Those looking to experience Cape Town from a new perspective should definitely consider doing a Tunnel Tour to explore the ancient underground labyrinths meandering beneath the city. Most people are unaware that these tunnels even exist, which makes it all the more exciting to tackle almost uncharted territory. Provided you have a high tolerance for dark places, small spaces, and creepy crawlies, you’re sure to love this opportunity to experience the Mother City from underneath!

Previously known as “Little Amsterdam”, Cape Town was once a canal-lined city with appealing open waterways flowing down from Table Mountain towards the ocean. The tunnels were formed in the 1860s when the Cape colonists realised they had a problem with the water running down from the mountain to where the harbour is today. With a growing need to build and expand, they had to close up the open waterways and find a way to divert millions of tons of mountain water to the ocean. As the years passed and the city grew, the canals were used to transport sewerage until 1895 when they were covered up and forgotten.

Still in existence today, these historic tunnels, which are approximately two metres in diameter, are located under the busy streets of the city and continue to take water from the mountain to the ocean – which is quite sad when you think that the mountain water provides enough to potentially supply the entire Cape Town CBD!

There are various companies that offer tunnel tours throughout Cape Town’s underbelly, but should you be keen to partake, please note that you have to be reasonably fit. Some parts of the tunnels can be slippery and there will be obstacles to clamber over and ladders to climb. Other parts can be very narrow and have low ceilings, so taking on the explorations if you have serious back problems is not advised.

Tunnel Tours with Good Hope Adventures

The tours with Good Hope Adventures last 1 – 3 hours and begin and end at the Castle of Good Hope. A qualified guide will lead you safely through the underground tunnels, along with a professional medic – purely for safety reasons and peace of mind. You will also be given a permit and a hard hat before clambering down into a manhole to begin your adventure. Please bring along your own headlamps. Ticket prices include entrance to the Cape of Good Hope Castle. Spaces are limited to 24 spots per adventure, so book early to secure your spot.

Quick info guide:

• Length: 1 – 3 hours
• Cost: R225 per person, R175 per child under 18
• Start and end point: Castle of Good Hope
• Inclusive: a professional guide, medic, permit, hard hats, shuttle service, access to castle
• Bookings: Matt 082 482 4006, email mattweisse@mweb.co.za, or visit the website.

Below the Surface Tour of Cape Town with Figure of 8

Start your Below the Surface Tour with Figure of 8 by entering a manhole and climbing down a shaft in a park in Vredehoek. The start of the tunnel is only 1.5 metres high so be prepared to explore the tunnels doubled over for at least the first 20 minutes. Every now and then, your guide will show the group your location on a map to give you an idea of where about you are. While making your way down the tunnel, you’ll be able to hear cars and trains echoing through the pipes. Headlamps, gumboots (size 5 and up), a permit, and soft drinks and refreshments are included.

Quick info guide:

• Length: 1 – 3 hours
• Cost: tunnel tour: R270, tunnel and forest tour: R340
• Start and end point: Vredehoek, Castle of Good Hope
• Inclusive: shuttle service, headlamp, gumboots (size 5 and up), permit, soft drink and snack
• Bookings: 021 439 3329 or info@fo8.co.za or visit the Facebook page or website.

LekkeSlaap Tips for Underground Tunneling:

• Wear suitable shoes with a good tread that can get wet, such as gumboots, river shoes, or old takkies.
• Dress in old clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty.
• Carry a bottle of water.

Have you done an underground tunnel tour of Cape Town? If so, let us know how it was!