The Cango Caves - Garden Route - Oudtshoorn   The Cango Caves are about 25 km from the Ostrich City and at the foot of the Swartbergpass.   The Cango Caves are one of the most beautiful natural phenomenons in South Africa, and is protected as a national monument. They are one of the largest caves with dripstone formations in the world and are still not completely researched. The variety of sharply formed stalactites and stalagmites is hardly surpassable. In total, five caves were discovered, of which, three caves have been opened to the public. Two caves, which were discovered in 1972 and 1975, are not yet open to the public.   The caves have an average temperature of 18 degrees. Light-fitting clothing and firm shoes are required. The path and steps are well-lit. Flash photography is allowed inside the Cango Caves.   Standard tours are conducted every hour. These are for the easily accessible paths of the Cango Caves. For the narrow and more exciting part of the caves, the Adventure Tour is offered.  Good physical condition is a pre-requisite. The path is sometimes quite steep and very narrow cracks in the rock have to be overcome. Your fitness is required and we would not recommend this tour for visitors with claustrophobia.     The caves have gigantic dripstone chambers. The largest Cango Cave is 107 m long, 54 m wide and16 m high. The lighting of the interesting parts of the cave is set in different colours. All tours are led by experienced guides and are conducted in English and Afrikaans.   In one part of the Cango Caves, our tour guide sang a South African song. The song was accompanied by the so-called hollow drum of the dripstone columns. Most of the South African visitors joined in the song, and the visit became more than just a memorable experience.   Tour route:   Standard Tour Extensive walk through 2 caves to the „african drum chamber“. Duration: approximately 60 minutes.     Cango Caves  Please Click         Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn Please Click      Adventure tour A challenge for thin and well-trained visitors with exciting climbs and narrow chimneys. Duration: 90 minutes.   History of the Cango Caves:   More than 20 million years ago, water trickled into the Swartberg, and formed the underground caves. At this time, they were filled with water. About 4 million years ago, the water could flow out of the caves and oxygen reached the caves. Acidic water loosened the limestone layer and this is how the dripstones were formed.   At the entrance to the caves, traces of the San people were found. They lived there about 10.000 years ago. Implements and drawings were found directly inside the caves. About 500 years ago, they left the cave.   In 1780, the Cango Caves were re-discovered by a shepherd. The farmer Barend Oppel was curious because of the shepherd’s stories, and went to the caves with the shepherd and his friend, van Zyl. In 1891 the caves were declared open to the public and tours were offered.   Our tips outside the caves:   Restaurant in the building Café and Bar Souvenir shops Information centre with free video about the fourth and fifth Cango Caves! Kindergarten Dog kennels Outside the caves, one can visit several ostrich farms, and particularly beautiful landscapes with views of Oudtshoorn. Close to the caves, there is a large dam and waterfall. Entry fee of R9-00 per person.   Route description to Cango Caves:   On the R 328 from Oudtshoorn, one arrives after about 25 km at the Cango Caves. Adequate parking is provided at the reception building.   Please visit:   Knysna - Plettenberg Bay - Mossel Bay - Port Elizabeth - George - Tsitsikamma Park - Wilderness - Oudtshoorn - Otter Trail - Cango Caves