The tunnel in the distance is the one you need
This is a multicache as your GPS will only get you to the start of the tunnel (either end), and from then you are on your own. But the cache should be an easy find for everyone.
The published co-ordinates are for the Eastern end of the tunnel.
The Western end of the tunnel is at S30 42.822 E30 26.925.
This tunnel is about 525 meters long, but arrow straight, so you can see both ends all the time. Along the northern end of the tunnel there are 9 alcoves. That makes 10 tunnel sections, each of about 50 meters.
This rail line is only used for goods traffic from the cement factory in the Oribi Gorge to the cement processing plant in Durban. There is usually one train per day in each direction, each train consisting of 5 diesel locomotives and about 40-50 rail cars. Trains run empty to Oribi Gorge and full to Durban. Each rail car holds 55-60 tons of cement clinker - this means that the loads to Durban can be up to 3000 tons!
The cache
It is recommended that you start at the sea side (eastern end) of the tunnel after walking the Oribi Conservation Trail in an anti-clockwise direction. There are quite a few caches on this trail and the walk should take you less than 2 hours. However, you can do the cache from the western end as well. Waypoints are provided for each tunnel entrance.
The cache is placed in the 4th Alcove (on your right), as counted from the eastern end of the tunnel. From the western end the cache is in the 6th Alcove (and on your left). There is a (disused) electrical box in the tunnel alcove. The cache is near to this. Look for two tiny reflectors on the front of the electrical box - that is the one you need.
You WILL need a good torch as the centre of the tunnel is very dark! A headlamp will also be a good idea.
Precautions
Although the tunnel forms part of the Umtentweni Conservation Trail, some precautions are necessary!
Please be aware that the rail line is in use, although traffic is extremely light and usually limited to a train in each direction on weekday mornings. If you have children with you (not recommended) then make sure that they stay close to you and do not run ahead or lag behind.
If you are in the tunnel and hear a train approaching:
Head for the nearest alcove (you will never be more than 25m from an alcove) and take shelter there until the train has passed. Each alcove can hold about 5 - 6 persons.
Weekends are the best time to do this cache as the line is not in use.