Surreal Caves To Explore In Cape Town

It may not be immediately apparent when you look up at Cape Town’s Table Mountain, but there are dozens of caves hiding in those vast rock faces. Some are small enough to allow only one person to enter at a time; others open up into vast surreal worlds. Whether you’re looking for a quick surge of adrenaline or that ultimate photo, here are some of the best caves to explore.

Wally’s Cave

Perhaps the most popular cave in Cape Town in recent years, Wally’s Cave on Lion’s Head has seen a flurry of activity, so much so that it goes through intermittent periods of closure in order to ensure the rehabilitation of the pathways leading to this unique lookout point. The main drawcard of this small cave is its stunning framing of Table Mountain: it’s the perfect shot for that Instagram feed of yours.

Watchman’s Cave

Boomslang Cave

This cave, on the False Bay side of the city, offers impressive views and is large enough to elicit a true sense of adventure in anyone who tracks it down. You’ll find it above the suburb of Kalk Bay, and it has two entrances, facing Fish Hoek and Echo Valley respectively. The easiest way to reach Boomslang Cave is to climb up Boyes Drive from Kalk Bay station, following the signs to Echo Valley.

Woodstock Cave

Woodstock Cave is a large, horizontal cave that’s one of the largest on the front side of Table Mountain. It stretches up to 50 metres (164 feet) wide and 15 meters (49 feet) deep, and is situated on Devil’s Peak, high above the suburb of Woodstock. Though the interior is not necessarily the most exciting place to explore, it’s the panoramic views across the city below that make this one of Cape Town’s most popular caves to visit.

Elephant’s Eye

Named Elephant’s Eye because of its shape, which from the right angle reveals something similar to the eye of an elephant, this cave is easy to reach and offers spectacular views. It’s a popular day hike away from Silvermine Nature Reserve, which means it can get busy on good-weather weekends; but it’s a fantastic hike and a superb place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a cool place to shelter from the sun.

Cango Caves

Though a significant distance from Cape Town, the largest and most dramatic caves in the Western Cape, the Cango Caves, are well worth the drive. The caves are in the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, and are a popular addition to a Garden Route road trip. You will need to visit them as part of a guided tour, but the interior is truly one of the most spectacular cave systems you could hope to encounter.

Tartarus Cave

There are two worthwhile caves to explore in the Muizenberg region. Most committed hikers will know about Muizenberg Cave, which is easily accessible and offers great views down over the bay. But if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, keep going until you reach Tartarus Cave. Entrance is via a small hole on the side of Silvermine mountain, and it leads you through to several chambers that you can explore. It’s best to visit the cave with headlamps and in a large group, as there are some parts that are dangerous. Park opposite the Muizenberg shark spotters and keep going past the amphitheatre until you find the small entrance.

Peers Cave

Peers Cave offers great photo opportunities over Noordhoek, and it’s an easy hike starting in the Silvermine parking lot. The walk to the cave shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes, and though it offers limited exploration possibilities, it’s the perfect place from which to enjoy a drink or picnic as you watch the world pass beneath your feet.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.