Cango Caves Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours & Travel

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Cango Caves- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

The Cango Caves, located near Oudtshoorn in South Africa's Western Cape, are a stunning natural and historical treasure. Carved into Precambrian limestone, the caves stretch over 4 km, though only a portion is accessible to visitors. They feature a variety of chambers, including the expansive Van Zyl Hall, named after Jacobus Van Zyl, who rediscovered them in 1780. Human activity in the caves dates back to the Middle and Later Stone Ages, with evidence including cave paintings and artifacts. The caves gained scientific attention in 1829 when Dr. Andrew Smith visited. Johnny van Wassenaer, the first official guide, famously explored the caves for 29 hours in 1898, claiming to have traveled 25 km. Further exploration, such as the South African Spelaeological Association's 1956 survey and subsequent discoveries, has revealed the caves' complex network, including formations like the Devil's Kitchen. Tourism at the Cango Caves includes a Standard Tour through large chambers and an Adventure Tour for the more daring, featuring narrow passages and steep climbs. The caves have been featured in historical footage, highlighting their ongoing allure and global appeal.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

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Swartberg Game Reserve

Safari Ostrich Farm

4.8

Reviews of Cango Caves

Marni Malan

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-20

Beautiful Experience, more than an hour excursion if you are travelling in for the tour. I did the heritage tour,the air is thick inside though it’s a constant 19 degrees- the formations were breathtaking! Our guide was well informed, it was a theatrical experience.Thanks Eric! Remember cash to tip for your guide (there is an ATM on site)Inside there’s a restaurant & cafe (with drinks/snacks) Book in advance & pay on site
Brandon

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-07

This is an absolute must when visiting Oudshoorn. Mother nature at her best, showing off her skills.The tour takes about an hour to complete and the guides are knowledgeable.I heard two guides speaking in French and German .The tour takes place in English. Most of the walking done during the tour is in dimly lighted areas to give you a feel of what it was like for the people who discovered the caves. Roughly 700 stairs need to be climbed up and down. You do not need to be physically fit as the tour is slow.Wear sneakers or hiking boots in my opinion. For the photographers out there, ensure your camera settings are set for dim light imagery. It is hard to see the settings while on your as there is not much light to see which setting you are on.
Cristine Rauber Oliveira

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-05

Really nice experience. We did the heritage trail and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. The temperature inside the cave increases as you go deep in the path, however it's a constant 20 degrees most of the time.
Jutta Hellmann

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-01

An easy walk through the first six largest and most spectacular halls continuing through to the 'African Drum room'. Knowledgeable guide leading the way. A visit to Oudtshoorn isn't a visit if you haven't been to see the Cango Caves. Highly recommendable.
Geoff Buck

5
Reviewed: 2024-03-02

Excellent tour around these spectacular Caves. We did the Adventurous Tour, and as we were the only two it was pretty much a private tour. The standard tour is not challenging whereas the Adventurous Tour certainly is. Not for the claustrophobic, unsupple, over-tall, or those of a large build - there are some tight squeezes. Restaurant, shop and plenty of car parking. Friendly and helpful guides and other personnel.