In the seemingly barren yet picturesque Klein Karoo of South Africa lies probably one of the country’s finest geological formation treasures. The area will leave you awestruck at its astounding beauty. Cango Caves have been sculpted by nature over millenia, from entering opulent halls that defy belief to hidden chambers with eerie figures. It is truly something you must witness.
One of the seven wonders of Southern Africa, the Cango caves are South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction. After visiting, I understood why locals and tourists alike were drawn there. Not to be missed, it is suitable both for admirers, the laid-back traveller, and thrill-seekers, the adrenaline junkies. So if you are planning a road trip to the coast, make sure to head down the R62 wine route, and add this to your itinerary, a must-see site.
Where
Situated 27km outside of Oudtshoorn in the famous ostrich region of South Africa, the Cango Caves are located at the foothill of the Swartberg range. This sprawling chain of subterranean chambers in Precambrian limestones. Precambrian is a period in time about 4500 million years ago. Oudtshoorn is a well-known stop on the popular R62 wine route or for holiday goers on the way to some of the country’s most scenic beaches and seaside towns.
Also see: Staying in a luxury cave
Why you should visit the Cango Caves
The Cango caves have some of the most extensive stalagmite formations in the world, and you can see this mysterious and fascinating underground world. You can imagine how spectacular it is with names like bridal chamber, frozen waterfall, fairyland, letterbox, and devil’s chimney.
Now only about ¼ of the almost 5km route is accessible to the public, which, if you think about it, is still more than 1km.
Best reveal
Among the highlights of the tour was the most impressive cave in the system, Van Zyl Hall. As we descend the stairs, the first thing we notice is a dim orange flicker, which is the only light. A candle, the same brightness of light that Van Zyl initially used when he discovered the caves. The thought that someone entered the cave unaware of the exact scale we later discovered is incredible. Staring into the darkness, I had no idea what I was looking at. I can’t say that I am a fan of darkness.
The lights were turned on, and after giving our eyes a few seconds to adjust, everyone gasped. What a sight it was to behold. Everyone just stood in admiration. You are in a breathtaking cave the size of a soccer field, with enormous stalagmites and stalactites. No wonder music performances were held here once. It makes you wonder how much Van Zyl truly saw with that barely flickering light he had.
The carven measured 107m long, 54m wide and a staggering 17m high. The magic of the underworld has revealed itself, and there is more to come.
Moving deeper down
As we are led deeper down the massive cool hall towards the other cave chambers, our guide explains more about the cave system, describing the formation of stalagmites and stalactites and their history. Just as we reach the magical organ pipes and Cleopatra’s needle, which is more than 9 meters high, 150 000 years old and still growing. I was awed once again, a marvelous example of all that had just been explained to us. Other spectacular formations are the frozen waterfall and ballerina. They simply blew my mind.
Moving along to the next chamber, Botha’s Hall, you will find a striking formation resembling a madonna and child.
Down a few cave corridors, I swear it was getting cooler, yep, not only that but stuffy and humid too. Finally, we reached the rainbow chamber, followed by the bridal chamber. The relaxed 60 minute tour ended at the drum room; those who were more adventurous or interested in caving continued to caverns and chambers with names like Lumbago Walk, Devil’s Chimney and Letter Box. This is definitely not for faint-hearted or claustrophobic individuals. One of the smallest passages you must squeeze through is just under 30cm high, while others require you to crawl on your stomach.
Those unsure can try the makeshift cutouts at reception before committing.
I would love to experience this more thrilling tour on the next trip, but I was traveling with my mother and husband. Mom will not do it, and hubby might have too much muscle to fit, as we saw when he tried the cutouts. He would have gotten stuck, no doubt about it.
Interesting Facts
It is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction; it was most popular during the 1800s. But as many visitors broke off pieces of stalagmites and stalactites, the first cave regulations were published in 1820. It is the most extensive cave system in Africa. It is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
Cango Caves Tours & cost
You can find tours of the Cango Caves to suit all levels of fitness, from leisurely strollers to thrill-seeking junkies. A heritage tour or standard tour is available as well as an adventure tour. Tours are offered in English, Afrikaans, German and French and even other languages; just check with them.
Heritage tour
Duration: 60 min
Fitness : Easy
Cost: Adults – R170, Children – R120.
Adventure tour
Duration: 90 min
Fitness: Moderate- but not suitable if you suffer from back ailments or claustrophobia.
Cost: Adults – R240, Children – R170
There are replicas of the actual passageways in the visitor center area so you can test them out first. This is where we discovered hubby would not make it, he’s a bit too muscular. You need to be fit for this one, and okay with small spaces and crawling.
Other info and need to know
The temperature in the cave is a constant 20°C, but humid. Wear comfortable shoes.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do not touch anything
- Do not go off the path
- Do not walk off alone
- Pay attention to the guide
- It is South Africa, so power failure is inevitable at some point; if it happens, stay where you are.
- Remember to take only memories.
Also see: Day outing in an old steam locomotive
How to get there
As you embark on your road trip from Cape Town on Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, turn left on the R328. The road leads through farms towards Swartberge. After about 30 minutes, you will see signs to turn right onto Cango Caves road. You have arrived!
Why the R62
For those of you who are planning a roadtrip to Knysna, Plettenberg or J-bay, you can choose to take the Garden route, but the R62 has just as much to offer. In addition to Ostriches and the Cango Caves, this route is also known for its wine, hot springs, and a rather bizarre bar called Ronnie’s sex shop. Yes, that is the name of this quaint bar/ pit stop. Originally, it was intended to be a joke by his friends, who kept adding the word “sex” to his signature, but it grew in popularity, and he kept the name.
This time, instead of driving the Garden Route, we took R62 and stopped over for a night on the way to Jeffery’s Bay; we took advantage of the time here by visiting the Cango Caves.
Around the area
Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, is famous for its vast landscapes, the KKNK and ostriches. But, that is not all; the area is also renowned for wine, believe it or not. At Karusa Vineyards & Craft Brewery, you can enjoy their Cap Classique or one of the Mediterranean-styled wines, and if you are not a wine fan, there is Craft Beer. In addition, Karusa has become a popular stop for lunch as it is en route to the caves.
For the avid 4×4 enthusiast, there is ‘die hel’, translated to, yes the hell. The area’s name is Gamkaskloof. The name of the area is thought to have originated from the extreme temperatures it can reach in the area. However, in fact, it is because it is so challenging to reach. Beginners or curious people should not attempt this; it is a hair-raising road at some points and requires skill.
Around every easter holiday in the past, Oudtshoorn was packed with festival-goers for the annual KKNK– Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees. A national art and music festival with the finest talent from around the country, from music to theatre to crafts.
You can visit the Cango Ostrich farm to see the famous ostriches of the Karoo; they offer tours that explain the workings of an ostrich farm as well as how the chicks are raised. You can even recieve a neck massage by an ostrich (I have not done this, so please let me know what it actually is, I would love to know).
The area is also filled with numerous hiking trails.
Where to stay
There are a number of other options available to you, but we recommend that you check out Buffelsdrift game lodge with free-standing tents overlooking the Swartberge as well as the waterholes, you might just spot a elephant or two ($$$). Or why not stay on a working ostrich farm Old Mill Lodge ($) If you’re looking for a glamping site, you should consider Africamp Klein Karoo ($$).
Accommodation cost guide
*According to The Curious Journal
| $ | Budget | >R1000 |
| $$ | Mid range | R1000< |
| $$$ | High end | R3000< |
| $$$$ | Luxury | R5000< |
*Prices correct when published.
*All opinions expressed are my own.
One thought on “The ultimate guide to visiting the Cango caves in Oudtshoorn”