Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back

44500 million years ago, a cave in the Klein Karoo was coming into being. Made of evocative dripstones, it’s been a major attraction for over 200 years.

Discovered—or “discovered”, depending on how you view history— by a farmer in the late 1700s, the Cango Caves are a geological masterpiece. Open throughout the year, take the tour into the cave to view the various formations of dripstones and learn more about the people who lived here over the millennia.

Did You Know?
TThe Adventure Tour includes a visit through areas known as The Coffin, The Devil’s Chimney, Devil’s Post Box and Devil’s Kitchen.

TThere are two tours to choose from: the Heritage Tour and the Adventure Tour. Tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides.

Many of the formations have evocative names that describe exactly what they look like. Once inside, in Van Zyl’s Hall look up to see the Dried Tobacco Leaves of Oudtshoorn, a cluster of leaf-like stalactites. In the same hall, you will also see an incredible 150 000-year-old, 9m dripstone stalactite called Cleopatra's Needle. In Botha's Hall you’ll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

TThe Cango Caves even has its own pieta, created long before Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. There is also the Pulpit of the Cathedral, a formation that looks like the foot of a staircase. Yet another Christian reference is named Lot's Chamber, which looks like the biblical Lot and his family carved in stalagmites.

If you’re up for more adventure, the Adventure Tour starts at the end of these caves. On this tour, you’ll climb Jacob’s Ladder, crawl through a very long tunnel and climb through a hole. Beware, this is not for kids under six, people who have high blood pressure, or for the claustrophobic.

For your outing, dress practically in comfortable shoes and for hot and humid conditions. Tread lightly—it is an absolute privilege to be in such an environment. Tours are in English, but Afrikaans, German, French and other language guides may be available. Call in advance for information.

Who to contact
How to get there
Best time to visit
What it will cost
How long it will take
What to pack
Where to stay
What to eat

Related articles

  • Vibrant culture

    Ronnies Sex Shop

    Vibrant culture
    Ronnies Sex Shop
    Along Route 62, between Barrydale and Ladysmith is the world-famous Ronnies Sex Shop. It is one of the most popular pubs on the route and travellers on the road stop for refreshments and a photograph of themselves next to the ‘Ronnies Sex Shop’ sign.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Paragliding in Hermanus offers spectacular views

    Breathtaking scenery
    Paragliding in Hermanus offers spectacular views
    Paragliding in Hermanus, a beautiful town in the Western Cape famous for its whale watching, gives you the best aerial views to watch these ocean giants.
  • Vibrant culture

    Cape Malay Merang ceremony

    Vibrant culture
    Cape Malay Merang ceremony
    Merang is a Cape Malay celebration focused on food. Whether you savour the penslawar or salivate over the sweet potato and coconut pudding, a Cape Malay Merang meal is a delicious slice of community history.
  • Vibrant culture

    South African art galleries and museums

    Vibrant culture
    South African art galleries and museums
    A plethora of art galleries and museums are invaluable resources for understanding South Africa’s history and cultural diversity. Custodians of the past, these institutions also track the present and offer insight into the future.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    An aerial view of the Garden Route

    Breathtaking scenery
    An aerial view of the Garden Route
    The Garden Route and its spectacular coastline can be seen from small aircraft, helicopter or hot-air balloon. It can also be explored by foot in the Garden Route National Park.
  • Active adventure

    Rovos Rail

    Active adventure
    Rovos Rail
    Rovos Rail is a train company that offers passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring South Africa by railroad doesn’t get fancier than this. Cross stunning expanses of countryside while sipping on champagne. Relax into a serene routine and channel Agatha Christie in the lap of luxury.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Platbos Forest

    Breathtaking scenery
    Platbos Forest
    Platbos Forest is Africa’s southernmost forest, located in the Western Cape’s Baviaanspoort hills. This endangered ecosystem is known as a relic forest, home to trees that are over 1 000 years old. Scientists are amazed that the indigenous forest has survived this long, in spite of climate change and other environmental challenges.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    The Elim wine route

    Breathtaking scenery
    The Elim wine route
    You won’t find a wine route further south than the Elim wine route. A handful of winemakers set out to conquer the inhospitable Agulhas Plain terroir, known for its extreme weather and jagged coastline.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy