Sudwala Caves, Nelspruit: Hours, Address, Sudwala Caves Reviews: 4.5/5
Sudwala Caves
Sudwala Caves
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Sudwala Caves is the oldest known caves in the world and lie in the Drakensberg escarpment.Regular guided tours take you 600 meters in and 150 meters underground. Tours leave every 10 min (approx) and take about 30 minutes.The caves have some amazing formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones and pre cambrian fossils. The most famous formation is the Screaming Monster. This is actually a stalactite that has joined with a stalagmite and has formed a column that is 200 million years old.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Sudwala Caves and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 10 kms
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
595 reviews
Excellent
279
Very good
269
Average
43
Poor
4
Terrible
0
CareneMouton
Johannesburg, South Africa137 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Amazing geological site. Apparently these caves are the oldest in the world. The tour guides are well-informed and hospitable. Would definitely recommend a tour. The restaurant probably has the most beautiful view in the province. Unfortunately, the branding and decor is quite tacky. However, the site is lively and in good condition.
Written 6 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sandra Dickason
7 contributions
Apr 2022
Well worth the time to visit when you in the area. For all age groups. Having a soft serve ice cream at the end of the tour was fabulous.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Leslé
Johannesburg, South Africa6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
So thankful for such an incredible experience. Our guide, Felix was simply the best! He gave spoke to us about the history and formations of the caves in a very interesting and humorous way.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthea H
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
Great family outing and a must-see in the Lowveld. Our guide (Weavil) was fantastic: she was very knowledgeable, well-spoken and enthusiastic and made it an engaging experience for everyone. Highly recommended!
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thabo S
Kempton Park, South Africa83 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
We visited the the Sudwala caves first week of November 2021. The place is quite neat and informative. We enjoyed our visit
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SittoK
Johannesburg, South Africa39 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
The staff was friendly and generous in sharing knowledge. The visit is mostly self-guided, and cam be done at one's on pace. Along the way however, staff members share information that enhances the tour experience. Definitely requires one to be dressed comfortably, and with sturdy shoes. This place is filled with a lot of history and amazing natural wonder.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicola H
Johannesburg, South Africa2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Had a great time at the Sudwala caves as part of my Mpumalanga tour. Amazing to see nature at its best. Our tour guide, Proud was fantastic!
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Phila D
Johannesburg, South Africa1,067 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Such a great experience. The caves are brilliant and the tour's very well done.
Very informative and a great way to spend a few hours if your day when in the area.
Worth the visit, really enjoyable
Very informative and a great way to spend a few hours if your day when in the area.
Worth the visit, really enjoyable
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cjsimplyscraps
Hampstead, NC11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
I’ve
Been to many a cave or caverns in the United States and this was my first trip to Africa and I loved these caves. The best thing is that it was not all the same and there were some colored lights to highlight some areas but a lot of au natural . In the middle of the cave is a sort of stage. We happened to be there while a school was visiting. I spent 40 days in Africa and this was one of my highlights. The school got up on the stage and sang African music. I was in heaven. It was so beautiful inside this beautiful cave with a whole nother world of acoustics! This is a do not miss!
Been to many a cave or caverns in the United States and this was my first trip to Africa and I loved these caves. The best thing is that it was not all the same and there were some colored lights to highlight some areas but a lot of au natural . In the middle of the cave is a sort of stage. We happened to be there while a school was visiting. I spent 40 days in Africa and this was one of my highlights. The school got up on the stage and sang African music. I was in heaven. It was so beautiful inside this beautiful cave with a whole nother world of acoustics! This is a do not miss!
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nasihasurtee
Johannesburg, South Africa11 contributions
Dec 2020
These caves are awe-inspiring and such an amazing experience. A must visit for anyone in the area or passing by. The information boards that were made to adjust during Covid are thoughtful, informative, short and quirky and even the teens enjoyed reading them. The guides and staff were super friendly and eager to answer any questions. Amazing milkshakes can be bought at the restaurant and great views from the deck of the surrounding mountains. Great value and money well spent.
Written 11 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi. The directions say "2km scenic winding road". Is the road to the place accessable with a campervan?
Guy E
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
It's advisable to use the top car park next to the Dinosaur park for larger vehicles. We have large busses that access that carpark so it should be fine for your camper van.
Taahir N
1 contribution
I have a 1 and half year old baby
Would it be possible to take him into the cave
Guy E
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
Hi Taahir. Yes you can take a baby into the caves. It would be best if you carry them because the floor is uneven but i don't see a problem if you used a stroller. You would not be able to access the elevated section of the cave with the stroller but you could carry your baby up the stairs. Please be advised that sections of the cave can be a bit slippery depending on the time of year so wear stout shoes. If you are coming with the baby and stroller please use the top car park. You can then access the cave entrance up a gently sloping path rather than the stairs.
Freda232015
Pretoria, South Africa172 contributions
We are traveling with dogs - is this pet friendly?
ABCDHo
Johannesburg, South Africa64 contributions
The cave is not recommended but all other areas are pet-friendly.
How “ little “ is the stairs to the entrance
Guy E
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
For an able bodied, regular person the stairs are not that challenging. It does have a sturdy handrail and rest benches for those that want to take it more slowly. There is an alternative route via the top car park. This is a gentle slope and is ideal for wheel chair access.
Do you make bookings prior or is it payable on arrival?
Becks J M
Durban, South Africa3 contributions
Hello :)
I have never made a booking before. Just arrived and paid, and waited for the next available tour. I think if you want to do the deeper tour that goes way further into the caves, you have to book in advance. It's their extreme cave crawling tour where you crawl through tiny tunnels and swim through water, etc... But the standard tour doesn't require you to book in advance.
juma2005
Tulln, Austria86 contributions
Is parking safe? We have all our luggage in the car when we are on our way to sabie
Thanks
Guy E
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
Hi. Parking is generally safe. On busy days we have car guards at the first car park. We have had very few incidents of theft at the Sudwala Caves but its always best to follow sensible practice when leaving your car anywhere. I would suggest locking your luggage in the boot of the car and keeping your passport and valuables with you. That being said we have only had two cases of B&E vehicle theft since 1967 so i think its quite safe.
oferta10
Tel Aviv, Israel239 contributions
Hi
We are 2 adults that intend to visit Sudwala caves and the Dinosaur park.
Can you advice how many time should we consider to each one of them?
Guy E
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
Hi. Our guided tours leave every 15 minutes and take approximately 45 minutes each. I would allocate 60 minutes for the cave and 30 minutes for the dinosaur park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sudwala Caves
- Sudwala Caves is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Sudwala Caves tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Sudwala Caves tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Sudwala Caves:
- (15.95 km) Caracal Lodge
- (15.63 km) Kilmorna Manor
- (8.95 km) Crocodile Nest B&B
- (13.09 km) Panorama Guest Farm
- (8.73 km) Die Rots Guesthouse
- Attractions near Sudwala Caves:
- (0.00 km) Mankele Mountain BIke Park
- (2.30 km) Sudwala Dinosaur Park
- (8.99 km) Joubert en Seuns Padstal