If you’re visiting the Mpumalanga province, don’t miss the opportunity to go caving at the Sudwala Caves, the oldest caves in the world.

Although the caves were formed over a period of some 3 000-million years, they’ve only been accessible to the public since the 1960s. Early human ancestors, Homo Habilis, however, lived and worked in part of the caves some 1.8-million years ago. See the display of their early tools at the caves' entrance.

You don't need to be an expert caver, athlete or expert at anything when you go caving at Sudwala. All you need are your legs and a sense of wonder. As you begin the one-hour Cave Tour, your guide will tell you that in these awesome caves are fossils of collenia, the first oxygen-producing plants on Earth.

You'll venture 600m into the caves and travel 150m underground. You won't feel claustrophobic because the central chamber of the cavern complex – 70m in diameter and 37m high – is as big as a 500-seater concert hall! To this day, no-one has discovered the source of the steady stream of fresh air which keeps the chamber's temperature at a constant 17º Celsius.

Your guide will point out fantastic natural sculptures and rock formations which adorn the grand cavern. Look out for the 150-million-year-old stalactite/stalagmite column The Lowveld Rocket or the 160-million-year-old Screaming Monster – mere youngsters compared to the venerable 200-million-year-old Samsons Pillar.

Adventurous and don't mind getting wet? Then opt for the 6-hour Crystal Cave Tour. You must be over 16, have average agility and not suffer from claustrophobia or any serious health problems. Then walk, scramble, wriggle and climb around the oldest caves in the world – now that's something to write home about.

TRAVEL TIPS & PLANNING INFO

WHO TO CONTACT

Sudwala Caves
Tel: +27 (0)13 733 4152
Cell: +27 (0)79 205 1688 or +27 (0)83 446 0228
Email: info@sudwalacaves.co.za

HOW TO GET HERE

From Johannesburg take the N4 to Nelspruit (Mbombela). About 35km before Nelspruit take the R539 to Sabie. The Sudwala Caves are 8km along this road.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The caves are open daily from 8.30am to 4pm.

AROUND THE AREA

Mpumalanga's scenic attractions include the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a cluster of gorgeous waterfalls, the Kruger National Park and much more.

TOURS TO DO

The Cave Tour or the Crystal Tour.

GET AROUND

On foot. On the Cave Tour the going is easy but it can get slippery in places, so take care. On the Crystal Tour you’ll crawl, wriggle, scramble and climb.

WHAT WILL IT COST

The Cave Tour: adults (over 16) R80; pensioners (over 60) R65; children (5 to 15) R40; children under 5 free. The Crystal Tour: R280 per person.

LENGTH OF STAY

The Cave Tour takes an hour. The Crystal Tour six hours.

WHAT TO PACK

For the Crystal Tour pack old clothes and comfortable boots or shoes with a strong grip. Avoid jeans as they are cumbersome when wet. Bring your own torch, a towel and change of clothes.

From: South Africa Tourism Site