cango caves adventure tour youtube

Cango Caves, South Africa: The Complete Guide

FourOaks / Getty Images

The Caves Today

• Getting There

Cango Caves

In the starkly beautiful Klein Karoo area of the Western Cape lies one of South Africa’s greatest geological treasures: the Cango Caves. A series of hidden chambers carved by ancient water eroding the Precambrian limestone of the Swartberg Mountains, the caves are the biggest show cave system in Africa. They are also the most visited caves in the South Africa. Together with the ostrich farms of nearby Oudtshoorn, they are one of the main attractions for visitors to this arid region of the country. 

History of the Caves 

Ancient past.

Although the limestone from which the caves are carved is around 750 million years old, the caves themselves were formed roughly 20 million years ago. As rainwater seeped through fissures in the porous rock, it collected into underground lakes and rivers. When these subterranean water features drained, the caves were left behind. Secondary mineral deposits, or speleothems, were formed at this stage, creating incredible stalagmites and stalactites stained in a rainbow of colors. 

Artifacts discovered during later cave surveys show that the Cango Caves were inhabited by our prehistoric ancestors since the Early Stone Age. Ancient San rock paintings at the entrance of the cave indicate that these semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers used the first cave for shelter until approximately 500 years ago. It seems unlikely that they ventured further into the cave system than the entrance, however, and the rock art they left behind has suffered extensive damage in the years since their departure. 

Modern Discovery

Discovery of the caves in modern times is usually attributed to a local farmer, Jacobus Van Zyl, who owned the land above them. He was lowered into the cavernous hall now named in his honor in 1780. News of the caves spread, and visitors from across the Cape came to see them for themselves. Many broke off pieces of the stalagmites and stalactites as souvenirs or carved their names into the cave walls. So many guests were doing so that in 1820, the Governor of the Cape published the first regulations to preserve the cave system. 

The first official tour of the caves was conducted in 1891, making the Cango Caves the oldest tourist attraction in South Africa . The first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar, is credited with opening many of the side chambers and introduced thousands of people to the caves during a career that spanned four decades. Legend has it that van Wassenaar successfully explored to the end of the cave system, which he estimated to be some 15.5 miles long. However, more recent explorations have only mapped a fraction of that distance.

The surveyed length of the cave system extends for at least 2.5 miles and is divided into three sections: Cango 1, Cango 2, and Cango 3. The third extension was only discovered in 1975 after an underwater passage was drained to allow access. Only Cango 1 is open to the public, accounting for approximately one quarter of the mapped system. Here, the caves are illuminated with spotlights that show off the dripstone caverns, grand halls, and towering limestone formations to dramatic effect. 

Highlights of the Cango Caves

Geological highlights include Van Zyl Hall, which at 350 feet in length and 177 feet in width is roughly the size of a soccer field; and Cleopatra’s Needle (a 33-foot dripstone stalactite thought to be 150,000 years old). Other fancifully named formations include the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina, and the Frozen Waterfall. The Cango Caves complex also features an interpretive center with an auditorium screening a short film about an expedition to Wonder Cave in Cango 2; a South African restaurant, and a curio shop selling African crafts, books, and gemstones. 

Tours of the Cango Caves

Heritage tour.

The Heritage Tour, takes visitors on a guided walk through the first six caverns. These are the largest and most impressive of the cave system’s spaces, and include the Van Zyl and Botha Halls, and the African Drum Chamber. Anyone who can climb a few easy stairways can join this tour, making it the best choice for families with small children, claustrophobics, and anyone of less than average fitness. It’s also great for those that simply want to admire the system’s most beautiful formations at a relaxed pace. The tour lasts for 60 minutes and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., departing every hour on the hour.

Cost: R150 per adult, R100 per child

Adventure Tour

The Adventure Tour is a far more challenging affair, taking you beyond the initial halls into the narrow tunnels and alleyways of Cango 1. Highlights include Jacob’s Ladder (with over 200 steps) and Lumbago Alley (with a ceiling that’s roughly four foot high). The route ends in an adventure course of tight crawlspaces, the smallest of which–the Devil’s Post Box–is only 10.6 inches high. This tour is suitable for those that are at least moderately fit, lean, and good with small spaces. Children must be at least 6 years old to take part. It lasts for 90 minutes and departs every hour on the half-hour, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cost: R220 per adult, R150 per child 

General Information

Both tours are led by accredited, English-speaking guides and you must remain with the group at all times for your own safety. Advance booking is strongly recommended. Dress in sensible footwear and light clothing, since the temperature inside the caves remains at a humid 60 degrees F (15.5 degrees C) all year round.

Getting There 

The nearest major town is Oudtshoorn. From there, take the R328 north out of town and travel for 18.5 miles/30 minutes until you see the turnoff for the caves on the right. The Cango Caves are also a popular detour for those driving along the Garden Route . If you’re traveling from Mossel Bay in the south, turn inland onto the R328 at Hartenbos. Continue on through Oudtshoorn until you reach the cave turnoff. The journey from Hartenbos takes roughly 1.5 hours. For those traveling southwards from Storms River, turn inland at George onto the N12 to Oudtshoorn. From George, the trip also takes around 1.5 hours. 

The Top 18 Things to Do in the Western Cape, South Africa

Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Sudwala Caves, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

Kartchner Caverns State Park: The Complete Guide

13 Amazing Trips to Take Before You Turn 40

6 Great Caves for Adventure Travelers to Visit

22 Best Things to Do in Belize

The Top 18 Things to Do in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Top 10 National Parks to Visit During Spring

15 Best Things to Do in Rwanda

The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado

18 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

Pennsylvania's Caves and Caverns to Explore

Gansbaai, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Robben Island, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Search form

• Publications Forms and Guides Policies and Legislation
• Facilities Public Entities Projects Events Dictionary
• National Government Provincial Government Local Government

22Covid-19 Alerts

You are here, exploring the cango caves, cango_caves.jpg.

bothas_hall_4.jpg

take_a_tour_at_the_cango_caves.jpg

cango_caves_satourism.jpg

tour_at_cango_caves.jpg

limestone_formations.jpg

cango_caves_entrance.jpg

towering_limestone_formations.jpg

adventure_tour_at_cango_caves.jpg

cango_cave_hall.jpg

amazing_formations_at_cango_caves.jpg

Click on the images below to enlarge

What are the Cango Caves?

The Cango Caves are Africa's largest show caves and one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa, which makes the Cango Caves the archaeological and historical highlight of the Klein Karoo.

It lies 29km from Oudtshoorn in the picturesque Cango Valley and is situated in a limestone ridge that runs parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains and here you’ll find the finest dripstone caves, with their massive halls and towering limestone formations in a variety of colours.

It was originally thought to be only about 1km long, but the caves have been discovered to extend naturally for well over 5km - however it could be even longer, larger and more mysterious than current estimates. You can visit approximately one-quarter of the entire 5km system of interlinking tunnels.  The rest is closed for conservation purposes.

Experiencing the Cango Caves

As you enter the caves, you’ll be greeted by an instant rush of warm temperature and humidity. The chambers are illuminated, so you won't miss any of the natural beauty of any of the cave chambers.

From the entrance, a flight of stairs takes you down to the huge Van Zyl’s Hall, an amazing cave that’s 107m long, 54m at its widest and up to 17m in height. You can also look forward to seeing other formations like the 10m high Cleopatra’s Needle (estimated to be about 150 000 years old), the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall.

The Cango Caves boasts a number of pioneering firsts:

• It’s South Africa’s  oldest tourist attraction . The first tour was conducted in 1891 and it’s been a favourite tourist attraction ever since.
• It was the  first to be protected by environmental legislation . In 1820 Lord Charles Somerset published the first Caves Regulation. It was the first law designed to protect an environmental resource in South Africa. It banned the collection of souvenirs and fined anyone caught damaging the cave’s formations.
• It’s the  first to employ a fulltime tourist guide . Many of the most significant discoveries in the caves were made by its first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar, who served for 43 years, from 1891 until his retirement in 1934. He opened many side chambers and introduced thousands of people to the caves.

It's the first show cave to have a radio communication system that allows the guides to communicate with the outside world via these radios. This means that anything that happens whilst on tour is communicated to the outside and any actions that need to be taken can be done within seconds making the journey even safer and more comfortable.

Daily tours

Tourist Guidelines

• The temperature inside the caves is warm and humid, so light clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended - especially if you take the Adventure Tour.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the next tour starts.
• The tunnel section at the back (Devil's Chimney) borders an extreme adventure, this should only be attempted by the fit and adventurous. Not advisable for small children. 
• You're not allowed to walk alone in the cave, so if you wish to turn around you need to inform your guide and alternative arragements will be made to fetch you and walk you out safely.
• You’re free to take photos.
• touch or climb on formations,
• tamper with light switches,
• leave your tour group and/or guide
• take food and drinking goods into the caves.

Visiting hours and durations

The Heritage Tour is a 60 minute moderate walk that includes several stairways through the first set of magnificent halls, and continuing to the “African Drum Room”.

Tour details:

• Depart every hour, on the hour
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Route: Van Zyl and Botha Halls

Even though it requires decent degree of fitness, it’s an exciting tour and experience for the entire family. 

• 9:30am to 3:30pm
• Departs at 9:30am, 11:30am, 13:30pm and 15:30pm
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Route: Entire Cango 1

Please note:

• Children under 12 years to be accompanied by parents.
• Bookings are essential.

Cango Caves  facilities include:

• an information bureau which provides in-depth tourist information,
• the Cango Caves auditorium where you can view a 19 minute movie about Cango 2, which is closed to the public,
• an interpretive centre where you can learn more about the history of the caves  & geological background in great detail,
• a curio shop , and
• a restaurant.

For more information

• Tel:   082 303 0029/ 066 486 9475
• Email: [email protected]  
• Visit the website: www.cango-caves.co.za

• Travel Website
• Travel trade website
• Business events website
• Corporate & media website
• Welcome to South Africa
• What you need to know
• Things to do
• Places to go
• Get in touch

Choose your country and language:

• South Africa

Asia Pacific

• South Korea
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

By creating an account, I agree to the Terms of service and Privacy policy

Active adventure

An underground adventure in africa’s largest cave system: the cango caves adventure tour.

T T ake the plunge and sign up for the Cango Caves Adventure Tour. You’ll enter a mysterious and strangely beautiful underground world of fascinating rock formations, cellar-like chambers and low passageways. Be prepared to crawl, duck and squeeze your way through this incredible subterranean world.  

The Cango Caves lie in a Precambrian limestone ridge adjacent to the Swartberg mountains in the Cango valley, just 29km from the small town of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. There are two types of tour on offer. The Adventure Tour is not for the faint-hearted, but if you're reasonably fit and healthy, steady your nerves, hold your breath, and take the plunge into Africa’s largest cave. If you’re claustrophobic the 60 minute Heritage tour takes an easier route through the cave system.  

O O n the Adventure Tour, an accredited, experienced and knowledgeable caving guide will take you deep inside the cave, which, when it was first discovered, would have taken about nine hours to explore. Today, it’s a mere 90 minutes, but 90 minutes that you’ll never forget! Explore underground wonders such as bizarre rock formations, stunningly beautiful helictites and crystals, cave pools and peaceful grottos.   

First tackle the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to the Grand Hall before passing through Lot’s Chamber, where natural rock formations mimic the biblical Lot and his wife, who were turned into pillars of salt.  

The names of attractions along the route give a clue as to what lies in store. There’s Lumbago Alley, the Crystal Palace, King Solomon’s Mines and the Devil’s Chimney. Then into and through the Coffin, the Ice-Cream Parlour, the Devil’s Workshop, and then – hold that breath even tighter – it’s time to wriggle through the 27cm-high Leopard Crawl, the only exit route. Phew! Then it’s daylight and back to the real world.   

Although it’s the most exciting route through the cave system, the Adventure Tour should be undertaken with caution. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or those who suffer from claustrophobia, high blood pressure or asthma.  

The Heritage Tour will take you into the entrance of the cave and through various chambers including Van Zyl’s hall. At nearly 90 metres long and 50 metres wide, this hall boasts ancient stalactite formations that will take your breath away, and that’s only the beginning.   

Tours are offered in English but other languages, including French, German and Afrikaans, are offered depending on guide availability. As the tours are incredibly popular, booking in advance is essential.   

T T ravel tips and planning info

Who to contact

Tel: +27 44 272 7410    

Email: [email protected]  

Fax: +27 44 272 8001  

How to get here

The caves are 29km north of Oudtshoorn on the R328. George, 50km away, has the closest airport.  

Best time to visit 

The Cango Caves are open all year between 9.30am to 5pm except on Christmas Day.  

Around the area

Oudsthoorn is part of the famous Garden Route, so attractions such as the Tsitsikamma Forest, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay are all within easy driving distance.  

Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll get around on foot, on your tummy, on your bum and by the tips of your fingers.  

What will it cost?

This will depend on the tour you choose. Visit the website for up-to-date information on costs  

Length of stay 

The Heritage Tour is about 60 minutes and the Adventure Tour lasts for 90 minutes.   

What to pack 

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in.   

Where to stay 

There's a variety of accommodation available in Oudtshoorn ranging from cosy B&Bs to guest farms and hotels.  

What to eat

The Cango Caves Restaurant offers freshly prepared meals with breathtaking views of the Cango Valley.   

Related Links  

• Cango Caves Official Website   

South Africa on social media

The BMW International Open has made us excited for the BMW Golf Cup World Final to be hosted in SA. We caught up wi… https://t.co/XiU3waBo1T

Always a pleasure partnering with local businesses to promote SA on the global stage. Warren Weitsz, Co-Founder of… https://t.co/YRxoX6Jdtx

To say the players are bringing their A-game is an under statement! Round 2 has given us many unforgettable moments… https://t.co/4bBdAuXMUL

"...Patrons have been keen and interested in engaging on where the best fairways in SA are. Paired with some of our… https://t.co/tIoXM2uUrh

Our stand at the BMW International Open has been drawing a lot of attention – and rightfully so! “We are proud and… https://t.co/ulYSTje4CB

Clear skies, rolling greens, supportive crowds – the conditions couldn’t be better for a day at Golfclub München Ei… https://t.co/3TMmUxsN0m

What happens when an amateur and pro hit the fairway together? Find out in the Pro-Am Tournament, where 3 amateurs… https://t.co/hkvHUw0H0E

Ready to get into the swing of things? The Pro-Am Tournament of the 2023 BMW International Open starts today in Mün… https://t.co/WqLU7FshdH

South Africa has many exquisite golf courses. As we gear up for The BMW International Open in Germany, we hope to s… https://t.co/vTFwgOa78W

South African Tourism will be showcasing our beautiful country's offerings in Germany! We have so much to offer glo… https://t.co/O1m4yVy491

#DidYouKnow South Africa has produced some of the top golfers in the world. As we gear up for the BMW International… https://t.co/E1GsW6z1Fy

#DidYouKnow ? #VisitSouthAfrica ❤️🇿🇦 https://t.co/Y4zWjb8xIz

RT @Roberto_EUBXL: Amazing #YouthDay2023 long weekend in @MidlandsMeander ! Another 💎 of multifaceted #SouthAfrica : touches of 🇬🇧 🇧🇪 🇱🇺 co…

What does golf, South Africa, BMW and Germany have in common? The 34th staging of the BMW International Open in Ger… https://t.co/YdvuWOjs8O

Golf was first played in South Africa in 1885, in Cape Town. Now we are taking our love of golf to the world, as we… https://t.co/dXc5uIyGxI

RT @PublicSectorMan: Today marks 47 years since the youth uprising of 16 June 1976. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the commemor…

We look forward to showcasing South Africa’s abundant tourism offerings to a global audience while reminding them a… https://t.co/yVz97hDGaa

A dynamic collaboration between SA Tourism and the iconic BMW Group is set to supercharge the country’s efforts tow… https://t.co/JhLDwHlLix

50 days until the kick-off – or shall we say the tip-off – of the Vitality #NWC2023 in SA! Excitement levels are at… https://t.co/Ni2fHwh2NJ

#VisitSouthAfrica ❤️🇿🇦 https://t.co/ApcA6wNNop

• Useful links
• Travel partners
• Business events
• Travel trade
• Accommodation
• Useful contacts
• Visa & entry info
• Digital Assets Library
• Image Library

• Inspiration
• Destinations

Cango Caves Adventure Tour

Nestled between the Outeniqua and Swatberg mountain ranges in the arid Klein Karoo, the Cango Caves is a natural wonder well-known on the tourist circuit for its stunning display of colorful stalactites and stalagmites 100-million years in the making. It is precisely for this reason that we were a bit skeptical about the so-called Cango Caves Adventure Tour when we rolled up to Oudtshoorn on our Garden Route motorcycle safari. With how retrofitted Cango Caves has become for the average tourist, complete with its paved walkways and handrails, we had a hard time imagining the Adventure Tour would be, well, very adventurous.

But we would quickly find out that once you start climbing Jacob’s Ladder, the Cango Caves Adventure Tour leaves comfort behind and has you slithering, squeezing and crawling your way kilometers deeper underground in search of breathtaking limestone formations. 

Where You Start: Cango Caves Heritage Tour

An added bonus of the Cango Caves Adventure Tour is that your first 30-minutes are spent exploring the same route as the Heritage Tour, starting with Van Zyl’s Hall.

Measuring 18 meters high by 50 wide and 90 long (59 x 164 x 295 feet), this great hall was named after the farmer Jacobus Van Zyl who was first to discover the Cango Caves in 1780 after being lowered down into the giant cavern with only the light of an oil lamp. The acoustics are also so good in this hall that up until recently they used to hold orchestral concerts here. Our guide gave us the opportunity to test our musicality and the cave’s acoustics but being tone deaf we decided instead to pass and just take her word for it.

Next the tour continues on to a series of smaller but still sizable chambers including Botha’s Hall, the Rainbow Room and Fairy Hall. Though not equal in size to the first, these far surpassed Van Zyl’s Hall in beauty with their shimmery limestone waterfalls, cascading organ pipes and conjoint stalactites and stalagmites which have been growing (every so slowly) for so long that they’ve now fused together into a single column spanning from floor to ceiling. 

Having only completed the first half of the tour at this point, we could already say Cango Caves has some of the most beautiful dripstone rock formations we’ve ever seen. Despite the overwhelming size of these first few chambers, the intricacy of the stalactites and stalagmites combined with the tastefulness with which the rooms are illuminated (with very natural lighting which also helps to preserve the limestone long-term) made this a really special and other-worldly place to visit.

The Fun Begins: Cango Caves Adventure Tour

Once you reach Jacob’s Ladder (not actually a ladder but a series of 200 gently rolling stairs leading to a seriously tall metal ladder), you’ve started the Adventure Tour. At this point you start to feel the depth of the cave as the air thickens with moisture trapped deep inside it.

The next 45 minutes will be spent on your hands and knees crawling, climbing, scooting and squeezing your way through an odd subterranean world. Along the way you pass beautiful rock formations like Lumbago Alley, King Solomon’s Mines, and Devil’s Chimney. However, it’s the more mentally and physically challenging passages that were most memorable for us. Key among them were the Tunnel of Love, named so because of the squeeze you feel from all sides as you inch yourself toward the light, and the Devil’s Post Box, a slit so narrow (all 27-centimeters or 10.6-inches) that you literally have to stuff yourself through it like an envelope being stuffed into a mailbox. Our minds were put to ease as our expert guide was with us every step of the way to coach us through the tricker parts of the cave.

Is The Adventure Tour Right For You?

The Cango Caves Adventure Tour may not sound like fun to everyone but for those who are reasonably fit, with steady nerves and an appetite for adventure its worth the short exploration deeper into Africa’s largest cave system. Unfortunately, because this tour was meant to appeal to the masses, experienced spelunkers out there will more than likely be disappointed by how dulled down the caving is. Having said that, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our 90-minutes of climbing, squeezing and scooting.

Due to the size of a few of the passages, we wouldn’t recommend this tour to those who get at all claustrophobic. Though I don’t typically suffer from claustrophobia even I had a mild feeling of panic at times squeezing through some of the passageways. If you are at all questioning whether you’ll be okay working your way through these smaller channels, check out the display in the lobby of Cango Caves next to the ticket counter which lets you climb through a slot the size of the actual passageway.

If You Go: Cango Caves, South Africa

What: Africa’s longest cave system and most beautiful show caves, Cango Caves, offers both Heritage (aka easy) and Adventure Tours. Once you’ve completed the Heritage Tour, consider continuing on another 2.1 kilometers through a world of mysterious and strangely beautiful chambers, passageways and crawl spaces. You’ll be on your hands, knees and butt for most of the next 45 minutes as you crawl and squeeze your way through this subterranean world so wear comfortable grippy shoes and clothes that cover your body.

Where: Cango Caves is located 30-kilometers north of Oudtshoorn in South Africa’s Klein Karoo via Route 328. Be aware there are no petrol stations nearby so if you are running low on gas fill up on your way out of Oudtshoorn.

When: Cango Caves can be visited year-round (excepting Christmas Day) between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm. Normal Heritage Tours depart daily every hour on the hour. Adventure Tours last 90-minutes  departing at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. 

How: Contact Cango Caves at +27 (0)44 272 7410 or [email protected]. Apparently they are now limiting the number of visitors who enter the caves each day in an effort to control harmful carbon dioxide emissions so it is necessary to book in advance to guarantee your space. 

Cost:  The Adventure Tour costs 105 Rand (US$6.70) for adults, 65 Rand (US$4.20) for children.

Share this:

© Dominiquedelacroix/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Cango Caves

Named after the Khoe-San word for ‘a wet place’, the Cango Caves are heavily commercialised but still very impressive. The one-hour tour gives just a glimpse, while the 90-minute Adventure Tour (adult/child R165/100) lets you explore deeper into the caves. It does involve crawling through tight and damp places, so is not recommended for the claustrophobic or unfit. Advance booking for both tours is essential. The caves are 30km north of Oudtshoorn.

Get In Touch

044-272 7410

https://www.cango-caves.co.za

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Fransie Pienaar Museum

15.74 MILES

Named for a local resident who started the collection, the museum is a magnificent hotchpotch of everything from old matchboxes, ornate 19th-century…

Safari Ostrich Show Farm

16.72 MILES

After meeting, greeting and feeding some of the birds, you hop on a tractor for a short drive through the farm. The entertaining tour continues through…

CP Nel Museum

13.78 MILES

Extensive displays about ostriches and Karoo history make up this large and interesting museum, housed in a striking sandstone building completed in 1906…

15.87 MILES

It's not often you find a wine estate slap bang in the middle of town, but SoetKaroo is quite possibly the smallest wine estate in the country. The…

Le Roux Townhouse

13.45 MILES

Decorated with authentic period furniture, this place is as good an example of a ‘feather palace’ as you’re likely to see. Entrance is included with a…

Cango Ostrich Farm

Guided walking tours take around 45 minutes and include an overview of the ostrich farming industry. Tours take place every 20 minutes.

Nearby Route 62 attractions

1 . Cango Ostrich Farm

2 . Le Roux Townhouse

3 . CP Nel Museum

4 . Fransie Pienaar Museum

5 . SoetKaroo

6 . Safari Ostrich Show Farm

Cango Caves

Adventure Tour

• Duration: 90 minutes • Departure: Every hour on the half-hour from 09:30 to 15:30< • Route: Entire Cango 1 • Fitness Level: Moderate • Restrictions: Not suitable for those suffering from claustrophobia or back ailments.

All tours are lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Cave Guides. Tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language guides may be available (please check guide availability when making reservations).

Cango Caves facilities include

An Information Bureau Provides in-depth tourist information.

Cango Caves Auditorium View a 19 minute movie about Cango 2, which is closed to the public.

Interpretive Centre Learn more about the Caves history & Geological background in great detail.

Curio shop The Kraal Gallery sells African gifts, collectables and originally crafted artefacts.

Restaurant For mouth-watering traditional South African dishes.

Contact Information

Tel: +27 (0)66 486 9475 +27 (0)82 303 0029 E-mail: [email protected]

Address: Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, South Africa, 6620

Website: www.cango-caves.co.za

Download Brochure

Privacy overview.

Cango Caves Adventure - Oudtshoorn - R62

Cango Caves Adventure Tour, just 29km from Oudtshoorn , at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lie the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - This challenging tour, with exciting passages and narrow tunnels, requiring a degree of fitness. For lean people only!

The Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations.

Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours. All tours are lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides. All tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language options may be available (please check language availability when making reservations). The limestone beds of the Cango Group are, through movement in the Earth's crust, no longer in a horizontal plane. The layers of strata are also displaced laterally, forming dykes.

Cango Caves Adventure Tour 

Visit the deepest sections of Cango one, departs every hour on the half-hour; daily from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Adventure Tour Opening hours: 09:30 - 15:30 Duration: 90 minutes Tours depart every hour on the half hour There is NO turn around point on the Adventure Tour. When you are in, you are in.

Explore the Spectacular Ancient Cango Caves of South Africa

By Deb | October 31, 2022 | Cango Caves South Africa

Introvert With Itchy Feet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Welcome to one of the great natural wonders of Southern Africa – the Cango Caves of South Africa. The country’s first tourist attraction, these caves have been fascinating visitors since the early 19th century.

Located in the Klein Karoo region, in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range in South Africa’s Western Cape province, they’re about 30 km, or 20 miles, north of Oudtshoorn.

This magnificent chain of caverns features a vast network of tunnels and chambers spanning over 4 km, or 2.5 miles, in length, and is one adventure you shouldn’t miss.

The Cango Caves of South Africa are a top tourist destination, and for good reason – the caves offer an amazing glimpse into a geological wonderland.

Cango Caves of South Africa

The caves are known for their stunning, enormous underground caverns, mesmerizing stalactites, and bizarrely shapes stalagmites.

Today we can explore the labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and passageways with ease, as steps and pathways have made the caves as safe as they are spectacular, and the chambers are well-lit.

But depending on how far you go, you will be crawling and squeezing your way through some tight pathways and passageways! Anyone with trouble bending, crouching, or being in small spaces, you’ve been warned!

Do absolutely explore as much as you can, because these caves really are completely breathtaking to see.

And the window into the past that they provide is just as spectacular.

Author’s Choice: This Amazing 5-Day Private Tour!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5, with 12 reviews

➤ Garden Route Getaway Safari from Cape Town featuring the Cango Caves!

Take the stress out of your trip and let someone else make sure you see everything there is to see!

The History of the Cango Caves

Dating back over 20 million years, the Cango Caves were formed over thousands of millennia as water erosion wore away at the Pre-Cambrian limestone.

The modern discovery of the caves was in 1780 – relatively modern times – by a farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl. He was the first to see the initial chamber of the caves and was honoured by having it named after him – Van Zyl Hall.

The chamber is roughly the size of an American football field. Years ago the tremendous chamber was used as a concert hall – imagine the crowds and the acoustics!

Unfortunately, wandering music fans and vandals ruined the fun for everybody else, and the productions were stopped.

Further exploration of the cave system took some time, it wasn’t until a dozen years later that the second chamber was discovered. Over the years since, a total of over 30 caves have been found.

The different caves and passageways have been given names that will unleash your imagination – Devil’s Kitchen, for example, Cleopatra’s Needle, the Frozen Waterfall, and the Devil’s Postbox.

Evidence found inside the impressive caves suggests that they were used as shelter and living quarters by the Khoekhoe and the San people during the Middle and Stone Ages.

The ancient cave paintings and artifacts offer a look into the long-ago lives of the Khoekhoe, nomadic pastoralists, and the San people, hunter-gatherer inhabitants of southern Africa .

The Khoekhoe spent an estimated 750,000 living within the relative comfort of what is now called Van Zul Hall. It wasn’t until some 250 years ago that conflict with European settlers forced them to move on.

The San and the Khoekhoe still live in Africa today. Why and when the San people lived in and left the caves are questions whose answers have never been found.

✔️ Cango Caves Oudtshoorn Day Trip

The trip includes the Amazing Cango Caves AND stops at the Cango Wildlife Ranch AND the Cango Ostrich Show Farm!

✷ Meet up with the tour, or get picked up at your accommodations. So easy!

Attractions Inside the Caves

The Cango Caves are the most dramatic and breathtaking caves you’re ever likely to see. I know that I’ve never seen anything like them.

Botha’s Hall is the second chamber that you come to, and while smaller than Van Zyl Hall, it is even more spectacular. The stalactites drip from the undulating limestone ceiling like small waterfalls.

In fact, there is a formation in the caves that has been given the name “Crystal Waterfall”. Anyone who is wondering “what could there be to see in a bunch of caves”, those are the people who will be most impressed with these phenomenal caverns.

Amazing to see are the ancient cave paintings that still survive on the walls of the cavern. Restoration has been done on some of the artwork, but others are original, and afford a bit of a glimpse into the everyday life of the ancient people.

For those of you who are after a little more adventure, the aptly named Adventure Tour was made for you.

This tour begins at the end of the caverns, and gives you the chance to crawl, shimmy, and squeeze your way through the Devil’s Postbox and Jacob’s Ladder.

Be warned, though, it has one passageway that is only about 15 cm, or 6 inches wide.

✔️ Swartberg Mountain Circular All-Inclusive Day Tour featuring the Cango Caves!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5, with 30 reviews

This is a fantastic day trip to the Cango Caves that ALSO includes 4 additional don’t – miss stops!

Tips for Visiting the Cango Caves of South Africa

• The caves are open every day EXCEPT Christmas, from 9 am – 4 pm.

• Any time of year is the best time to visit the Cango Caves. You’ll likely feel a little extra love for them in the summer, when outdoor temps reach over 30ºC, or 86ºF. They are always lovely and temperate in comparison.

• You can spend 60 minutes in the caves for the Heritage Tour, or 90 minutes if you decide to take the extended Adventure tour.

• The air in the caves is humid, so dress lightly, and wear comfortable shoes. If you are taking the Adventure Tour wear comfortable clothes that you can crawl and shimmy in.

Some parts of the Adventure Tour will also require sensible footwear that won’t slip and slide. Wear something suitable for short climbs on sheer rock formations.

• If you need to turn back for any reason, let your guide know, and you will be escorted back to the entrance. People are not allowed to wander alone in the caves.

• Though the entire cave system is roughly 4 km, or 2.5 miles long, visitors are only permitted in the first 1 km, or half a mile.

• These days the site includes an information bureau and interpretive centre, as well as a gift shop and a restaurant.

• As only Cango I, as the first section of the caves is called, is open to the public, you have the option of watching a 20-minute film about Cango II. Nothing about Canga III yet, unfortunately.

✔️ 3 Day Garden Route Tour from Port Elizabeth featuring the Cango Caves!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 with 6 reviews

Spend 3 unforgettable days touring visiting all of the natural wonders of the area.

Other Activities in the Area

There are lots of other things to see in the area of the Cango Caves:

• The Karusa Vineyards – you’ll pass this on your way to the Cango Caves; this is a great spot for lunch. • The Rus En Vrede Waterfalls – also on the way to the Caves. There is an entrance fee of about R70, or US$3.80. They’re open every day from 9 am – 4:30 pm. • Bella-Mia Pottery – Marianna makes beautiful practical and decorative pieces; reasonable prices. • Cango Caves Estate and Zipline – 1 km from the Caves; deli with wine; gift shop. • The Safari Ostrich Farm – outside Oudtshoorn; learn about these giant birds on a tractor tour through the working ostrich farm. They also have a restaurant, cafe, and leather shop. • Tsitsikamma National Park – the coastal reserve is known for its unforgettable forests, coastal views, and the 44 km long Otter Hiking Trail. • Diaz Museum – features a Shell Museum and Aquarium, as well as an Ethno-Botanical Garden.

How old are the Cango Caves?

While the limestone that the caves are made of dates back 750 million years, the Canga Caves of South Africa are estimated to be only 20 million years old.

How long does it take to do the Cango Caves?

The basic tour, called the Heritage Tour, takes you through the first 2 caverns and takes 60 minutes. If you opt for the Adventure Tour in addition to the basic tour the entire tour will take 90 minutes.

Why should I visit Cango Caves?

The Cango Caves of South Africa are the largest toured caves in all of Africa. They are also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Southern Africa. Simply put, they’re the most spectacular caves you will see anywhere, are historical and geological marvels, and shouldn’t be missed!

Which is the largest cave in South Africa?

The first cavern in the Cango Caves is the largest cave in South Africa. It’s called Van Zyl Hall, and measures 90 metres long x 50 meters wide x 18 metres high, which is 295 x 164 x 59 feet. Enormous .

What animals live in the Cango Caves?

Currently, the only animals that live in the Cango Caves are bats quite far in. There may be reptiles or amphibians that take shelter deep in the cave system, but none that you are likely to see when you tour them.

Who lived in the Cango Caves?

There is evidence, including wall paintings and artifacts, that suggests that the San people and the Khoekhoe at one time took shelter in at least one of the caves. They moved on following conflicts with European settlers hundreds of years ago.

Summing it Up: The Cango Caves of South Africa

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled day trip or a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of an active vacation, the Cango Caves are well worth a visit!

With their fascinating history and stunning natural beauty, these impressive caves continue to draw visitors from around the world who come to explore this fascinating underground world. So what are you waiting for?

If you’d like to find out what else there is to see in beautiful South Africa, have a look at 14 Amazing Reasons to Visit South Africa .

And of course, if you’re wondering what bag is the best choice for your trip, The Best Luggage for Safari and Travel to Africa can help.

Happy travels!

Read more about South Africa:

➵  30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa ➵  The Best Dive Sites in South Africa ➵  Soar with the Clouds: Top Hot Air Balloon Rides in South Africa ➵  Does Snow Fall in Cape Town: The Surprising Facts ➵  Find Your Dream Destination in Africa

Share this article

I had been travelling for years before I first went to Africa. Once I had been on my first safari, I was hooked. Now I go back every chance I get. I've lived in Botswana, explored the wild coast of Namibia, toured Southern Africa and so much more.

There's no place that has more to offer a traveller than this enormous and stunning continent. I write about it here to hopefully inspire you to experience it for yourself, and to make your travels easier. It'll be the trip of your life! Happy travels!

Conquering The Cango Caves

Last Updated on May 6, 2021

The Cango Caves are one of the finest and most popular tourist cave attractions. Located near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, at the foothills of the Swartberg range. The entrance to the caves was originally rich in bushman paintings, but with time these have been damaged.

The caves were used for concerts years ago, but this had to be discontinued because of the vandalism. It is sad that a few had to ruin what would be a phenomenal concert experience for everyone else.

The tunnels and chambers go on for over four kilometers, with many “tight spots” you have to climb and wiggle through during the Adventure Tour . Our tour lasted about an hour and a half, but would have been a better experience had the tour group not been so large as a lot of time was spent standing around, waiting.

The smallest passage you must wiggle through is just under 30cm high. Only about a quarter of the four kilometers is open for visitors who must see the caves with a guide.

The adventure tour is a caving experience, but headlights and caving equipment are not needed. There is adequate lighting installed throughout.

Here is what you can expect:

• Jacob’s Ladder has over 200 steps.
• Lumbago Alley has a very low ceiling, for 28m the roof is only about 1.20m high.
• The Tunnel Of Love is 74cm high at the beginning, but only 3Ocm at the end.
• The Devil’s Chimney is 45cm and 3.50m long.
• The Devil’s Post Box is only 27cm high.

 Some important points…

• Make sure you wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We were very dirty at the end of this. Plus, you will find puddles of water throughout.
•  The tours can sell out fast, so it really is best to pre-book your tickets before arriving at the caves.
• If you’re taking the adventure tour, you won’t want to bring a large camera as it could get banged up pretty well in the tight spaces.

Have you had a cool caving experience?  Where and what?

Latest Posts

17 Awesome Things To Do In Maui

Grasse: The Perfume Capital

Travelling In Scandinavia On A Budget

Journey Under The Sea At Maui Ocean Center

Worldadventurists.

Explore Destinations

• Adventures & Adrenaline 35
• Caribbean 4
• Destinations 477
• Featured 443
• North America 398
• Travel Tips 44
• Wanderlust 14

Maui is a beautiful island located in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its ...

Wearing perfume is a simple act for most people, not realizing the intricate process involved in creating each new fragrance. ...

Journey Under The Sea At Maui Ocean Center Nestled in the heart of paradise, the Maui Ocean Center, the Aquarium ...

• &BEYOND LODGES
• South Africa
• Flying solo
• With my partner
• With my family
• Adventurous
• Responsible Travel
• Private Travel
• Slow Travel
• TRAVEL TRADE PORTAL
• MANAGE YOUR TRAVEL BOARD

Cango Caves

Explore mysterious and magnificent underground caves on the garden route.

• Indian Ocean Islands
• South America
• Cape Whale Coast
• Cape Winelands
• Eastern Cape Game Reserves
• Garden Route
• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
• Tswalu Kalahari

The Cango Caves

If you are after a thrilling experience, then take the plunge into an underground world, luring you to its depths. Brimming with unique rock formations, cellar-like chambers and low passageways creating a labyrinth, crouch, crawl, duck, snake and squash your way through these Caves. One of the world’s great wonders, kaleidoscopic colours reveals the magnificent limestone creations intricately sculpted by the natural hand of the earth.

Delving into the pit of one of Africa’s deepest caves, this once in a lifetime experience is not for the faint hearted. Guiding you are experienced and knowledgeable caving guides who will show you the underground wonders such as beautiful helictites, celestial crystals, aquamarine cave pools and grottos.

The Cango Cave Standard Tour includes just 1,2km (0.74mi.) of the entire 5,3km (3.29mi.) long cave where Cleopatra’s Needle, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Madonna and Child are on display. The Cango Caves Adventure Tour involves ascending 200 steps of Jacob’s ladder to the Grand Hall before passing through Lot’s Chamber, where natural rock formations mimic the biblical Lot and his wife, who were transformed into pillars of salt.

Riveting names of attractions along the route give a clue as to what lies ahead, such as Lumbago Alley, the Crystal Palace, King Solomon’s Mines and the Devil’s Chimney. Go into and through the Coffin, Ice-Cream Parlour, Devil’s Workshop and finally twist and turn yourself through the 27cm (10in) high Leopard Crawl, the only way out.

TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY

Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake you stay to any of our destinations

Places to stay

Stay here to enjoy this experience, tailormade tours, enjoy this experience on these inspirational journeys, more experiences you may also be interested in …, i dream of travel that leaves our world a better place.

You’re just 5 easy (and fun) steps away from creating your ideal Travel Dream Board.

Step 1: Start with where

Step 2: Clarify what kind of traveller you are

Step 3: Tick off those grand bucket list experiences that will fire your imagination

Step 4: Log in to create and add to your Dream Board

Step 5: Share & start dreaming

Leaving our world a better place for years

Discover the impact legacy that your travel with &beyond is driving. just as the un’s sustainable development goals have been a touchstone for our vision 2020 group-operation sustainability audits, so they continue to guide and underpin our ambitiously scaled vision 2030 goals., we're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without javascript enabled., please enable it to continue., privacy overview.

The Cango Caves of South Africa – Adventure and Claustrophobia

Written By: The Planet D

Adventure Travel , South Africa

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Do you want to do the adventure tour or the standard tour? That was the question asked when we booked our tour at the Cango Caves in South Africa during our road trip through South Africa.

Table of Contents

Cango Caves South Africa

The country’s oldest tourist attraction. Naturally we answered Adventure! Little did we know that we’d be squeezing through the tiniest of passageways crawling through tunnels with names like the Devil’s Chimney and Lumbago Alley.

Lumbago is a term to describe pain in the lower back and believe me, with the hunching and crawling you have to do through this section of the Cango Caves, you’re back will be feeling it.

Memories of my claustrophobic crawl through the Cuchi Tunnels in Vietnam years earlier sprang to mind, but I kept up a brave face for Dave and our guide Cedric as we strolled through the first few chambers of this massive cave system.

The Cango Caves Adventure Tour

One of the perks of the adventure tour is that you get to walk through all the caves that the standard tour takes you through.

The first stop is the giant Van Zyl’s Hall. At 90 metres long, 50 metres wide and 18 metres high, it is an impressive cavern.

Once upon a time concerts were held in this hall and as we looked at the old stage at the front of the chamber, I could almost imagine music echoing under the massive stalactites.

The next room may not be quite as large, but it is definitely the most beautiful of all the chambers.

With crystal waterfalls, pipe organ formations and giant stalactites and stalagmites with names like The Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is out of this world. And that is how it feels to be underground among this beauty.

You feel as though you are on another planet.

The Cango Caves are one of the most magnificent caves we have seen. We’ve been in large caves before and we’ve been in intricate caves before, but we’ve never been in the perfect blend of giant and detailed.

Tours of the Cango Caves

Tours started here in the early 1800’s and Cedric talked to us about how early travellers used to climb through the system with oil lamps.

They’ve opened up the passageways by clearing out all of the packed clay left over from the underground rivers, so today’s tours are much more comfortable than the early explorers of the Cango Caves.

It was a farmer in 1780 named Jacobus Van Zyl who discovered the Cango Caves.

He was lowered into the first chamber and discovered the giant cavern, twelve years later the second chamber was discovered and the rest is history.

Now you can walk through the caves on packed clay floors with well-maintained stairs and soft lighting.

For the adventure seekers, there’s always the Adventure Tour and that is where the second half of our tour took off. The adventure tour starts where the standard tour ends and it is here that the fun happens.

After walking through a narrow passageway, you come to a steep ladder that takes you to King Solomon’s Mines.

You know you are in for a treat and instead of panicking about the narrow enclosures that you are about to walk through, you take a deep breath, trust your guide and enjoy!

As we moved deeper into the cave system, the air became thicker, you could smell the bat droppings in the room and the temperature rose.

Sweat poured off our bodies and our breathing became laboured.

I don’t know if it was from having to twist and turn through solid rock or if it was the stress and tension of wondering if you would become wedged within walls and the anxiety of knowing that you are hundreds of meters underground.

We scrambled through the Tunnel of Love, named so because you are so cozy as you pass through.

We crawled up the coffin and ended at the Devil’s Post Box. Why is it the Devil’s Post Box? That would be because it is only 27 centimetres high?

Pushing yourself through this narrow opening is like putting an envelope through a standard post office box at home. I started to feel sorry for those envelopes as I slid down the smooth rocks.

I had to laugh though as Dave set up his camera and told me to hold on a minute. Here I was with nothing but solid rock above my head and I had to keep telling myself to breath. Don’t think of trying to sit up and don’t panic. You’ll be out of here soon enough!

I was glad to be out of the Devil’s post box, but I was so happy that we did it!

We survived and loved every minute of it. On our way out, we ran into another guide who had just come through the Tunnel of Love. We heard him yelling back at other people who were on their way in and Cedric started laughing. The people who were in the Tunnel of Love decided that it was too skinny and turned back.

There was no way they were going through the rest of the adventure tour and we felt pretty darn proud of ourselves for following through and finishing the tour.

To find out more about a tour at the Cango Caves, visit their website. If you are the adventurous type, make sure you book the Adventure Tour, you’ll love every minute of it and you’ll have bragging rights for the rest of your life.

Yes, you squeezed through 27 cm of pure solid rock. What a blast!

• Awesome Things to do in South Africa
• South Africa Wildlife in Photos
• 28 Reasons South Africa Should Be on Your Bucket List

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

30 Beautiful and Best Hikes in the World

Everest Base Camp Trek – Ultimate Guide For 2024

24 Best Hikes in the USA to Add to Your Bucket list

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

43 thoughts on “The Cango Caves of South Africa – Adventure and Claustrophobia”

Did the Cango Caves aged 15 in 1983 and remember feeling terrified in a narrow passage. Going back later this year and think the kids would love the adventure trail but not for me, I might get stuck! Slovenia is great for caves – think it was Skcojan we went to, amazing!

Glad you enjoyed it, but I think it would have been the death of me. We did an underground thing in Turkey and it was not much fun. And there were no postboxes or coffins, it was all hollowed out to be human size (sorta) and it was still claustrophobic.

Beautiful pictures of the caves though.

No, I’m not sure I could do that! I’ve loved kayak cave tours, and the walkway photos shows how gorgeous these caves are. Like you said, maybe trusting the guide could get me through!

Woah – those photos of you guys in the small passageways are insane. I laughed out loud when I imagined you telling yourself to breathe! 🙂 It sure looks like it’s worth it, though. I mean, what’s the most that can happen? You get a bit stuck and they have to grease you out! 🙂

I visited the caves in September and they were a fantastic highlight of my garden route tour from capetown to port elizabeth. I did not do the adventure tour so this is great to see the rest of the caves and what I missed. not sure my big feet would have made it through the mailbox

Awesome! So glad you had the chance to see the caves. They are spectacular aren’t they? Glad we could show you the adventure tour. Haha, I think that’s a good reason to stay away from the mailbox, wouldn’t want to lose a shoe. 🙂

Those caves look really amazing! So gorgeous! But there’s no way I could do that. When I was in Easter Island last year, we went exploring some caves, and I never realized before that day, but apparently caves freak me out. I couldn’t even make myself go into one of them, and the other 2 were scary and I hit my head once. Then Andy and I went into some underground cave city thing in Cappadocia and and decided, no more caves for me!

Cango-caves, looks amazing! I had never been there. Thank you for sharing a spectacular pictures and post.

Oh,man. I would love to see these gorgeous caverns, but I couldn’t handle the claustrophobia. It’s a good think I follow blogs like this, so that I can experience such adventures vicariously.

Wow…what an awesome adventure. Might be tough for me, enclosed spaces and all that, but would be worth the anxiety:)

Wow! I’ve always been fascinated with caves, and now you’ve got me even more fascinated with this post. Those pics are amazing. I’m glad you put a little copyright at the bottom of each one though, otherwise I’m sure you’d see them stolen and used all over the Internet.

The caves look amazing, like an underground palace, but the adventure tour wouldn’t be for me, I’m afraid, unless I plan confrontation therapy – these tunnels are just a bit too tiny for my complacency… It makes me respect you even more for going through with it even though you are claustrophobic, though:) Well done!

John’s claustrophobic so I think he’d have to pass on this one. I’m intrigued — looks like a pretty fun adventure!

It was pretty fun. I used to be worse, but I’m getting better. It’s funny, I’m becoming more adventurous as I get older. I wonder what’s up with that. 5 Years ago, you’d never get me in here. Now I’m even smiling…sort of :-)

Incredible pictures! I’ve always loved exploring caves… well ones that weren’t too tight of a squeeze anyway. I did Carlsbad Caverns last year and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Although I’m usually always thinking about ‘what if’ an earthquake were to happen the entire I’m underground 🙂

Ha, it’s funny you mention that, because I always think that too. That was going through my head, but I never brought it up and I kept pushing it out of my mind. Dave never has a care in the world, I do enough worrying for the both of us! :D

This sounds like a lot of fun! I’ve been in some pretty tight caves before, one of those being in Laos where there were no lights and a lot of water. Kind of scary in parts but it was a lot of fun.

I remember exploring caves in Laos. I loved it. They are so dark and scary. I remember renting a battery powered giant lamp to walk through one. Another we hired a guide and had to laugh at the exposed wires on the lamp. We were there in 2003 and everything was pretty basic and ancient. We were covered in mud by the time we got out of the caves and yes, they were a very tight squeeze indeed!

This looks like a spectacular adventure!

I didn’t think I’d like it so much but it was a ton of fun! I thought I’d be more nervous going through the narrow chimney, but Cedric made us feel very comfortable. He gave me confidence to just go with it.

Wow, caves look spectacular! Reminds me of the Postojnska Caves in Slovenia I visited and wrote a post about recently. I’m assuming these ones were limestone & dolostone as well? Cheers!

Hi Stephany, I’m heading over to check out your post now! I do believe they were limestone. Yes.

Those caves are awesome! I could see how you get claustrophobia in there. Did some caves in Slovenia and they were awesome. HUGE!!! However, not quite the claustrophobic experience like this 🙂

Slovenia must have great caves, Stephanie just mentioned that she did them as well. I’ll have to add it to my list when we go there next.

I think I would be incredibly embarrassed if someone told me, “YOU SHALL NOT PASS, fatty.” I am a bit claustrophobic though. I need meditation time to do things like this.

Haha, You would be allowed to go my lady. I’ve seen you, you’re a petit thing. I think that they told the woman who got stuck discretely. But could you imagine. “sorry ma’am you’re too big for this hole.”

WHOA! This looks AMAZING! We did the ATM Cave in Belize and it was one of the most intense things I’ve ever done. There’s something about squeezing through tiny slots between rocks deep in the earth that wakes all the senses…

Well put. There is no moving that rock if anything happens and when you are stuck in between them, you realize just how solid it is. You have to really free your mind and not think about the fact that you’re stuck between thousands of tons of solid rock!

Good times! Caves are awesome but what keeps me from spelunking in raw/primitive caves isn’t the claustrophobia but the albino spiders. Eeeewwww. 🙂

Eww, I never thought of the albino spiders. Are they everywhere? Are they in South Africa? Are they poisonous? Haha, I have so many questions. I never saw any spiders when we were at the Cango Caves. Maybe they are deeper down. There are a couple hundred km of caves in this system.

That place looks awesome. I would definitely give it a try 🙂

Awesome! So glad that we could entice you to try it.

Really superb and Adventurer Cave Trip,….Nice Photography Also

Visit: Booking Le Meridien Jakarta Hotels

Thank you, we had a great time. It was also great to be able to have the time to photograph the caves, they are so beautiful. It made going through the adventure portion of them a little more challenging but I’m glad we lugged the camera along. Thanks to Cedric for taking it through some of the more narrow passageways for us while we grunted our way through.

come visit this place for your new adventure

I didn’t think I was claustrophobic until we did a caving adventure like this in Budapest. Even though the guide decided he better keep me close by, I made it through slithering through tiny cracks on my belly. Definitely something to be proud of!

Isn’t that the truth. Sometimes you don’t even realize that you have a fear until you are in the middle of it. I remember when we were walking through the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam. I though it would be fun to go through the original entrance and the 150 metres of old caves. While I was inside, the lights went out and I freaked out. That’s when I knew I was afraid of tight places. I’ve been working through it over the years and getting much better

I’m not normally claustrophobic but I’ve always thought I might be in a cave squeezing though a place I might get stuck. Definitely an incredible place. Amazing formations.

As long as you breathe and enjoy, you’ll be fine. Especially if your not claustrophobic. The Cango Caves truly are spectacular. I can see why it is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction. People have been exploring them for over a hundred years!

Cool! I’m not too sure how I would do in that situation. I’m more scared of heights than I am claustrophobic – but as each year passes I get more fearful of doing anything! I’m assuming they have a size ‘limit’ for the adventure section – right? Good for you for finishing!

Yes, they do have a size limit. They don’t come out and say it, but when one woman was stuck in the caves for 13 hours, our guide told us that she was advised not to do it. She didn’t listen, got herself stuck and paid the price. I don’t think I’d go in if I was over weight that’s for sure. Some of those passageways were tight.

No way could I do the adventure tour. I was having palpitations just enteringthe wide open Skocjan Caves last fall. Great pics like always!

Where are the Skocjan Caves? We’ll have to give them a try. I’m sold on doing more caves, but I could never be a spelunker. I want to know what’s on the other end and know that I can get out. I don’t know how people explore caves for the first time and not know if they will get through or not and what’s waiting for them on the other side. I’d be terrified. An organized tour is as far as I’ll take it.

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).