Blue Chamber. This is a challenging cave with several technical sections, so expect a long day underground. There is an SRT descent into the Blue Chamber, and the exit back upwards can be done either by ladder or SRT. The geology is spectacular, offering excellent opportunities for photography.

Sunday – Sudwala Caves
We’ll explore the Sudwala Caves, moving beyond the main tourist areas to explore the further back sections of the cave along the river course.

Monday – Bridge Cave
In the morning, we’ll visit Bridge Cave, a large open chambered cave hidden in a forest. Afterwards, we’ll head for lunch before making our way home.

Accommodation & Facilities:
Accommodation will be in shared rondavels, there are 3 rondavels that sleep 5 each, with the option to camp if preferred. 
A fully equipped kitchen and ablution facilities are available. The weekend is self-catered, we will set up braais in the evenings.

Accommodation Cost will depend on the final number of people attending Expect an estimated cost of around R200 per person per night.


What to bring

Food and drinks for the weekend
Sleeping bags and pillows for the Rondavels. Camping gear if you plan to camp
Normal Caving gear, clothing, water, and snacks. Enough for each day
SRT kits, if you have
Club has SRT kits and helmets available

Scramblers Cave 7 March 2026

 Hi Everyone , upcoming trip on Saturday the 7th March Scrambler Cave

Date: 07/03/2026
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Engen Oaktree
Meet leader: Dany Farrell & Edmund Harris

Type: 
Members trip but also open to those who have SRT experience if there's space (Members get priority on kits) 
Member SRT Kit fee R50.00
*Risk of Histo

Gear: 
- SRT Kit (the club has 6 SRT kits for those who don't have, first come first serve, but we will judge you if you ask for one and don't show up)
- Helmet , (club has if you need)
- Headlamp and spare batteries 
- Snacks and water 
- Hardy shoes ( preferably boots) 
- Old long sleeved clothes or overalls, and clothes and shoes to change into after caving
- Knee pads (or not , if you live life to the extreme they’re optional, but I like having kneecaps)

Trip info:
A complex of dusty crawls interlinked with chambers, the entrance into the cave proper is a three pitch SRT (10m, 10m, 20m).
We'll do some exploring and fun obstacles ( pray to the cave gods we don't get lost.)

Expect +-7 hours in the cave.

What's down there?? Only what you take with you. 
We can also go down the mystical dig tunnel and see the amazing colour passage. 

Cave is near to Oaktree Garage

Bats Cave Sunday 14th December 2025

 Hi Everyone , upcoming trip on Sunday the 14th December to Bats Cave. 

Date: 14/12/2025
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Engen Oaktree
Meet leader : James Harris
Cost: R100 visitors fee 

Type : Open trip ( members and non-members) 
*Risk of Histo

Gear: 
-Helmet , (club has if you need)
-Headlamp and spare batteries 
-Snacks and water 
-Bag ( club has a bag if needs) 
-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots) 
-Old long sleeved clothes or overalls, and clothes and shoes to change into after caving

Trip info

A fairly easy cave suitable for new cavers, will do some exploring, fun obstacles and practice some cave navigation techniques
Expect +-4 hours in the cave.
Cave is near to Oaktree Garage
Will go to the Baron restaurant at Greensleeves afterwards for some food and drinks

SASA Bulletin Volume 47 - 2025

 We’re pleased to announce the publication of the latest South African Spelaeological Association (SASA) Bulletin.

This edition showcases a fascinating collection of articles, photos, and cave surveys documenting caving discoveries, research, and events from recent years.
Whether you’re an active caver, researcher, or simply curious about South Africa’s underground world, this bulletin offers a deep dive into our country’s remarkable speleological heritage.

Download Bulletin 47

SEC AGM 2025 - 8th November

 Hi everyone

The SEC AGM 2025 will be held on Saturday the 8th November at Morester Camp in the Cradle.

The AGM is open to all SEC members and non-members.

Agenda
08:00 Voluntary trip to Scheepers Cave
10:30 Arrival at venue
11:00 AGM
13:00 Braai, Trailer Equipment Demo, Rigging Demo

AGM

    Welcome
    Minutes from previous meeting
    Chairman's Report
    Treasurer's Report
    Membership
    Future trips / wish list
    Equipment
    General
    Existing committee step down
    Nominations for 2026 committee
    Voting and Election of new committee
    Closing of meeting

There will be a short trip to explore Scheepers cave early in the morning, a small cave that is on the same property, details will be announced closer to the time.

After the AGM there will a bring and braai, as well as demos on the trailer equipment and rigging

Please RSVP to the following link, and to find further details
https://forms.gle/ZEqKcdMbUAN5jrtx5 

Venue location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sJoW5JGJfESHRJzh9
(-26.056913, 27.703420)

Chaos Cave Trip - 15th November 2025

 *Member/SRT Trip
Chaos

Good day everyone, we are doing a trip to Chaos in November. 

Date: 15/11/2025
Time: 08:15
Meet Spot: Engen Cartonville:
Meet leader : Edmund Harris
Member SRT Kit: R50.00 
Type : SRT proficient only

We only have 6 SRT kits available to use if you don't have one, please tell me if you need one.

Trip info

The farm road wasn't too bad last time, but it'll be a good idea to carpool where possible as the roads tend to fill with water when it rains. It's a 30 minute drive from the garage to the farm entrance.

Note: You must be proficient in SRT (Single Rope Technique) as this will involve a two-pitch SRT descent in the cave, approximately 35 meters in total. Expect a long day underground. Depending on the number of participants and the availability of gear, we will split into two groups, with each group descending on a different day to ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore the cave.

I'm planning on going to the Dice (with a detour to the maypole chamber) and Corals passage

On Sunday we'll go to Mothers day Cave, it's on the same farm.

We will be camping there on Saturday night.
Bring: 
-a tent(or hammock)/general camping gear
-something to braai. 
-There are no toilets so bring a shovel.
-There's no water or power on site

With Access we all have to arrive and leave together.

Westoros Cave Trip - Saturday 11 October 2025

Member/SRT Trip
WESTEROS (formerly known as Stinkhole)

Date: 11/10/2025
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Sasol N12 South
Meet leader : Edmund Harris
Cost: R100 visitors fee
Member SRT Kit: R50.00 
Guest SRT R200.00
Type : SRT proficient only

We only have 6 SRT kits available to use if you don't have one, please tell me if you need one.

Gear: 
-Helmet , (club has if you need)
-Headlamp and spare batteries 
-Snacks and water  
-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots)
-Old long sleeved clothes and clothes and shoes to change into after caving
-SRT Kit (The club has 6 if you need one)

Trip info
A awesome cave to see, with a +-20m SRT down a sinkhole, there's ladders, bouldering, handlines, slippery mud slopes and a few tight spots to navigate throughout the cave. 

Parking of cars will be next to the sinkhole (in the middle of a farm) so high ground clearance is needed.

Hours in the cave will depend on speed on the SRT and group size, 
but expect 6-8 hours.

Dripkelder Cave Trip 6 September 2025

Date: 2025/09/06
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: TBA - Carletonville area
Meet organizer: Andreas
Cost: Drinks and braai meat for Anton

Register:
(link to follow)

Who can join (Histo risk):
- Members
- Limited Guests (no first timers)

Dripkelder Cave is a ‘canyon type’ cave, has some large and
impressive passages as well as digging potential/blowing holes.

For more info on the cave:
Dripkelder Cave

Van Rooyens Trip 18 May 2025

Date: 18/05/2025
Time: 9am
Meet leader: Pedro Boshoff
Cost: Non-member fee R100

Open trip (members and non-members)

Gear:
- helmet (club has if you need)
- headlamp and spare batteries
- snacks and water
- bag (club has a bag if needs)
- hardy shoes (preferably boots)
- change of clothes for after the cave if you want to change

SEC SGM 31 May 2025

 Hello SEC community!

We are holding the SGM on Saturday 31 May to sign off the SEC Constitution.

Time: 1pm for 1:30pm
Venue: Incus Data

Wonderfontein Trip 12th of April 2025

 Hi all,

There is a visitor friendly trip to Wonderfontein on the 12th of April.

Date: 2025-04-12 Saturday
Time: 8h00 to leave at 8h15

Area: Carltonville.

Getting to the cave:
A 2 minute drive back up the tar road, then a 2 or 3 km drive along a dirt track - high ground clearance is recommended.

Meet leader: Tucker

Cost: R100 per person for visitors

Type: Visitor friendly - but you must be able to swim!

Gear:
Normal caving gear.
No SRT required.
There is a lot of swimming throughout this cave (swimming is not optional) - you will get wet and stay wet for a long time!
Braai stuff for post caving.

Trip info:
Will update more info after the weekend - but typically this is 4 or 5 hour trip, with some climbing at the start, leading into some squeezes (nothing hectic).
This is a big labyrinth - don't get lost! Many of the passages are totally flooded or partially flooded, but they are the most fun to do.
Braai after the trip - bring your own food, drinks and chairs.

SEC Annual Social 2025

Date:
Saturday 25 January

Venue:
Incus Data

Order of events:
- Arrival and mingle 12:30pm - 1pm
- Welcome and introduction of Roger Ellis 1pm
- Dragonsbreath talk by Roger Ellis
- Braai, swim and mingle
- Close out 6pm

There are braai facilities as well as a swimming pool so bring some meat, what you would like to drink as well as your costume and towel!

Roger will be talking us through the discovery of SWEX 86 (Dragonsbreath) in 1986, the caves' history as well as the underwater explorations. The cave contains the world's largest known non-subglacial underground lake, with an area of almost 2 hectares. The water surface of the lake is located around 100 metres below the surface.

Bolts Cave 12 January 2025

 Hi Everyone , upcoming trip on the 12th of January to Bolts Cave.

Date: 12/01/2025
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: Engen Oaktree
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJFjo8J4hUfYUXtv8
Meet leader : Edmund Harris
Cost: R100 visitors fee

Type : Open trip ( members and non-members)

Gear:
-Helmet , (club has if you need)
-Headlamp and spare batteries
-Snacks and water
-Bag ( club has a bag if needs)
-Hardy shoes ( preferably boots)
-Old long sleeved clothes and clothes and shoes to change into after caving

Trip info
An easy to access cave , the entrance requires a 2 pitch ladder, we'll have a harness on hand to belay people. There is a crawl into the second half of the cave that can be tricky for first time visitors.

Parking of cars will be about 500m from the cave entrance , so expect a walk into the actual quarry
The area to park is out in the open and in the sun so just be aware of any risk

Purpose of trip is to take visitors to Bolts and to have a second team explore the viability to dig a tunnel we found on the last trip.   

Hours in the cave will depend on consensus
but expect 4-5 hours.

If everyone is keen and wants to, we'll stop at Greensleeves for a milkshake, it's down the road.

Quarry Cave - 14 December 2024

Date: 14/12/2024
Time: 9:00
Meet spot: The Quarry
Meet leader : Teaghan Stoop
Cost: R100 visitors fee

Type : Open trip ( members and non-members)

Gear:
helmet , (club has if you need)
Headlamp and spare batteries
Snacks and water
Bag ( club has a bag if needs)
Hardy shoes ( preferably boots)


Trip info
An easy to access cave , entrance requires sliding through a brick built squeeze

Parking of cars will be about 200m from the cave entrance , so expect a walk into the actual quarry
The area to park is out in the open and in the sun so just be aware of any risk

Purpose of trip is fully exploratory , some surveying might be done depending on numbers and state of required survey area  

Hours in the cave will depend on consensus

If everyone is keen and wants to,  a stop at bushwackers for a milkshake could be planned 

Chaos Cave Weekend Trip 9 - 10 November 2024

Our next trip is on November 9th-10th November. We will be going to Chaos - a stunning Cave with lots to see, with a 2 pitch SRT in the cave.

Members only, but you must have done SRT or a training session at least once in the last year.

We'll camp on the farm so please bring camping gear. Note; there's no power, water or toilets.

We'll have a braai at night.

The farm road wasn't too bad last time, but it'll be a good idea to carpool where possible as the roads tend to fill with water when it rains.

You must be proficient in SRT (Single Rope Technique) as this will involve a two-pitch SRT descent in the cave, approximately 45 meters in total. Expect a long day underground. Depending on the number of participants and the availability of gear, we will split into two groups, with each group descending on a different day to ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore the cave.

Please contact the trip leader Edmund if interested.