Caving
So what exactly is caving? Also called spelunking, it involves exploring an untouched subterranean world, and discovering natural beauty in rock formations millions of years old.
Because the eco-system of caves is so fragile, extreme care has to be taken to ensure the preservation of these uniquely beautiful areas. When experts discover caves, they use special safety equipment; however most of the caves available to the public are safe and can be enjoyed at any skill level, although if you’re claustrophobic it might not be the activity for you!
We’ve made a list of some of the most impressive and unique caves around the world to make your next holiday a little different.
Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, South Africa
Situated in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains and only 28 km from the town of Oudtshoorn are the Cango Caves which were first formed 20 million years ago. Specially illuminated paths, allow for better viewing, while helping to create a temperate climate inside the caves of 18 degrees Celsius.
Tours are led through the caves, and although not all of it is open to the public to help preserve them, you can still view a good amount and see some of the largest stalagmite formations in the world.
The Arnhem Caves, Windhoek, Namibia
Located only 85 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport, and just 124km from the town of Windhoek, the Arnhem caves are a good first stop in Namibia. Named after the Dutch city, Arnhem, they appeal to both novices as well as experienced cavers, as so much can be seen in its natural state.
You are also able to see many species of bats close up in their natural environment, and guano (bat dung) was mined from this area for many years (although not now) due to the high levels of nitrogen, used to make explosives and fertilisers. To explore the caves, make sure you wear sturdy shoes, and take a torch and dust mask so that you can fully enjoy the experience.
Waitomo Caves, Hamilton, New Zealand
Just an hour from Hamilton you will find the Glow Worm caves, in the small township of Waitomo. This type of glow worm, only found in New Zealand, provides natural light to see the limestone caverns, the guided tour, taken in a small boat, takes 45 minutes in total.
While you are in the area, you should also try your hand at Black Water Rafting, an adventure unique to New Zealand. Also called Cave tubing, you will float down the river, and through some caves in an inner tube (the type usually found on the inside of a tyre!)
Cueva del Gato (Cave of the Cat), Malaga, Spain
The name of this cave comes from its entrance way which is said to look like a cat’s head. The entrance is as far as you are allowed to go without official permission, but El Gato is a lovely walk to this impressive cave entrance.
Just 120-140 km from Malaga, the general area is easily accessible with a car, however, to gain access beyond the entrance way, you do require an experienced guide, due to the difficult nature of the caving.
Ape Cave, Gifford Pinchot National Park, USA
Although you may think by looking at the name of this cave, that it may resemble the beast of the same name, this is actually not the case. Accidentally discovered by a logger who almost drove his tractor into it, Ape Cave is named after its first explorers, a local Boy Scout Group, the Mt St Helen’s Apes.
Located in Gifford Pinchot National Park, near Mt St Helens, it is famous for its continuous lava tubes, which are caused by the molten volcanic river cooling. This particular lava tube is among the longest in the United States. The Mt St Helen’s region is also very popular amongst sightseers. It is very dark in the cave, so if you wish to venture in, remember to take a good torch with you.
Callao Caves, Cagayan, Philippines
Situated in the province of Cagayan, this beautiful seven chamber cave is a major tourist spot for this provincial area. Among its features, is a natural cathedral in the first chamber, which has since been turned into a chapel by the locals.
A 20-30 minute drive from Tuguegarao, this breathtaking natural feature is said to have been used by the Japanese Occupational forces as a camp during World War 2. Flying from Manila, this region can be reached, with flights leaving several times per week.
Werfen Ice Caves, Salzburg, Austria
Travel to the region that made “The Sound of Music” a household name and discover that there is more to this beautiful area than you think. Home of the largest ice caves in the world, the small town of Werfen, just 40km from Salzburg is definitely worth a look.
You can also take a ride on the steepest cable car in Austria, which allows you to see gorgeous panoramic views of the valley below. Although the cave extends 42 km into the mountainside, only the first kilometre, encrusted in ice, is open to the public. You can choose to explore the cave either by yourself or with a guide but remember to bring a warm coat!
Yucatan caves, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula’s Riviera Maya is supposedly one of the best places in the world for cave diving, as there are few places in the world with as many underwater caves as here. Just south of the Playa Del Carmen region, this is a challenging cave dive but well worth it, and you have the benefit of crystal clear water.
Although you do have to take a certified cave diving course first to be able to do this, this underwater experience can be seen by all skill levels of divers and experienced diver guides will help you get the most out of this amazing experience.
