South Africa’s varied landscapes hide caves that tell stories of geology, ecology and human history. From coastal cliffs to inland plateaus, these sites are useful for researchers and interesting to visitors who want a closer look at the country’s past and natural features.
There are 14 Caves in South Africa, ranging from Blombos Cave to Wonderwerk Cave. For each entry you’ll find below the key details arranged as Province,Location (nearest town),Access to help with planning visits or research — you’ll find below.
Are these caves open to visitors?
Access varies by site: some caves are protected archaeological or conservation areas with restricted entry, others are on private land, and a few offer guided tours or managed visits; always check the Access notes in the list below or contact local authorities before planning a trip.
How were the caves selected for this list?
The list focuses on caves of recognized archaeological, geological or public-interest value across multiple provinces, so entries highlight representative sites and include practical location and access information to support both research and travel.
Caves in South Africa
| Name | Province | Location (nearest town) | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cango Caves | Western Cape | Oudtshoorn | Guided show cave |
| Sterkfontein Caves | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Krugersdorp) | Guided show cave |
| Swartkrans | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Krugersdorp) | Permit required / Research |
| Kromdraai Fossil Site | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Krugersdorp) | Permit required / Guided on request |
| Drimolen | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Krugersdorp) | Permit required / Research |
| Malapa | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Johannesburg) | Permit required / Research |
| Cooper’s Cave | Gauteng | Cradle of Humankind (near Krugersdorp) | Permit required / Guided tours available |
| Makapansgat | Limpopo | Makapansgat Valley (near Mokopane) | Guided / Permit required |
| Wonderwerk Cave | Northern Cape | Kuruman | Permit required / Research |
| Blombos Cave | Western Cape | Still Bay (near Riversdale) | Permit required / Research |
| Pinnacle Point Caves | Western Cape | Mossel Bay | Permit required / Research |
| Robberg Peninsula Caves | Western Cape | Plettenberg Bay | Public / Nature reserve access |
| Stadsaal Caves | Western Cape | Cederberg (near Clanwilliam) | Public / Reserve |
| Sudwala Caves | Mpumalanga | Near Mbombela (Nelspruit) | Guided show cave |
Images and Descriptions
Cango Caves
Large limestone dripstone cave system with vast chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Around 1,2 km of developed passages for visitors; major tourist attraction offering adventure tours and illuminated guided walks through dramatic halls and narrow tunnels.
Sterkfontein Caves
Limestone cave complex in the Cradle of Humankind renowned for abundant hominid fossils and ongoing excavations. Features large chambers, visitor routes and research areas; key to human evolution with specimens millions of years old.
Swartkrans
Rock-shelter and dolomitic cave deposit rich in Pleistocene fossils and early hominin remains. Small, scientifically critical site used mainly for research and specialist visits; important for understanding early hominin behaviour and environments.
Kromdraai Fossil Site
Karst cave and fossil-bearing site notable for Paranthropus and early Homo finds. Small cave and excavated deposits within a protected reserve; significant paleoanthropological importance in South Africa’s fossil record.
Drimolen
Dolomitic cave system and active excavation site with Homo and Australopithecus fossils. Multiple chambers and breccia deposits have yielded important Pleistocene remains; access restricted to researchers and organised tours.
Malapa
Fossil-bearing cave where Australopithecus sediba was discovered in 2008. Small dolomite chamber and sinkhole preserve a critical snapshot of early hominin anatomy and behaviour; managed for research and controlled visits.
Cooper’s Cave
Karst cave and fossil site in the Cradle complex with hominin and faunal remains. Includes heritage trails and museum displays; active research area with limited public access via arranged tours.
Makapansgat
Limestone cave and valley containing long archaeological and fossil sequences, including hominin remains and stone tools. A UNESCO-recognised palaeoanthropological landscape with interpretation and guided visits to sites and museum exhibits.
Wonderwerk Cave
Deep cave and rock shelter in a dolomitic outcrop with a continuous archaeological sequence spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Important for Palaeolithic studies; access restricted to researchers and guided academic visits.
Blombos Cave
Coastal rock shelter with Middle Stone Age layers yielding early symbolic behaviour, engraved ochre and shell beads. Small, archaeologically famous cave on the southern Cape coast; visits by researchers and occasional curated tours.
Pinnacle Point Caves
Series of coastal caves and shelters on the cliffed shoreline with evidence of early coastal foraging, shellfish use and advanced stone technology. Key Middle Stone Age sites studied for human coastal adaptations; access controlled for research.
Robberg Peninsula Caves
Coastal sea caves and rock shelters within Robberg Nature Reserve formed in Table Mountain sandstone. Accessible by hiking trails at low tide in places; contain archaeological deposits and offer scenic cliff-top walks and viewpoints.
Stadsaal Caves
Granite amphitheatre and rock-shelter complex with well-preserved San rock art panels. Popular hiking destination in the Cederberg Wilderness Area; broad, shallow caves used historically as shelter and ceremonial sites.
Sudwala Caves
Ancient dolomite cave system with large chambers, stalactites and concrete paths for visitors. Claims among the oldest exposed caves in the region; offers guided tours, adventure routes and interpretive displays on geology and paleontology.
