Sudwala Caves
Sudwala Caves
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Sudwala Caves is the oldest known caves in the world and lie in the Drakensberg escarpment.Regular guided tours take you 600 meters in and 150 meters underground. Tours leave every 10 min (approx) and take about 30 minutes.The caves have some amazing formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones and pre cambrian fossils. The most famous formation is the Screaming Monster. This is actually a stalactite that has joined with a stalagmite and has formed a column that is 200 million years old.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
616 reviews
Excellent
293
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dhali16
Cuggiono, Italy3 253 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Considered one of the main attractions of Mpumalanga, the Sudwala Caves offer all guests a user-friendly “caving” experience. The tours are informative and fun, suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities. Even claustrophobic guests feel comfortable in the huge, well-lit caverns, with fresh air flowing from a mysterious source.
There is also a part with panoramic zip lines.
We had lunch at the restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the valley below but terrible service. Despite repeating the order twice, they brought us 4 adult portions of fish and chips (instead of 2 adults and 2 kids), and after 45 minutes of waiting (there were only 3 tables occupied).
Cost: adults 110ransld children (over 6 years) 60rand (payment in cash only)
There is also a part with panoramic zip lines.
We had lunch at the restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the valley below but terrible service. Despite repeating the order twice, they brought us 4 adult portions of fish and chips (instead of 2 adults and 2 kids), and after 45 minutes of waiting (there were only 3 tables occupied).
Cost: adults 110ransld children (over 6 years) 60rand (payment in cash only)
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanguiG
Sandton, South Africa86 contributions
Nov 2020
I was in awe of this magnificent work of nature, such wide and high spaces in some parts that you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a cathedral and not a cave. They have an amphitheatre in there!! what?!.... So glad we visited. Only disappointment was that the neighbouring Butterfly park at the entrance had released the butterflies so there was not much to see there. Awesome gift shops and hilarious guides make the experience informative and unforgettable. There's a steep set of steps from the parking lot to the cave entrance but after that, the rest is manageable even for an adventurous 3-year-old. Strategic lighting all over the caves make the place easy to navigate and great signage gives you some history if you would prefer to walk around without a guide.
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evaemau
Naples, Italy1 451 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The Sudwala Caves are ancient caves formed about 240 million years ago and are among the oldest caves in the world. For
visit them you have to go down about 500/600 meters below
land and the visit lasts 1 hour. It is open from 8.30 - 16.30 and costs about 6.00 euros. Highly recommended
visit them you have to go down about 500/600 meters below
land and the visit lasts 1 hour. It is open from 8.30 - 16.30 and costs about 6.00 euros. Highly recommended
Automatically translated
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjsimplyscraps
Hampstead, NC11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
I’ve
Been to many a cave or caverns in the United States and this was my first trip to Africa and I loved these caves. The best thing is that it was not all the same and there were some colored lights to highlight some areas but a lot of au natural . In the middle of the cave is a sort of stage. We happened to be there while a school was visiting. I spent 40 days in Africa and this was one of my highlights. The school got up on the stage and sang African music. I was in heaven. It was so beautiful inside this beautiful cave with a whole nother world of acoustics! This is a do not miss!
Been to many a cave or caverns in the United States and this was my first trip to Africa and I loved these caves. The best thing is that it was not all the same and there were some colored lights to highlight some areas but a lot of au natural . In the middle of the cave is a sort of stage. We happened to be there while a school was visiting. I spent 40 days in Africa and this was one of my highlights. The school got up on the stage and sang African music. I was in heaven. It was so beautiful inside this beautiful cave with a whole nother world of acoustics! This is a do not miss!
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan B
11 contributions
Nov 2022
The drive alone to the caves was so beautiful and scenic! My husband and I did the Sudwala cave tour November 2022. We had a wonderful experience with the tour, that gave us enough time to learn about the dolomite cave, it's formations, and past inhabitants. Our tour guide was highly knowledgeable. The caves themselves were beautiful and we took excellent photos. If we had time we would have zip lined, because the outside of the caves was as beautiful as the inside.
The staff inside and outside of the gift shop were friendly. We stopped to get some snacks before our drive back to Johannesburg.
Would recommend for any age or group.
The staff inside and outside of the gift shop were friendly. We stopped to get some snacks before our drive back to Johannesburg.
Would recommend for any age or group.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kobus
Sasolburg, South Africa205 contributions
Jun 2023
The reception is friendly and fast. Entry fees are reasonable. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience to see the caves, bring easy walking shoes! The curio shop has interesting items and the restaurant has fast food and beer! Well worth the trip. Drive carefully up and down the mountain road, as it can be narrow at some areas.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lungi N
Durban, South Africa71 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
The Sudwala Caves are worth a visit. There seem to be two entrances- coming from the caves parking you can go up a very steep climb up stairs or from the parking at the dinosaur park you can take gentle, leisurely walk with amazing views. Due to Covid regulations they no longer offer guided tours so you do a self guided walk but there are plenty of tour guides located around the caves who share interesting information. Inside it is very spacious and there is a lot to wonder and marvel at and learn about. The time will fly past without you realising it.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mpumi711
Cape Town, South Africa22 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This was my second time and it is still one of the best tourist attractions. You get to see the beauty of nature and are educated at the same time. The guided tours are always great and it would be a pity if these are discontinued. In addition the zip line and the magnificent viewing sites make it a gem of a site. Will definitely come back again.
You can take toddlers in, which is always a plus for parents with toddlers.
You can take toddlers in, which is always a plus for parents with toddlers.
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CareneMouton
Johannesburg, South Africa158 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Amazing geological site. Apparently these caves are the oldest in the world. The tour guides are well-informed and hospitable. Would definitely recommend a tour. The restaurant probably has the most beautiful view in the province. Unfortunately, the branding and decor is quite tacky. However, the site is lively and in good condition.
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SittoK
Johannesburg, South Africa41 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
The staff was friendly and generous in sharing knowledge. The visit is mostly self-guided, and cam be done at one's on pace. Along the way however, staff members share information that enhances the tour experience. Definitely requires one to be dressed comfortably, and with sturdy shoes. This place is filled with a lot of history and amazing natural wonder.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. The directions say "2km scenic winding road". Is the road to the place accessable with a campervan?
Written 19 June 2019
It's advisable to use the top car park next to the Dinosaur park for larger vehicles. We have large busses that access that carpark so it should be fine for your camper van.
Written 19 June 2019
I have a 1 and half year old baby
Would it be possible to take him into the cave
Written 21 February 2019
Hi Taahir. Yes you can take a baby into the caves. It would be best if you carry them because the floor is uneven but i don't see a problem if you used a stroller. You would not be able to access the elevated section of the cave with the stroller but you could carry your baby up the stairs. Please be advised that sections of the cave can be a bit slippery depending on the time of year so wear stout shoes. If you are coming with the baby and stroller please use the top car park. You can then access the cave entrance up a gently sloping path rather than the stairs.
Written 21 February 2019
We are traveling with dogs - is this pet friendly?
Written 7 July 2018
The cave is not recommended but all other areas are pet-friendly.
Written 23 July 2018
For an able bodied, regular person the stairs are not that challenging. It does have a sturdy handrail and rest benches for those that want to take it more slowly. There is an alternative route via the top car park. This is a gentle slope and is ideal for wheel chair access.
Written 26 January 2018
Hello :)
I have never made a booking before. Just arrived and paid, and waited for the next available tour. I think if you want to do the deeper tour that goes way further into the caves, you have to book in advance. It's their extreme cave crawling tour where you crawl through tiny tunnels and swim through water, etc... But the standard tour doesn't require you to book in advance.
Written 17 December 2017
Is parking safe? We have all our luggage in the car when we are on our way to sabie
Thanks
Written 16 August 2017
Hi. Parking is generally safe. On busy days we have car guards at the first car park. We have had very few incidents of theft at the Sudwala Caves but its always best to follow sensible practice when leaving your car anywhere. I would suggest locking your luggage in the boot of the car and keeping your passport and valuables with you. That being said we have only had two cases of B&E vehicle theft since 1967 so i think its quite safe.
Written 16 August 2017
Hi. The cost of the tour is: R95 for adults, R80 for Pensioners, R50 for kids under 16 and free for kids under 4. You can find more information on our website
Written 25 July 2017
Hi
We are 2 adults that intend to visit Sudwala caves and the Dinosaur park.
Can you advice how many time should we consider to each one of them?
Written 4 March 2017
Hi. Our guided tours leave every 15 minutes and take approximately 45 minutes each. I would allocate 60 minutes for the cave and 30 minutes for the dinosaur park.
Written 5 March 2017
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