Cango Caves

Afrikaans name: Kangogrotte

Photo © michaeljung - Fotolia.com

Western Cape

The spectacular Cango Caves are situated 29 km from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. They are South Africa's oldest tourist attraction.

The caves are situated in a ridge of limestone. There are vast halls with interesting names such as Van Zyk's Hall, Rainbow Chamber, Bridal Chamber and Fairyland Chamber.

Two types of guided tour are on offer. These are the easier Heritage Tour and the more challenging Adventure Tour. Booking is essential for these tours due to the popularity of the caves.

Although the Cango Caves were 'discovered' in 1780 it is now understood that they have been accessed by man since the early Stone Age.

Share your experience of the Cango Caves.

Above - inside the caves

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - A display of earlier human habitation inside the caves

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Approaching the Cango Caves

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 47

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 135

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 60

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 113

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 75

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 79

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 303

Getaway - Vol 27 No 09 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 18

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 87

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 217

Country Life - Issue 174 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 32

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 115

Cango Caves

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