The Cango Caves is located approximately 30km outside the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. The spectacular underground wonder is situated on a limestone ridge close to the Swartberg Mountains in the Garden Route. The Cango Caves is the largest cave system in Africa and has been a major attraction for the past 200 years. Legend has it that the caves was discovered by a cattle herder in 1780 and was then explored further by a local farmer Jacobus van Zyl after which the first chamber in the cave was named, the magnificent Van Zyl’s Hall.
With its caverns, massive halls and towering formations this extensive cave system of tunnels and chambers stretches for over 4km, although only certain sections are open for visitors. Many improvements have been made over the years, including some lighting illuminating the huge halls of this magnificent site and underground wonder world. There are two tour options, the Heritage Tour which is for everyone and the Adventure Tour for the more adventurous.
The Heritage Tour is an easy walk for all ages, taking you through the first six large and spectacular halls. One of the main attractions is Cleopatra’s Needle in the Van Zyl’s Hall, a stalagmite which stands 9m high and estimated to be more than 150 000 years old.
The Adventure Tour are for the more adventurous who wants the real caving experience. This is a challenging tour that takes you past the end of heritage tour through passages, steep ladders, small holes and narrow tunnels where some crawling through narrow spaces are required. This tour does require you to have a certain level of fitness and on the lean side as some of the holes and crevices are less than 20cm wide., definitely not for any person that gets claustrophobic. This tour takes visitors through areas known as The Coffin, The Devil’s Chimney, Devil’s Kitchen and Devil’s Post Box.
All the tours are led by experienced and accredited cave guides. Tours are offered in English, Afrikaans, French and German – if you require the guided tour in another language it is recommended that you pre book and discuss this with the reservations team. Facilities around the caves include a restaurant, zip-line, curio shop, interpretive center and information center.
- Adventure Type:
Caves - Country:
South Africa - Province:
Western Cape - Rating:
5 - Difficulty:
Adventurous - Duration:
1 Hour 30 Minutes