29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lie the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations.
Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours. All tours are lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides. All tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language options may be available (please check language availability when making reservations).
The limestone beds of the Cango Group are, through movement in the Earth's crust, no longer in a horizontal plane. The layers of strata are also displaced laterally, forming dykes.
Rainwater, combined with acidic carbon dioxide from decomposing plant material on the surface, flows through a fracture zone. Limestone, i.e., calcium carbonate plus water and carbon dioxide = Calcium Bicarbonate - which dissolves in water, flows out.
This process of `cave making' takes millions of years.
Calcium bicarbonate gives off carbon dioxide and reverts back to Calcium Carbonate, and the solution crystallises and evolves into the various formations which can be seen in the Caves (Stalactites, etc.).
The time in making the many formations, depends on the supply of water and carbon dioxide, and in the case of the Cango Caves, may have started several millions of years ago, whilst many are still in the making.
The Cango Caves is one of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages - fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours. An underground wonderworld.
Trained guides are at hand to conduct visitors along the magic paths of the world's finest stalactite cave.
According to legend the caves were discovered during 1780. Early visitors had to brave the pitch darkness of the vast caverns from the poor light of self made candles.
Over the years improvements took place and today modern technology makes it possible that all the wonders of the cave are skillfully illuminated for the benefit of visitors.
The Cango Caves are an absolute must for all domestic and/or foreign tourists - if you miss the Caves, you might as well have stayed home.
Due to a recent increase in visitors, it is ESSENTIAL to book either tour in advance. Please note that every tour carries a (scientific) restriction in terms of visitors and by booking, you are not only making it comfortable for yourself, but also aiding us directly with our conservation effort of this non-renewable resource.
Heritage Tour
Opening hours: 09:00 - 16:00
Duration: 60 minutes
Tours depart every hour on the hour
Adults: R 170.00
Children: R 120.00
Adventure Tour
Opening hours: 09:30 - 15:30
Duration: 90 minutes
Tours depart every hour on the half hour
Adults: R 240.00
Children: R 170.00
There is NO turn around point on the Adventure Tour. When you are in, you are in.
Adventure tour warning:
If you are pregnant or suffer from claustrophobia, high blood pressure, asthma or any muscular ailments, this tour is NOT suitable for you.
Children under the age of eight are not permitted on this tour option.
Facilities available at the Cango Caves:
- The Spekboom Restaurant
- Curio Shop (temporarily closed)
- Interpretive Centre
General Information:
CAVE TEMPERATURE: The temperature in the Caves remains a constant 18C (67F).
ATM / PETROL STATION: There is no ATM or petrol station available.
NEAREST TOWN: Oudtshoorn - 29km from the Cango Caves
Wheelchair Friendly Areas: Only in Cango Caves Building. Tours not wheelchair friendly.
Tel: +27 (0) 82 3030029
Email: reservations@cangocaves.co.za
Website: https://www.cango-caves.co.za/
Please do not:
* smoke
* Touch or climb on formations.
* tamper with light switches
* leave your party and guide
* take food and drinking stuff into the caves.
