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Abseiling at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
Abseil the Wonder Cave
Abseiling in the Wonder Cave.
© Wild Cave Adventures
Did you know?
The Wonder Cave's permanent residents include troglobites – blind shrimps that can never leave the cave.
Need an adrenalin rush? Then abseil the Wonder Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
Maybe you've already visited Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind's award-winning visitor centre, where you've been introduced to the history of humankind. Now you feel like a taste of adventure.
Wild Cave Adventures has a variety of exciting adventures on offer in the area, from caving and abseiling to rock climbing and hiking.
All caves, including the Wonder Caves, have their own weather systems depending on wind, air temperature, barometric pressure and water. But mostly (unless you're attempting one of the difficult adventures) you'll stay dry and comfortable.
If you are a beginner then do the Bat's Cave abseil first, a perfect starter excursion with no experience needed. You'll abseil down 17m through the roof of the cave. There is no steep climbing and no traverses, but you will have to crawl on hands and knees for a bit. Everyone aged 8 to 70 is welcome.
If you prefer rockface abseiling then make the Crystal Cave your destination. Crystal Cave is a private cave which allows no other sightseeing tours so you will be pretty much alone during the 34m abseil.
While you're in the area, a visit to the main Wonder Cave is also a memorable experience. It has a huge central chamber (accessed by steps and elevator), rimstone pools, stalactites, stalagmites and amazing rock formations, some over 15m high.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Wonder Cave
Tel: +27 (0) 11 957 0106/9
Wild Cave Adventures
Tel: +27 (0) 82 486 2467; +27 (0) 82 486 2464
Email: info@wildcaves.co.za
How to get here
Take the R512 off the N1 highway and turn in the direction of Lanseria Airport. Follow the R512 past the 3-way stop at Lanseria and then turn left at the Kromdraai/Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve sign. Follow the road for approx. 15km. The main entrance to the reserve will be on your right.
Around the area
The Cradle of Humankind's Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Rhino & Lion Park Nature Reserve.
Get around
You’ll need your own vehicle to reach the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. Once there, it's a 10-minute drive up to the cave.
What to pack
Closed shoes with a good grip, jeans or comfortable old clothing. In winter a jacket will keep you warm while you wait to enter the caves. Safety helmets, rubber gloves and all abseiling equipment is provided by the tour operator.
Where to stay
The Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve has a rustic rest camp as well as luxury log cabins for hire. The 5-star Forum Homini hotel is also nearby.