The Cango Caves are one of the great natural sights of the Little Karoo, a huge limestone cave system in the Swartberg mountains about thirty kilometres north of Oudtshoorn. The main chambers are enormous, with towering formations of stalactites and stalagmites that guides light to dramatic effect. Visits are by guided tour only. The Standard Tour takes about an hour and covers the first great halls, the Van Zyl and Botha Halls, on an easy route with no special restrictions, so it suits most ages and fitness levels. The Adventure Tour takes around ninety minutes and goes much deeper through narrow passages, and it is rated moderate to demanding. Not everyone is suited to it, because it involves tight squeezes that are unsuitable for people with claustrophobia or back problems. Whichever you choose, the caves are a cool, atmospheric retreat from the heat of the Little Karoo summer, and a good pairing with an ostrich farm and a drive over the Swartberg Pass.
Choosing a tour
The Standard Tour leaves on the hour through the day, and the Adventure Tour leaves on the half hour through the middle of the day, according to the Oudtshoorn tourism listing, which gives the departures as hourly from nine until four and from half past nine until half past three respectively. The standard route is the best choice for families with younger children and for anyone who is not comfortable in confined spaces.
Take the Adventure Tour only if you are fit, comfortable with tight passages and happy to crawl and climb. Guides brief the group before you start and will tell you honestly whether it suits you.
Getting there and timing
The caves are about thirty kilometres from Oudtshoorn on a good road, which takes around half an hour by car. Arrive before the hour of your tour, and in school holidays and at weekends come early because groups fill up. The temperature underground is cooler than outside, so a light layer is useful, and shoes with grip are important because the paths can be damp.
Making a day of it
Most visitors combine the caves with one of the ostrich farms and perhaps the Cango Wildlife Ranch or a drive over the Swartberg Pass. Because the caves sit in a hot, dry region, an early start keeps the drive comfortable. Tour prices, tour times and any maintenance closures change from time to time, so check the current details with the caves or the tourism office before you set out. Photography rules apply inside, and your guide will explain them at the start.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through a huge limestone cave system, either the easy Standard Tour or the more demanding Adventure Tour.
Best time
Morning, when it is cooler outside and groups are smaller; the caves are cool all year.
How long
About an hour for the Standard Tour and around ninety minutes for the Adventure Tour.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, bring a light layer, arrive before your tour time and skip the Adventure Tour if you are claustrophobic or have back problems.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone visiting Oudtshoorn who wants a dramatic natural sight on a hot day.
- Families
- The Standard Tour suits most children; the Adventure Tour is for older, fitter and confident ones.
- Couples
- The big lit chambers make a memorable hour, and the Adventure Tour is a fun shared challenge.
- Pair with
- An ostrich farm visit and a drive over the Swartberg Pass.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the drive.
Good questions
What is the difference between the two tours?+
The Standard Tour takes about an hour, covers the first big halls and has no special restrictions. The Adventure Tour takes around ninety minutes, goes much deeper and is rated moderate.
Is the Adventure Tour suitable for everyone?+
No. It involves narrow passages and is not suitable for people with claustrophobia or back problems. Guides will tell you honestly if it is right for you.
How far are the caves from Oudtshoorn?+
About thirty kilometres north of town, roughly half an hour's drive. Allow time to arrive before your tour departs.
Can I just turn up?+
Often yes, but in holidays and at weekends groups fill up, so arrive early. Check current times and prices before you go.
What should I wear?+
Shoes with grip and a light layer, since the caves are cool and the paths can be damp. Keep your hands free for the stairs and handrails.
