Cango Caves: An Unforgettable Experience in South Africa
The Cango Caves, located in the Swartberg Mountain Range in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, are a series of breathtaking limestone caverns that have been a popular tourist destination for centuries. With its narrow passageways, towering formations and eerie atmosphere, the Cango Caves offer an unforgettable experience for those who venture inside.
History of the Cango Caves
The Cango Caves have a long and fascinating history. It is believed that the caves were first discovered by a local farmer in 1780, although it is possible that they had been known by local tribes for much longer. The caves were used as a shelter by the Bushmen, and the paintings on the walls may have been made by them.
The first recorded exploration of the Cango Caves was in 1820 by a group of French speleologists led by François-Eugène Follenfant. They explored and mapped the caves, and wrote a detailed description of them in their book, Voyage Souterraine.
In 1921, the caves were opened to the public as a tourist attraction. Since then, the Cango Caves have become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Exploring the Cango Caves
The Cango Caves consist of a series of chambers, each with its own unique features. The most famous chamber is the Drakenstein Hall, which is the largest chamber in the caves and is filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. It is also home to the Cango Organ, a unique formation that is believed to be millions of years old.
The Cango Caves offer various guided tours, ranging from easy to difficult. The easiest tour is the Heritage Tour, which takes visitors through the chambers and explains the history of the caves. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Adventure Tour takes visitors through the more remote chambers and includes crawling, climbing and squeezing through narrow passageways.
In addition to the guided tours, visitors can also explore the Cango Caves on their own. The caves are open from 8am to 5pm, and there are picnic areas nearby where visitors can relax after a day of exploring.
Things to Do Near the Cango Caves
The Cango Caves are located in the town of Oudtshoorn, which is known as the “ostrich capital” of the world due to its large ostrich farming industry. There are a number of attractions in and around Oudtshoorn, including the Cango Wildlife Ranch, the Cango Ostrich Show Farm, the Cango caves and the Cango Valley Wine Estates.
The Cango Wildlife Ranch is a popular destination for families, as it offers a variety of activities, such as game drives, cheetah encounters, snake shows and more. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm is the perfect place to learn about the ostrich industry, and visitors can even take a ride on an ostrich!
The Cango Valley Wine Estates offer the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the Cango Caves. Visitors can sample some of the estate’s award-winning wines while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Conclusion
The Cango Caves are a must-see destination for anyone visiting South Africa. With its unique limestone formations, thrilling tours and nearby attractions, the Cango Caves offer an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they’ve left. Whether you’re interested in exploring the fascinating history of the caves, embarking on an adventurous tour through their chambers, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the Cango Caves have something to offer everyone. Plan your visit today and prepare to be amazed by one of South Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.