South Africa is renowned for its above ground beauty but there are also fascinating tours for those who wish to explore deep below the feet of the Mzansi rainbow nation!
1. Cango Caves, Western Cape
The weaving and winding tunnels make the Cango Caves one of the most famous landmarks in South Africa. The caves are rich in bushman paintings and marked signs of human habitation – and are well worth a visit to see their numerous dripstone formations. The tunnels stretch out over 4km with plenty of smaller caves and offshoot turns to be discovered. Go on either of the walking tours to experience the awe-inspiring depths of the cave systems The Heritage Tour is quite easy, while the Adventure Tour is more strenuous with several narrow portions you’ll need to squeeze through; the smallest of which is a 15cm (in diameter hole) you’ll need to go through to exit.
Cost:
- Heritage Tour: R80 per adult; R45 per child
- Adventure Tour: R100 per adult, R60 per child
Route 62, Oudtshoorn | GPS: -33.392873, 22.214557 | Open: Daily, 09:00 – 16:00 with tours departing every hour on the hour for the Heritage Tour, and every hour on the half hour for the Adventure Tour (closed only on Christmas Day)| +27 (0)44 272 7410 | reservations@cangocaves.co.za
2. Cape Town Tunnel Tour, Western Cape
The Cape Town Tunnel Tour is recommended, not because of the giant sewer rats you half expect to come face to face with (you won’t), or because of the faint smell of damp that surrounds you, as you try to crab walk above the water line. No, it’s a must see purely because you’ll discover a side of Cape Town rarely experienced and half-forgotten about (especially the 3.5 million litres of clean spring water that drain into the ocean daily). The underground rivers and canals date back to 1652, when they were used to supply the ships and residents with fresh spring waters. This unique tunnel tour will leave you with numerous lasting memories and a better appreciation for the Mother City. Stay updated with scheduled tours via Facebook.
Cost: R350 per person (no children under 7 allowed). Minimum 15 persons required
Corner of Darling and Buitenkant Streets, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town | Open: By prior arrangement. Next scheduled tour: 14 February 2015 | GPS: -33.926295, 18.428273 | +27 (0)21 439 3329 or +27 (0)73 240 3265 | info@fo8.co.za
3. Sterkfontein Caves, North West
Set in the Cradle of Humankind, the Sterkfontein Caves are renowned for the rich fossil finds they yield. They are most well known for being where the ancient hominids, “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”, were discovered. The caves offer an intricate playground for scientists, with fossil discoveries dating back to over 4 million years. It’s worth visiting the Cradle of Humankind exhibit in Maropeng Visitor Centre to put the caving discoveries into context. The vast underground lake is off-limits to the public due to a tragic diving accident in 1984. For those eager to embark on the adventure, please be aware that there are some tight sections you will need to crawl through. Tours run daily and depart every half hour.
Cost:
- Sterkfontein Caves: R195 per adult, R97 per child aged 4-14, R85 per pensioner, free for children under 4
- R215 per adult, R143 per child aged 4-14, free for children under age 4 for a combination ticket to Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves
Kromdraai Road, Johannesburg | GPS: -26.016908, 27.733530 | Open: Daily, 09:00 – 17:00| +27 (0)14 577 9000 | cradle@gauteng.net
4. Cullinan Diamond Tour, Gauteng
Try to ignore the factory noises and bustling activity that greet you when you first arrive at Cullinan Diamond Mine, as you’ll soon be whisked away to begin your adventure. With over 5km of tunnels to traverse, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time, into the womb of the earth, as your tour goes deeper underground. You’ll be kitted out in boots, a belt pack, an oxygen tank, head lamps, and snacks as you’re regaled with stories of how diamonds are extracted. The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for the exceptionally large Cullinan “Great Star of Africa” Diamond that was discovered in 1905. Underground Mine Tour in Cullinan last 4 ½ hours and include a safety training exercise. A tour of the surface and a visit to the diamond cutting and polishing workshop is included.
Cost: R1, 150 per person (no children under 16 allowed)
Oak Avenue, Cullinan | Open: Daily, 10:30 – 14:00 | GPS: -25.671506, 28.516344 |+27 (0)12 734 2170 | cullinantourisminfo@telkomsa.net
5. Kimberley Mine, Northern Cape
The Big Hole Diamond Museum, set around the Big Hole of Kimberley, offers a fantastic underground tour that will take visitors through the inner workings of one of the most famous diamond mines in the world. Apart from the mechanics of diamond mining, visitors can walk the sprawling complex and discover the preserved houses, shops, and even a church that dates back to the 19th century, before heading to the viewing platform to see the Big Hole from above.
Cost:
- R90 per adult, R80 per pensioner, R80 per student, R50 per child aged 5 – 12,
- Combo family ticket (2 adults and 3 children): R280
South Circle Road, Kimberley | GPS: -28.739141, 24.758874 | Open: Daily, Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 16:00; Saturday – Sunday, 09:00 – 15:00 (closed on Christmas Day)| +27 (0)53 839 4600 | info@thebighole.co.za
TIPS FOR UNDERGROUND TOURS
- A thick pair of socks (or two!) will help prevent blisters.
- If you’re unsure if water will be provided during the tour, take a bottle with you to ensure you don’t dehydrate in the heat and humidity.
- Do not attempt any of the above tours if you are pregnant or suffer from claustrophobia, asthma, or muscular conditions.
- Book tours prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.
Which underground tunnel or cave tours have you been on?
Main image via Vaquero Cooper (Flickr)
