Cango Caves, Archaeological cave system in Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
Cango Caves is a show cave and archaeological site in the Swartberg Mountains near Oudtshoorn, South Africa. The connected chambers form an underground space with rock formations hanging from ceilings and rising from floors.
A farmer discovered the site in 1780 while looking for missing livestock. This discovery later prompted authorities to pass South Africa's first law protecting a natural site in 1820.
The system takes its name from the word "Kango", which local Khoisan peoples used to describe the region's rocky landscape. Visitors walking through the chambers notice how guides explain the meaning behind names given to rock formations by early explorers.
Two guided tours are offered: a simpler route through larger chambers or a more demanding tour through tight passages. Those choosing the second option should be comfortable moving in confined spaces and have reasonable flexibility.
The temperature throughout the cave system remains at 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Some of the rock formations inside reach a height of 16 meters (52 feet).
Location: Oudtshoorn
Elevation above the sea: 660 m
Website: https://cango-caves.co.za
GPS coordinates: -33.39300,22.21500
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25
Underground locations provide insights into geological processes and human history. Natural caves display limestone formations, stalactites, and subterranean rivers formed over thousands of years. Artificial sites include Roman catacombs, medieval cellars, and mining tunnels that document economic...
Caves form through gradual geological processes that can span millions of years. Water dissolves limestone and creates underground chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, while ice caves in alpine regions maintain their frozen formations even during summer months. Each cave system tells a...
Pinnacle Point
91.4 km
Swartberg
13.3 km
Cango Wildlife Ranch
19.3 km
Post Office Tree, Mossel Bay
87.9 km
Beaufort West Reformed Church
121.1 km
Gondwana Game Reserve
81.6 km
Outeniqua Transport Museum
67.8 km
Wilderness National Park
75.8 km
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
87.9 km
CP Nel Museum
22.2 km
Buffelspoort
116.4 km
Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse
88.4 km
Knysna Heads
109.5 km
Gouritz River Bridge
98.1 km
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
65.9 km
Moederkerk
66.8 km
St Mark's Cathedral, George, Western Cape
66.8 km
Knysna National Lake Area
105.9 km
Swartberg Nature Reserve
20 km
All Saints Church, Uniondale
89.7 km
Steenbok Nature Reserve
108.4 km
Diaz Water Park
85.9 km
Bridges over the Gourits River
98 km
Moordkuil River
75.8 km
Pezula Golf Club
110.6 km
Simola Golf & Country Estate
101.5 km
Melville's Building
105.3 km
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
71.3 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes