Situated close to Oudtshoorn, is one of the world's great natural wonders sculptured by nature through the ages - fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours.
The limestone beds of the Cango Group are, through movement in the Earth's crust, no longer in a horizontal plane. The layers of strata are also displaced laterally, forming dykes.
Rainwater, combined with acidic carbon dioxide from decomposing plant material on the surface, flows through a fracture zone. Limestone, i.e., calcium carbonate plus water and carbon dioxide = Calcium Bicarbonate - which dissolves in water, flows out.
This process of `cave making' takes millions of years.
Calcium bicarbonate gives off carbon dioxide and reverts back to Calcium Carbonate, and the solution crystallises and evolves into the various formations which can be seen in the Caves (Stalactites, etc.).
The time in making the many formations, depends on the supply of water and carbon dioxide, and in the case of the Cango Caves, may have started several millions of years ago, whilst many are still in the making.
The Cango Caves is one of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages - fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours. An underground wonderworld.
Trained guides are at hand to conduct visitors along the magic paths of the world's finest stalactite cave.
According to legend the caves were discovered during 1780. Early visitors had to brave the pitch darkness of the vast caverns from the poor light of self made candles.
Over the years improvements took place and today modern technology makes it possible that all the wonders of the cave are skillfully illuminated for the benefit of visitors.
The Cango Caves are an absolute must for all domestic and/or foreign tourists - if you miss the Caves, you might as well have stayed home.
Tourist Guidelines * Please wear comfortable footwear and light clothing - it's a warm cave at around 18 degrees Celsius (around 65 Fahrenheit).
* Please arrive at least 10 minutes early - there are no facilities on tour.
* It's a one kilometer walk, with 416 stairs on a full tour, and lasts about one and a half hours.
* The tunnel section at the back (devil's chimney) borders an extreme adventure, please reserve it for the fit and adventurous. Not advisable for small children.
* You may turn round at the halfway mark (drum chamber), or leave the small ones in the creche.
* Feel free to take photos.
Please do not: * smoke * Touch or climb on formations. * tamper with light switches * leave your party and guide * take food and drinking stuff into the caves.
