Cango Caves

As a show cave veteran, it was a real surprise to find Cango Caves just outside Oudtshoorn.

The caves were discovered most recently in 1780, although cave paintings suggest they were in use many years before.

A local farmer discovered the first football pitch sized chamber and then a second chamber was found a few years later. It wasn't until 1930 that stone artefacts and other items were found during proper archaeological work.

Today the caves extend about 4 km (2.5 miles) with about a quarter open to the public. However, the first guide in the caves, back in 1898, claimed to have explored 25km (15.5 miles) - over the years more and more exploration is beginning to support those claims. Perhaps more will open in time. The caves have a standard tour that heads into the main chambers. An adventure tour then goes a bit further and requires a little climbing and scrambling, including some narrow passages. Just 25 minutes drive from Oudtshoorn, the caves make a great half day tour.