Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
Fiji
Archaeological site · Gansbaai, Cabo Ocidental
Klipgat Cave
Seaside cave in the Walker Bay reserve at De Kelders, occupied by humans more than 70,000 years ago, with a boardwalk and interpretive panels.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Klipgat Cave
The Klipgat cave sits in the limestone cliffs of De Kelders, the village neighboring Gansbaai, inside the Walker Bay Nature Reserve managed by CapeNature. The name means "hole in the rock" in Afrikaans.
Excavations begun in 1969 uncovered stone and bone tools, animal remains and shells showing the cave was used by Middle Stone Age humans over 70,000 years ago. More recent layers, about 2,000 years old, contain pottery and sheep bones, the earliest evidence of Khoe herders in the Western Cape.
A wooden boardwalk and some steps descend from the reserve entrance to the cave, which has two chambers: one open to the sea and another adjacent chamber with a looped boardwalk and panels that tell the site's story.
From the cave mouth you can see all of Walker Bay to Hermanus, and in season it is common to spot whales from the trail.
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 to 2 hours, including the walk.
Best time
In the morning, when light enters the cave. During whale season, from July to November, the trail view is an added bonus.
How to get there
The reserve entrance is at the northern end of De Kelders, about 5 km from Gansbaai town center. Entrance to the reserve is paid, with a permit purchased at the gate.
Tip
Wear closed shoes: the final section has rocks to scramble over. Combine it with the reserve's coastal trail.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Klipgat Cave
What is the Klipgat cave?
A seaside archaeological site in De Kelders, occupied by humans more than 70,000 years ago.
How to get to the Klipgat cave?
Via the Walker Bay reserve entrance at De Kelders, with a boardwalk and steps down to the cave.
Do you need a permit for Klipgat?
Yes, the reserve permit is purchased at the gate.