Cango Caves - nr Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are a natural wonder located in the Swartberg mountain range in the Western Cape, South Africa. These limestone caves are renowned for their vast chambers, impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and overall geological significance. The caves were first explored in the late 18th century and have since become a popular tourist attraction.

Guided tours offer visitors the chance to explore different chambers, each named for its distinctive features, such as the Cleopatra's Needle, the Devil's Chimney, and the Rainbow Chamber. The largest chamber, called the Van Zyl Hall, stretches over 90 meters long and 50 meters wide, showcasing the grandeur of nature's architecture.

The Cango Caves are estimated to be around 20 million years old, with the formations inside continuing to grow as mineral-rich water drips through the caves over centuries. The underground labyrinth extends for about 4 kilometers, although only a portion is open to the public.

The caves have been used for various purposes throughout history, including shelter by the indigenous Khoikhoi people and as a venue for concerts and events due to their excellent acoustics. They are also home to a variety of bat species, adding to their ecological significance.

Visitors to the Cango Caves can choose from different tour options, ranging from standard guided tours to more adventurous experiences like the Adventure Tour, which involves crawling through narrow passages and climbing steep sections. The caves' beauty and historical value make them a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Garden Route region of South Africa.

You will find the caves approximately 30km outside Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo and they show be on every visitor’s to-do list! Once inside the caves, you will not only see the Madonna and Child, but many other formations, such as Cleopatra’s Needle which stands 9m tall, as well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has been named after the well known tower in Italy.

10 Interesting facts about the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn:

1. Age and Formation: The Cango Caves are estimated to be around 20 million years old and were formed through the action of limestone erosion by groundwater.

2. Length and Depth: The caves extend over 4 kilometers in length, although only a portion is open to the public for guided tours. The deepest chamber, known as the Grand Hall, reaches up to 70 meters.

3. Stalactites and Stalagmites: The caves are adorned with spectacular formations of stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor), formed over millions of years by mineral-rich water dripping from the cave ceilings.

4. Historical Significance: The caves have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of Stone Age tools and artifacts found within the cave system.

5. Adventure Activities: The Cango Caves offer various adventure tours, including the Heritage Tour, which explores the main chambers, and the Adventure Tour, which involves crawling through narrow passages and squeezing through tight spaces.

6. Chamber Names: Chambers within the caves have evocative names such as the Fairyland Chamber, the Weeping Willow Chamber, and the Bridal Chamber, each featuring unique formations and characteristics.

7. Tourism Legacy: The caves have been a popular tourist attraction since the late 19th century, drawing visitors with their natural beauty and geological wonder.

8. Cultural Significance: The caves hold cultural significance for the indigenous Khoikhoi people, who used the caves for shelter and ceremonial purposes.

9. Environmental Importance: The Cango Caves are protected as a South African Natural Heritage Site and are managed to preserve their delicate formations and ecosystem.

10. Accessibility: The caves are easily accessible from Oudtshoorn, making them a popular day trip destination for tourists exploring the Garden Route and Klein Karoo regions of South Africa.

Contact details for the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn:Address: Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn, 6625, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)44 272 7410
Email: info@cango-caves.co.za
Website: www.cango-caves.co.za