There are 2 golden rules of caving in South Africa: never do it alone and don't do it if you are faint of heart. Having said that, you get caving – and then you get CAVING. There's a huge difference...
“There are two very different kinds of cavers,” says Wal Gamble, a caver of 40 years and a committee member of the Cave Research Organisation of South Africa.
Casual Cavers
Most visitors interested in caves visit tourist-geared attractions such as the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, the Sterkfontein Caves near Krugersdorp or the Echo and Sudwala Caves near Lydenburg.
“These caves certainly offer an exciting experience and fantastic formations for the visitor who wishes to be taken through them on a guided tour. In other words you don't need special skills to explore them,” continues Gamble. “If you are a serious caver, however, you’ll be seeking something more exciting, more challenging and even dangerous. And for this, you will need to know exactly what you are doing.”
Courageous Cavers
Gamble says visitors wanting to experience the more daring side of caving in South Africa should make contact with local caving groups.
“There are between 200 and 300 ‘wild’ caves across the country - often situated on privately-owned farms. Our organisation arranges caving trips on a regular basis and cavers from all over the world are welcome to join us,” he says.
Start Simple
“If you have never been caving before, but would like to experience it, we will invite you to explore a relatively easy cave. From here, if you enjoy it, we’ll develop your skills towards increasingly more difficult caves. We offer training skills a
nd will help you get the equipment you need,” Gamble elaborates.
To explore wild caves, you need the right equipment – rope and proper climbing gear are obvious examples.
Team Adventure
Despite its perceived Indiana Jones reputation as an adventurer’s sport, caving of any nature should never be done alone.
“You have to know how to guide yourself inside a cave, and to take care of yourself in a dangerous situation,” Gamble explains. “A mistake down there could be fatal. That is why there is no place for macho behaviour underground. You need to look after each other and take care at every turn.”
Another World
One wonders what attracts people to these murky depths. Cavers say it's the experience of visiting a totally different world, a world without light where plant life is rare, and highly adapted for survival. Every cave is different, with its own unique formations. Just as a scuba diver would be attracted to a coral reef, so cavers are attracted to the amazing underworld formations and endless, unexplored labyrinths.
A Mind-blowing Journey
South African with its abundance of dolomite and limestone, is a rich caving destination, promising what those who have been there describe as “a breathtaking and mind-blowing journey”. South African caving adventures allow you to experience navigating through tight spaces as well as exploration of huge caverns.
The caves of the Cape have been explored for recreation since the late 1800s and over 100 caves on the Cape Peninsula alone have been recorded. These range from small overhangs to deep cracks on Table Mountain, some of which have passages extending over a kilometre underground.
The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, for example, have some of the biggest stalagmite formations in the world, and there are numerous cave complexes in its depths yet to be explored.
The Stuff from which Life on Earth Evolved
The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga are one of South Africa's major attractions. The caves are believed to be about 2 000 million years old and contain n
ot only stalagmites and stalactites, but also the fossilised remains of 'collenia' - a form of algae believed to be the first oxygen-producing plants on Earth and the stuff from which life on our planet evolved.
This ‘in the beginning’ characteristic of caves is what fascinates both kinds of cavers. Should you find yourself exploring South Africa, why not include a cave route in your itinerary. Whether you are a novice or seasoned caver, caving in South Africa promises incredible sights.
©Photographs are courtesy and copyright of Wal Gamble
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