The Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves
Mbombela – The Sudwala Caves is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world who are looking for things to do near Nelspruit. The caves are known to be the oldest caves in the world and are said to be more than 240 million years old.
Sudwala Caves history
In prehistoric times the caves were used as shelter by the Swazi tribes in times of war. The cave was initially discovered by Somquba, one of the sons of the Swazi king Sobhuza who was fleeing from his brother at that time. He and his followers used the cave as a refuge until Somquba was killed.
During the Second Boer War in the early 1900’s, the Boers used the caves to store ammunition and some people believe that President Paul Kruger stored the Kruger Millions in the caves. The Kruger Millions were Paul Kruger’s gold bullion which disappeared somewhere between Waterval Onder and Nelspruit while Kruger was travelling.
The Sudwala Caves were also used to excavate huge amounts of bat guano that was sold as fertilizer to farmers back in 1914. Today the Sudwalaskraal farm that is home to the caves is the property of Philippus Rudolf Owen, and it was he who opened the caves as a tourist attraction.
A once in a lifetime experience
The major chamber in the Sudwala Caves is sometimes used as an amphitheater and is 70m in diameter and 37m high with a constant temperature of 17°C. This natural amphitheater has seen many great performers such as Russian singer Ivan Rebroff, Chris Chameleon and the prestigious Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. What makes this chamber so unique is the unbelievable, natural acoustic it lends to the performances. When standing outside the caves, one cannot even hear what is taking place inside the caves.
The rest of the cave is filled with a number of calcium structures which are individually named. Some names include the Lowveld Rocket, Samson’s Pillar and the Screaming Monster which dates back 200 million years.
Activities at Sudwala caves
The caves are open daily for tours so that all can enjoy the caving experience. Visitors of all ages can venture on a cave dwelling tour. For those who are a bit claustrophobic, the caves are well-illuminated with fresh air flowing throughout. A tour through the Sudwala Caves is a great way to experience something unique and learn about amazing rock formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and flow-stones.
If you feel like a challenge, why not get a group of friends together and do the crystal tour. This tour takes you into a separate excursion that leads 2000 meters into the caves to a layer of crystals. It is advisable to dress in old clothes. You will crawl through mud, water, tunnels and even moderately difficult obstacles. You will not have more fun in a cave ever again! The 5 hour long Crystal Tour takes place once a month and bookings are required.
Other activities at the Sudwala Caves include the Sudwala Dinosaur Park, a pre-historic themed park with life-sized dinosaur models placed in various spots of the park. The Dinosaur Park makes a great outing for kids as it is exciting and educational at the same time. Take a stroll through the park and get a better look at the sheer enormity of these prehistoric animals. Cost of entry to the Dinosaur Park is between R30 and R50. Also on the premises are restaurants, coffee shops and kiosk stores.
The Sudwala Caves is also home to Mpumalanga’s first Garra Rufa Fish Spa. The fish are known for their gentle habit of nibbling away at the dead skin on one’s feet (and only the dead skin). The fish at the spa come from Singapore. The spa is situated outside and looks over the beautiful valley below. Why not try something a little different…
Getting there
The Sudwala Caves are situated about 25 minutes from Nelspruit just off the N4 to Johannesburg. Drive out of Nelspruit on the N4 towards JHB, turn right onto the R539 and continue for another 8km. Signage is visible from the side of the road and shows visitors where to turn right to the caves.
Times
The Caves are open daily from 8h30 to 16h30. A standard tour is about one hour long. It is recommended that visitors consult the booking office when arriving to find out when the next tour will start. Crystal tours take place on the first Saturday of each month however should you wish to do the Crystal tour on another day (minimum 5 people), this can be arranged beforehand by contacting the Sudwala Caves.
Rates (2017)
Entry fees are R95 for adults, R80 for pensioners, R50 for children under the age of 16 years and kids under 5 years of age enter for free. The Crystal tour is R450 per person R200 deposit required and groups of 10 or more will receive discount. The fish spa R55 per person for 30 mins
For more information contact 083 446 0228 / 0792051688 or e-mail us info@sudwalacaves.co.za