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Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo in Oudtshoorn, South Africa lies one of the world’s most magnificent underground wonders – the Cango Caves. This 20 million year old limestone cave system is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Western Cape, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.



The Caves’ History

The Cango Caves have been in use for thousands of years, with artifacts and cave paintings indicating use throughout prehistory during the Middle and Later Stone Ages. The caves were rediscovered in modern times in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl, and soon became a popular tourist attraction. In 1829, Dr. Andrew Smith visited the caves for their scientific value, and in 1930 archaeologist A.J.H. Goodwin conducted a test excavation which revealed stone artifacts and other cultural material.

A Natural Wonder

The Cango Caves are a series of spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that have been formed over millions of years. The caves stretch over a distance of around 1.5 km and are divided into four separate chambers, each with its own unique features and wonders to behold.

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The first chamber, the Drapery, is renowned for its beautiful curtains of stalactites hanging from the ceiling. The second chamber, the Coffin, is named after the narrow, coffin-shaped passage that leads to the third chamber, the Bridal Chamber. This chamber is a large, open space with high ceilings and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The fourth and final chamber, the Catacomb, is the largest of the four and is a labyrinth of winding passages and towering rock formations.

Guided Tours

The Cango Caves offer a standard 60-minute tour that departs every hour from 09:00 to 16:00, exploring Van Zyl and Botha Halls. There is also an adventure tour that lasts 90 minutes and covers the entire Cango 1, departing every hour on the half-hour from 09:30 to 15:30. All tours are led by experienced, knowledgeable, and accredited cave guides, and various languages may be available upon request. The tours are suitable for visitors of all ages, as they are designed to be both educational and enjoyable.

When visiting the Cango Caves, it is important to take note of the caves’ strict conservation policies, as the delicate ecosystem of the caves must be protected for future generations to enjoy. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the caves is much cooler than outside.

Facilities

In addition to the tours, the Cango Caves have an Information Bureau, an Auditorium where visitors can view a movie about Cango 2, an Interpretive Centre to learn about the caves’ history and geology, a curio shop, and a restaurant serving traditional South African dishes.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Cango Caves offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in South Africa. With well-maintained facilities, knowledgeable guides, and different tours to choose from, the Cango Caves is a world class gem.