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Cave · Oudtshoorn, Cabo Ocidental
Cango Caves
Limestone caves at the foot of the Swartberg range, with huge chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, visited only with a guide.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cango Caves
The Cango Caves lie at the base of the Swartberg range, about 30 km north of Oudtshoorn, in very old limestone. The name comes from a khoe-san word meaning 'wet place'. The cave entrance was used by hunter-gatherers in the Stone Age, and the interior was explored from 1780, when farmer Jacobus van Zyl descended for the first time.
The system has over 4 km of tunnels and chambers, but only about a quarter is open to the public. Visits are always guided. The Heritage Tour, about one hour, covers the large chambers, such as the Van Zyl Hall, with formations tens of metres high, and passes the Cleopatra's Needle, a tall thin stalagmite.
The Adventure Tour, about an hour and a half, follows narrow passages, with sections requiring crawling and climbing through fissures, such as the Devil's Chimney. It is not recommended for those with claustrophobia or mobility difficulties.
The temperature inside the cave remains around 18 °C year-round.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on the tour.
Best time
Any time of year; in summer the cave is a refuge from the heat. Tours depart at set times and fill up: book in advance.
How to get there
It is at the end of the R328 road, about 30 km north of Oudtshoorn by car.
Tip
Book the tour in advance. For the Adventure Tour wear clothes that can get dirty and trainers; leave your backpack in the car.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cango Caves
How long does a visit to the Cango Caves take?
About one hour on the Heritage Tour and one and a half hours on the Adventure Tour.
Is the Adventure Tour of the Cango Caves difficult?
It has narrow passages and sections that require crawling. It is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.
Do you need to book the Cango Caves?
Yes, guided tours fill up, especially during holidays.
Is it cold inside the Cango Caves?
The temperature stays around 18 °C year-round.