Africa is mostly known for its savanna landscape and wildlife, but is also home to numerous cave systems which are rich in history, filled with rock art and cave paintings. Most caves are in protected areas for the conservation purposes protecting its rich history.
South Africa has numerous caves which you can visit and includes the Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves which is a Unesco World Heritage Site just a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This archaeological site is where some of the best known hominid remains have been discovered and excavated. Mrs Ples and Little Foot as they are known, are estimated to be more than 3 million years old.
The Sudwala Caves is in the Mpumalanga province and close to the Kruger National Park, and the Cango Caves outside the town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape are some of the best caves in South Africa. For the more adventurous who would prefer going through small openings on their hands and knees heading deeper into the caves, extended tours are available.
Amboni Caves
CavesThe Amboni Caves in Tanzania is the most extensive subterranean cave system in East Africa, located approximately 9km north from the town of Tanga.
Cango Caves
Caves Western CapeThe Cango Caves is located 30km outside the Garden Route town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, this magnificent cave system is the largest in Africa.
Echo Caves
Caves LimpopoThe Echo Caves are set close to the town of Ohrigstad in the Limpopo province of South Africa, these rocks and caves date back more than 3500 million years.
Sterkfontein Caves
Caves GautengThe Sterkfontein Caves is located in the Gauteng Province close to the town of Krugersdorp, within a 2 hour drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Sudwala Caves
Caves MpumalangaThe Sudwala Caves in the Mpumalanga province close to the town of Nelspruit were formed about 240million years ago and are the oldest caves in the world.