All tours are lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides. 29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lie the spectacular underground … Legend has it that the Cango Caves were first discovered by a herder in search of lost cattle, and subsequently explored by local farmer Jacobus van Zylin 1780, after whom the first hall is named. Located near the town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, it is home to some of the oldest stalagmite accumulations on the planet. Posted by Anita Froneman on 6 April 2020 South Africa boasts a multitude of caverns and caves, with one of its most popular sites being the Cango Caves in the Karoo. History of the Cango Caves. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. All tours are lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides. Here are some incredible facts you may not have known about these marvellous caves. History of the Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn Attractions. All tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language options may be available (please check language availability when making reservations). Although there are various and unconfirmed versions of these reports, this remains the most accurate in research. Cango Caves is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours. Legend has it that the Cango Caves were first discovered by a herder in search of lost cattle, and subsequently explored by local farmer Jacobus van Zylin 1780, after whom the first hall is named. For further information, please see our cookie policy. The Cango Caves is one of South Africa's most famous and well-loved tourist attractions. Skip to content. Get in touch with an Audley travel expert today.

The history of the Cango Caves. Visit the Cango Caves and Swartberg Pass in South Africa and enjoy its vast caves and beautiful landscape. Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours. History of the Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn Attractions. Our History: Common myth has it that the Caves were first explored by a local farmer named Jacobus van Zyl (after who the first chamber, van Zyl’s Hall, was named), although research fails to reveal anybody by that name in the Cango area in the 1770’s. Although there are various and unconfirmed versions of these reports, this remains the most accurate in research. The Cango Caves started receiving visitors in the 1800s, but the visitors damaged the stalagmites and stalactites on the cave to have a souvenir from their visit to the caves. History of the Cango Caves . It is believed that the caves were inhibited during the middle and later stone ages and that the Khoi San would take shelter in the caves some 1000 years ago, which is indicated through the cave paintings and artifacts that still remain visible today, although the bushman art has been damaged over the ages. 1. All tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language options may be available. The principal cave is one of the country's finest, best known, and most popular tourist caves and attracts many visitors from overseas. Cookie policy. View this post on Instagram . The Cango Caves are located in Precambrian limestones at the foothills of the Swartberg range near the town of Oudtshoorn, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this.