Cango Caves

The Cango Caves are a system of limestone chambers and passages in the foothills of the Swartberg, north of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. They are among the best-known show caves in South Africa and an obvious stop on any route through Oudtshoorn. Only part of the system is open to the public, and you can enter only with a guide. Excavations in 1930 found stone tools showing that people used the cave entrance in the Stone Age.

What to expect

There are two tours. The Heritage Tour takes about an hour and walks through the large halls at the front of the cave. The first of these, Van Zyl Hall, is named after Jacobus Van Zyl, the farmer credited with exploring the caves in 1780. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites are the main attraction.

The Adventure Tour lasts about 90 minutes. It covers the same halls and then carries on deeper, with more than 200 steps, steep climbs, crawling and some very tight squeezes through low passages, with little light and no helmets provided.

Practical details

The caves open daily from 9am to 4pm. Heritage Tours leave on the hour and Adventure Tours on the half hour, but confirm times when you book. Book through reservations@cangocaves.co.za or +27 44 272 7410. The caves are run under the Oudtshoorn municipality.

Good to know

The Adventure Tour is not for anyone with mobility problems, a bad back, claustrophobia or a large build, and it is a poor choice for elderly visitors. If in doubt, take the Heritage Tour. Wear shoes with grip and clothes you do not mind getting dirty.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Cango Caves, Wikipedia, Showcaves.com.