Located just outside Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are a must-visit natural wonder and easily reachable from the Garden Route.
A visit to these caves is more than just another tourist activity – it is an opportunity to explore one of the world’s remarkable underground landscapes.
The Cango Caves are renowned for their limestone formations. Over millions of years, water has slowly shaped the stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones into striking structures. The unique shapes and sizes of these formations, such as the “Organ Pipes” and the towering “Cleopatra’s Needle,” create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
What makes these caves stand out is the size and complexity of their chambers with the whole system stretching over four kilometres. The Van Zyl Hall, the first chamber, is a massive space that can hold hundreds of people.
The history of the Cango Caves adds another layer to their allure. They have been known to humans for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that early inhabitants used them for shelter.
Heritage Tour
An easy walk through the first six largest and most spectacular halls and continuing through to the “African Drum room”.
This tour commences with information on the real discoverers and inhabitants of the cave and then winds its way through the rest of the Caves’ cultural and historical heritage.
A comfortable walk through the most majestic of the cave chambers. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will accompany you on this journey of discovery and knowledge.
Around 60 minutes are required to complete the tour.
Adventure Tour
A challenging tour, with exciting passages and narrow tunnels, requiring a degree of fitness. For lean people only!
This experience includes the Heritage tour and then goes to the deeper parts of the tourist route. The tour will require you to crawl, slide on your belly (or back) and climb to get a genuine idea of what spelunking is.
Through memorable spaces like Lumbago Alley, Devils Chimney and the aptly named Devils Postbox, this experience is one never to be forgotten.
The duration of the tour is about 90 minutes.
Important Safety Information
- Stay on the designated route
- Do not enter dark areas
- Do not touch any of the electrical installations
- Power failure? Remain where you are
- Stick to your guide and group at all times
- Injury? Notify the guide immediately
- Pay attention to your guide
General Information
Wear sensible footwear and light clothing. The temperature in the Caves remains a constant 20°C (60 °F ).
(Information and Images: www.cango-caves.co.za)
