Cango Caves
27km/17mi north of Oudtshoorn, at the foot of the Great Swartberg, are the impressive Cango caves, with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors are taken on a conducted tour of the cave system for a distance of 2km/1.25mi, taking about an hour.
In earlier centuries the caves, which have a constant temperature of 18°C/64°F, were occupied by Bushmen, who left rock drawings, little of which can now be distinguished, as evidence of their presence.
In earlier centuries the caves, which have a constant temperature of 18°C/64°F, were occupied by Bushmen, who left rock drawings, little of which can now be distinguished, as evidence of their presence.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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At the entrance to the caves is a tableau depicting the life of the Bushmen. The conducted tour takes visitors into a series of huge chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the effect of which is enhanced by spectacular lighting effects. The Van Zyl Hall is named after the man who first ventured into the darkness of the caves in 1780. This enormous chamber (70m/230ft long, 35m/115ft wide and up to 17m/56ft high), brilliantly floodlit, has room for 1,000 people. It has excellent acoustics, and concerts are occasionally given here.
Other caves, known as Cango II, III and IV, with a total length of over 2,200m/2,400yd, were discovered in 1972. To protect their delicate ecological system, they are not open to the public.
Other caves, known as Cango II, III and IV, with a total length of over 2,200m/2,400yd, were discovered in 1972. To protect their delicate ecological system, they are not open to the public.