How did the Cango Caves form?

The Cango Caves were formed over millions of years, as underground water seeped into limestone rock and gradually dissolved it. This created gaps in the rock, which became caves as the process continued. Eventually a large system of tunnels and chambers was created.

Why are the Cango Caves special?

The Cango Caves boasts a number of pioneering firsts: It’s South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction. The first tour was conducted in 1891 and it’s been a favourite tourist attraction ever since. It was the first to be protected by environmental legislation.

How old is the Cango Caves?

The 20 million year-old Cango Caves system consists of a series of hidden chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. It is situated in the Swartberg Mountains, 30 kilometres north of Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.

Which is the largest cave in South Africa?

The Cango Caves
The Cango Caves, near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, is one of the longest and largest cave systems in the world.

Is Cango Caves natural or human made?

The Cango Caves were formed by natural processes over millions of years. Rainwater flowed through small cracks in the limestone rock of the area. The limestone dissolved in the water as it flowed out. This caused spaces to appear.

What is the meaning of Cango?

Acronym. Definition. CANGO. Coordinating Assembly of Non Governmental Organizations.

Who discovered Cango Caves?

Jacobus Van Zyl
The caves were rediscovered in modern times in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl. The chamber he first was lowered down into was found to be as long as a football field, and is named Van Zyl Hall in his honor. Further exploration was done and a second chamber discovered in 1792.

Who lived in the Cango Caves?

Groups of Khoekhoe and San people may have lived in the caves thousands of years ago. Tourists began visiting the Cango Caves soon after the caves were discovered. The visitors see only about a quarter of the cave system, which stretches for more than 3 miles (5 kilometers).

When was the Cango Caves Discovered?

1780
A local farmer, Jacobus van Zyl, discovered the Cango Caves in 1780. There are signs that people have known about the caves for much longer, however. Groups of Khoekhoe and San people may have lived in the caves thousands of years ago. Tourists began visiting the Cango Caves soon after the caves were discovered.