Explore the Spectacular Ancient Cango Caves of South Africa in 2025
Welcome to one of the great natural wonders of Southern Africa – the Cango Caves of South Africa.
The country’s first tourist attraction, these caves have been fascinating visitors since the early 19th century.
Located in the Klein Karoo region, in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range in South Africa’s Western Cape province, they’re about 30 km, or 20 miles, north of Oudtshoorn.
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This magnificent chain of caverns features a vast network of tunnels and chambers spanning over 4 km, or 2.5 miles, in length, and is one adventure you shouldn’t miss.
The Cango Caves of South Africa are a top tourist destination, and for good reason – the caves offer an amazing glimpse into a geological wonderland.
Cango Caves of South Africa
The caves are known for their stunning, enormous underground caverns, mesmerizing stalactites, and bizarrely shaped stalagmites.
Today we can explore the labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and passageways with ease, as steps and pathways have made the caves as safe as they are spectacular, and the chambers are well-lit.
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But depending on how far you go, you will be crawling and squeezing your way through some tight pathways and passageways! Anyone with trouble bending, crouching, or being in small spaces, you’ve been warned!
Do absolutely explore as much as you can, because these caves really are completely breathtaking to see.
And the window into the past that they provide is just as spectacular.
The History of the Cango Caves
Dating back over 20 million years, the Cango Caves were formed over thousands of millennia as water erosion wore away at the pre-Cambrian limestone.
The modern discovery of the caves was in 1780 – relatively modern times – by a farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl. He was the first to see the initial chamber of the caves and was honoured by having it named after him – Van Zyl Hall.
The chamber is roughly the size of an American football field. Years ago the tremendous chamber was used as a concert hall – imagine the crowds and the acoustics!
Unfortunately, wandering music fans and vandals ruined the fun for everybody else, and the productions were stopped.
Further exploration of the cave system took some time, it wasn’t until a dozen years later that the second chamber was discovered. Over the years since, a total of over 30 caves have been found.
The different caves and passageways have been given names that will unleash your imagination – Devil’s Kitchen, for example, Cleopatra’s Needle, the Frozen Waterfall, and the Devil’s Postbox.
Evidence found inside the impressive caves suggests that they were used as shelter and living quarters by the Khoekhoe and the San people during the Middle and Stone Ages.
The ancient cave paintings and artifacts offer a look into the long-ago lives of the Khoekhoe, nomadic pastoralists, and the San people, hunter-gatherer inhabitants of southern Africa.
The Khoekhoe spent an estimated 750,000 living within the relative comfort of what is now called Van Zul Hall. It wasn’t until some 250 years ago that conflict with European settlers forced them to move on.
The San and the Khoekhoe still live in Africa today. Why and when the San people lived in and left the caves are questions whose answers have never been found.
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Attractions Inside the Caves
The Cango Caves are the most dramatic and breathtaking caves you’re ever likely to see. I know that I’ve never seen anything like them.
Botha’s Hall is the second chamber that you come to, and while smaller than Van Zyl Hall, it is even more spectacular. The stalactites drip from the undulating limestone ceiling like small waterfalls.
In fact, there is a formation in the caves that has been given the name “Crystal Waterfall”. Anyone who is wondering “what could there be to see in a bunch of caves”, those are the people who will be most impressed with these phenomenal caverns.
Amazing to see are the ancient cave paintings that still survive on the walls of the cavern. Restoration has been done on some of the artwork, but others are original, and afford a bit of a glimpse into the everyday life of the ancient people.
For those of you who are after a little more adventure, the aptly named Adventure Tour was made for you.
This tour begins at the end of the caverns. It gives you the chance to crawl, shimmy, and squeeze your way through the Devil’s Postbox and Jacob’s Ladder.
Be warned, though, it has one passageway that is only about 15 cm, or 6 inches wide.
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This is a fantastic day trip to the Cango Caves that ALSO includes 4 additional don’t – miss stops!
Tips for Visiting the Cango Caves of South Africa
• The caves are open every day EXCEPT Christmas, from 9 am – 4 pm.
• Any time of year is the best time to visit the Cango Caves. You’ll likely feel a little extra love for them in the summer, when outdoor temps reach over 30ºC, or 86ºF. They are always lovely and temperate in comparison.
• You can spend 60 minutes in the caves for the Heritage Tour, or 90 minutes if you decide to take the extended Adventure tour.
• The air in the caves is humid, so dress lightly, and wear comfortable shoes. If you are taking the Adventure Tour wear comfortable clothes that you can crawl and shimmy in.
Some parts of the Adventure Tour will also require sensible footwear that won’t slip and slide. Wear something suitable for short climbs on sheer rock formations.
• If you need to turn back for any reason, let your guide know, and you will be escorted back to the entrance. People are not allowed to wander alone in the caves.
• Though the entire cave system is roughly 4 km, or 2.5 miles long, visitors are only permitted in the first 1 km, or half a mile.
• These days the site includes an information bureau and interpretive centre, as well as a gift shop and a restaurant.
• As only Cango I, as the first section of the caves is called, is open to the public, you have the option of watching a 20-minute film about Cango II. Nothing about Canga III yet, unfortunately.
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Other Activities in the Area
There are lots of other things to see in the area of the Cango Caves:
• The Karusa Vineyards – you’ll pass this on your way to the Cango Caves; this is a great spot for lunch.
• The Rus En Vrede Waterfalls – also on the way to the Caves. There is an entrance fee of about R70, or US$3.80. They’re open every day from 9 am – 4:30 pm.
• Bella-Mia Pottery – Marianna makes beautiful practical and decorative pieces; reasonable prices.
• Cango Caves Estate and Zipline – 1 km from the Caves; deli with wine; gift shop.
• The Safari Ostrich Farm – outside Oudtshoorn; learn about these giant birds on a tractor tour through the working ostrich farm. They also have a restaurant, cafe, and leather shop.
• Tsitsikamma National Park – the coastal reserve is known for its unforgettable forests, coastal views, and the 44 km long Otter Hiking Trail.
• Diaz Museum – features a Shell Museum and Aquarium, as well as an Ethno-Botanical Garden.
Cango Caves: Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the Cango Caves?
While the limestone that the caves are made of dates back 750 million years, the Canga Caves of South Africa are estimated to be only 20 million years old.
How long does it take to do the Cango Caves?
The basic tour, called the Heritage Tour, takes you through the first 2 caverns and takes 60 minutes. If you opt for the Adventure Tour in addition to the basic tour the entire tour will take 90 minutes.
Why should I visit Cango Caves?
The Cango Caves of South Africa are the largest toured caves in all of Africa. They are also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Southern Africa
Simply put, they’re the most spectacular caves you will see anywhere, are historical and geological marvels, and shouldn’t be missed!
Which is the largest cave in South Africa?
The first cavern in the Cango Caves is the largest cave in South Africa. It’s called Van Zyl Hall, and measures 90 metres long x 50 meters wide x 18 metres high, which is 295 x 164 x 59 feet. Enormous.
What animals live in the Cango Caves?
Currently, the only animals that live in the Cango Caves are bats quite far in. There may be reptiles or amphibians that take shelter deep in the cave system, but none that you are likely to see when you tour them.
Who lived in the Cango Caves?
There is evidence, including wall paintings and artifacts, that suggests that the San people and the Khoekhoe at one time took shelter in at least one of the caves. They moved on following conflicts with European settlers hundreds of years ago.
Summing it Up: The Cango Caves of South Africa
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled day trip or a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of an active vacation, the Cango Caves are well worth a visit!
With their fascinating history and stunning natural beauty, these impressive caves continue to draw visitors from around the world. So what are you waiting for?
If you’d like to find out what else there is to see in beautiful South Africa, have a look at 14 Amazing Reasons to Visit South Africa.
And of course, if you’re wondering what bag is the best choice for your trip, The Best Luggage for Safari and Travel to Africa can help.
Happy travels!
Read more about South Africa:
➵ 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa
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