Cango Caves
R328, Congo Valley, Oudtshoorn, South Africa, 6625
The Cango Caves are made up of a diverse array of underground formations. ranging from massive caverns to narrow passageways barely wide enough to squeeze through. Spacious, well-lit corridors reveal floor to ceiling stalagmites and stalactites. In contrast, the cave’s tunnels are dark and cramped, offering a bona fide caving experience.
The Basics
Visitors are required to join a guided tour in order to explore the caves. This precaution ensures that visitors do not do any damage to the caves, and it also provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the caves’ history and evolution.
When booking, choose between the heritage tour and adventure tour: The first is focused on the formation of the caves and their history, acoustics, prehistoric artwork, and dripstone features and is accessible to visitors with a wide range of fitness levels. The adventure tour takes you into narrow passageways that are not included in the heritage tour and is a far more challenging excursion best suited for those who don’t get claustrophobic easily.
Things to Know Before You Go
Book a spot on a cave tour in advance—tour group numbers are limited.
A popular attraction just off the Garden Route, the Cango Caves are often included on multi-day tours of South Africa.
The Cango Caves’ building and exhibits are wheelchair accessible, but the cave tours are not.
How to Get There
Located 18 miles (29 kilometers) outside of Oudtshoorn, near the Swartberg Mountains, the caves are easily accessible by car: Take Route 328 out of Oudtshoorn, and continue onto Cango Caves Road. You can also visit on a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The caves are open all year round and offer a welcome escape from the heat during the summer (December–March). Tours are offered every half-hour from mid-morning until late afternoon and alternate between heritage tours and adventure tours.
What to See Near the Cango Caves
The quaint town of Oudtshoorn makes a great base for exploring the Cango Caves and other area attractions. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world, so on your way to the caves, make sure to visit the Cango Ostrich Farm. If you continue past the caves, you can enjoy epic views on a drive up the Swartberg Pass or take a hike in the Swartberg Mountains.
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