- Address of place: Cango Caves Klein Karoo Street, Oudtshoorn 6620, South Africa
- Phone: +27 44 272 7410
In the Western Cape province, in the picturesque Black Mountains, there is a real underground wonder - the Cango Caves (cango caves). It is one of the most beautiful cave complexes in the world. It is possible to order sightseeing routes of any orientation: from simple, which will easily pass even a child, to exciting adventure.
The history of the discovery of caves
In the late 18 century. On a nearby farm, a sheep disappeared. Concerned by the missing master, a certain Fonscape, sent a slave to look for her. He in the process of searching came across a deep pit, which kept traces of the habit of the indigenous African tribe - the Bushmen. After examining it together, they saw a hole yawning in the floor of the pit. Fonscape went down there on a rope, shone a candle around him, but did not see the walls or the bottom. Returning, he reported that he had discovered "the entrance to the underworld." So, the entrance to the Cango Caves was accidentally opened, which soon became the most famous tourist attraction.
In the 19th century. the entrance to the cave was protected symbolically, visitors took with them many fragments of stalactites and stalagmites, leaving inscriptions on the walls. In 1820, the governor of the Cape Colony, Lord Charles Somerset issued a decree according to which fine was imposed for the export of souvenirs. A fixed entrance fee was also installed.
Many discoveries were made by an employee Johnny Wassenaar, who served for 43 years. Several tunnels, side chambers were opened to them. According to one of the legends, he managed to penetrate deep into the caves for 25 km. However, this information was not confirmed.
Cango Caves today
Now a complex of grottoes made of limestone sandstone, consisting of three sections, is accessible to visitors. Their total length is more than four kilometers. The largest camera is the size of a large football field. Passages between the halls are wide enough, but as they move away from the entrance they narrow. The real decoration is stalactites and stalagmites of a bizarre shape. Imagination is shaken by the "Organ Hall" - a huge cave in which the stalactites coming down the walls form a sort of big organ. Sedimentary rocks create bizarre combinations of colors, and the use of light and additional effects turns the grotto into a mysterious underground realm.
The caves maintain a constant temperature of about 18-20 degrees, while the humidity is quite high.
The standard excursion lasts 50 minutes, and it is very simple - to inspect the six largest halls, each of which has its own legend and name.
In the course of an adventure excursion, the tourist will be offered to test himself for strength and climb into narrow passages, walk along the legendary "chimney of the devil" in addition to walking through the halls. Everything is provided to ensure that tourists feel safe and comfortable.
How to get there?
Cango Caves are located 30 km north of Oudtshoorn, the center of South Africa's ostrich industry. 50 km from Oudtshoorn is George Airport, which has regular communication with Cape Town and other major cities of the country. The best option, if you do not go with an organized group - rent a car.
Caves are open daily (except Christmas), standard routes are conducted hourly from 09:00 to 16:00, adventure - from 09:30 to 15:30. To services of tourists also cafe and the exhibition center. Just 10 km from the Cango Caves there is an excellent hotel complex, where you can stay with the whole family.
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