Cango Caves
Explore South Africa's largest show cave, a 20-million-year-old natural wonder with breathtaking mineral formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Cango Caves
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore South Africa's largest show cave, a 20-million-year-old natural wonder with breathtaking mineral formations.
"Absolutely stunning, great guide who is very knowledgeable and humorous."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for navigating uneven surfaces and stairs.
📸 Camera Ready!
The caves offer stunning photo opportunities, especially when floodlights illuminate formations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Chamber
Main cave system
Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate mineral formations in this breathtaking cavern.
Devil's Chimney
Adventure Tour route
Experience a thrilling, narrow passage that tests your agility and offers unique cave views.
Crystal Gardens
Various chambers
Discover delicate stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing millions of years of geological artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cango Caves Adventure
Choose Your Cango Caves Tour Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for navigating uneven surfaces and stairs.
📸 Camera Ready!
The caves offer stunning photo opportunities, especially when floodlights illuminate formations.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the Adventure Tour, as it can be physically demanding.
⏳ Allow ample time
Tours can last 60-90 minutes, plus time for browsing the gift shop and facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for navigating uneven surfaces and stairs.
📸 Camera Ready!
The caves offer stunning photo opportunities, especially when floodlights illuminate formations.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the Adventure Tour, as it can be physically demanding.
⏳ Allow ample time
Tours can last 60-90 minutes, plus time for browsing the gift shop and facilities.
🤏 Adventure Tour Squeezes
Be prepared for tight squeezes; the Adventure Tour is not for the claustrophobic or very large.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cango Caves for their stunning geological formations and the knowledgeable, engaging guides. The Heritage Tour is highlighted as accessible and informative, while the Adventure Tour offers a thrilling experience for the daring. Some reviews mention large tour groups can detract from the experience in smaller chambers.
"Absolutely stunning, great guide who is very knowledgeable and humorous. The tour took about 1 hour 20 minutes in total. They're are some steps but if you take it easy should be manageable by most. If you want more of a challenge and insight the adventure tour would be for you. Highly recommend. Only two photos as don't want to spoil the show"
Andrew Symons
"Stunning limestone caves in impressive expansive chambers. Just off the garden route - Cango Caves is well worth the stop. Our tour at 2pm was unfortunately packed. I counted about 45 people in total. Our guide Eric had a booming voice thankfully so could be heard by everyone.
There are quite a few stairs and walking in low lighting conditions. I liked the style of the tour which was explanation in low light then putting flood lights on for photography.
I felt we had enough time in all 5 chambers. Some of the smaller ones were hard to see because our group was so large.
At the final chamber we were treated to an impromptu singing and drum performance by Eric which was magical with the acoustics. The tour lasted just on an hour. There was a cafe and ice cream coffee shop on site as well as a large gift shop.
Adventure tour is probably not for claustrophobic as evidenced from the replica cutouts in the reception area.. and you would want to be very skinny to fit through some of the cracks! (Not ideal after weeks of hotel buffet breakfasts)."
Timeshare Chinchilla
"The Cango Caves are truly impressive and very well presented. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and answered all questions. The tour took about 75 minutes and was an easy walk through the cave, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. A fascinating experience – definitely worth a visit!"
Daniel V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cango Caves are located near Oudtshoorn, about a 5-hour drive from Cape Town. You can drive yourself via the N2 highway or consider it a stop on a Garden Route road trip.
Public transport options are limited. Renting a car or joining a guided tour that includes transport is the most convenient way to reach the Cango Caves.
The most common route is via the N2 highway towards Mossel Bay, then inland towards Oudtshoorn. Alternatively, you can take the scenic Route 62.
The Cango Caves are approximately 30 kilometers north of Oudtshoorn, making it an easy drive.
Yes, it's possible to visit Cango Caves as a day trip, especially if you're already in the Oudtshoorn area or on a Garden Route tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour. The Heritage Tour is generally more affordable than the Adventure Tour. Check the official website for current Cango Caves ticket prices and Cango Caves cost details.
It is highly recommended to book your Cango Caves tickets in advance, especially for the Adventure Tour, as tours can sell out. Online booking is available for Cango Caves booking online.
The Cango Caves are typically open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with tours running at regular intervals. Confirm Cango Caves opening hours before your visit.
The entrance fee is included in the tour price. There isn't a separate Cango Caves entrance fee; you pay for the guided tour experience.
Yes, there are two main tours: the Heritage Tour (panoramic path) and the Adventure Tour (more challenging with squeezes). +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Heritage Tour is a guided walk through the main chambers, focusing on the cave's history and geological formations. It's suitable for most visitors and involves some stairs.
The Adventure Tour involves crawling, climbing, and squeezing through narrow passages like Devil's Chimney. It's physically demanding and not for the claustrophobic.
The Heritage Tour has some stairs and uneven surfaces, but is generally manageable. The Adventure Tour is not accessible for those with mobility issues.
Yes, photography is allowed during the Heritage Tour, especially when floodlights are on. Some tours may have restrictions to protect formations.
Tours typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the chosen tour and group size.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and an ice cream shop on-site, offering refreshments and snacks.
While there are facilities for purchasing food, it's advisable to check their policy on bringing outside food. Picnics might be allowed in designated areas.
Oudtshoorn offers various dining options, from local eateries to more formal restaurants, serving traditional South African cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Chamber and areas with prominent stalactites and stalagmites offer the most dramatic photo opportunities.
Flash photography is generally permitted during the Heritage Tour to highlight formations, but always follow your guide's instructions.
Use a tripod if possible for low-light shots. A wider aperture and higher ISO will help capture the cave's details.
Video recording is usually allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and follow your guide's guidance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. There are also facilities like a cafe and gift shop on-site for snacks and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
Be prepared for a physically demanding journey; this tour is not for the faint-hearted or claustrophobic. Ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If you're looking for a memorable and challenging exploration, the Adventure Tour will not disappoint.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While flash photography is generally permitted, it's always best to follow your guide's instructions to protect the delicate cave environment. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light shots to achieve sharper images. The Adventure Tour also offers unique photographic opportunities, but the challenging terrain might make it difficult to manage equipment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Cango Caves Tour
The Adventure Tour, on the other hand, is designed for the more intrepid traveler. This tour involves crawling, climbing, and squeezing through narrow passages, including the famous Devil's Chimney. It's a more physically demanding experience and requires a good level of fitness and comfort in confined spaces. Participants on the Adventure Tour often describe it as thrilling and a unique way to experience the cave's hidden depths.
When deciding, consider your physical condition and what you hope to gain from the visit. Both tours provide a fascinating glimpse into this ancient natural wonder, but the Adventure Tour offers a more hands-on, adrenaline-pumping encounter.
Geological Marvels of Cango Caves
+1Visitors can marvel at stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor), which grow at an incredibly slow rate, often just a few centimeters per century. These formations, such as those found in the Crystal Gardens, showcase intricate and delicate structures. The sheer scale of chambers like the Grand Chamber highlights the immense power of natural erosion and deposition over vast timescales.
These caves are not just a tourist attraction but a living geological museum. Understanding the slow, continuous formation process adds another layer of appreciation to the stunning visual spectacle. The unique mineral composition and the ongoing geological activity make the Cango Caves a significant natural landmark.
Planning Your Cango Caves Visit
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to experience fewer crowds and potentially better lighting for photography. When packing, comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential, as the cave floors can be uneven and wet.
Bring water, particularly if you opt for the Adventure Tour, which can be physically demanding. While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of your guide's instructions and avoid using flash in sensitive areas. Remember that the Cango Caves are located near Oudtshoorn, a town rich in attractions like ostrich farms. You can easily combine a visit to the caves with other local activities for a comprehensive Klein Karoo experience.
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