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.
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LinnyWilliams
Benoni, South Africa30 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
I battled to find a review comparing the two caves before our trip, so here is a review of Echo Caves vs Sudwala caves.
Our family recently enjoyed a trip to both the Echo caves and then the Sudwala caves. My opinion is that both are worth a visit. I am, however, glad that we visited Echo caves first.
There are quite a few steps leading up to the entrance of the cave, but not too bad if you take your time. The entrance fee was a little cheaper than Sudwala and the caves themselves are very dusty and dark. We were all covered in a layer of brown earth when we left. The kids really enjoyed the visit. I was worried about managing tight spaces, but found the caves to be easy going, only a few low areas, no narrow areas. The 90 or so steps at the end were a bit of a climb, but we all managed, even the elderly lady in our group. I have noticed a few comments about the tour guides passing a tip book around at the end with inflated figures, and this was our experience as well. I didn’t write in the book, but did tip the guide an amount I thought reasonable.
I have heard people say the Sudwala caves are more ‘commercial’, however, I found them to be very impressive. The caves are sprayed down to minimise dust and had a lovely damp smell. I found them to be much larger than Echo caves, I was amazed by the scale and grandeur. The lighting was done beautifully, and the tour guide was both knowledgable and considerate, shining his torch to help guide our path and answering any questions we had. Once again no tight spaces, only a couple low areas.. but nothing hectic. The guides also expect a tip - with a subtle tip box at the end of the tour, but our guy was so knowledgeable and helpful, that everyone gave gladly.
In summary both are well worth visiting, but I would defiantly recommend visiting Echo caves first, then ‘upscaling’ to Sudwala.
If you have younger kids with you (6 and under), then they would really enjoy a visit to the Dinosaur Park (next-door to the caves), and there is also a Butterfly garden with free entrance. We also had a lovely lunch at the restaurant.
Our family recently enjoyed a trip to both the Echo caves and then the Sudwala caves. My opinion is that both are worth a visit. I am, however, glad that we visited Echo caves first.
There are quite a few steps leading up to the entrance of the cave, but not too bad if you take your time. The entrance fee was a little cheaper than Sudwala and the caves themselves are very dusty and dark. We were all covered in a layer of brown earth when we left. The kids really enjoyed the visit. I was worried about managing tight spaces, but found the caves to be easy going, only a few low areas, no narrow areas. The 90 or so steps at the end were a bit of a climb, but we all managed, even the elderly lady in our group. I have noticed a few comments about the tour guides passing a tip book around at the end with inflated figures, and this was our experience as well. I didn’t write in the book, but did tip the guide an amount I thought reasonable.
I have heard people say the Sudwala caves are more ‘commercial’, however, I found them to be very impressive. The caves are sprayed down to minimise dust and had a lovely damp smell. I found them to be much larger than Echo caves, I was amazed by the scale and grandeur. The lighting was done beautifully, and the tour guide was both knowledgable and considerate, shining his torch to help guide our path and answering any questions we had. Once again no tight spaces, only a couple low areas.. but nothing hectic. The guides also expect a tip - with a subtle tip box at the end of the tour, but our guy was so knowledgeable and helpful, that everyone gave gladly.
In summary both are well worth visiting, but I would defiantly recommend visiting Echo caves first, then ‘upscaling’ to Sudwala.
If you have younger kids with you (6 and under), then they would really enjoy a visit to the Dinosaur Park (next-door to the caves), and there is also a Butterfly garden with free entrance. We also had a lovely lunch at the restaurant.
Written 24 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
devenigma
Johannesburg, South Africa153 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
We visited the Sudwala Caves when we were staying in Hazyview, at the Kruger Park Lodge.
These marvellous caves can only be explored along with a guide as informed by the reception staff there. We opted for the 45 min tour (charged at R90 p.p.) which required walking, within the cave) for about 1.5 kms max. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of useful information about the various naturally formed structures (stalactites and stalagmites). It was really astonishing to see the 100-200 million year old natural sculptures. She also told us about the history of the cave and interesting tidbits, e.g., the temperature inside is consistently 17 degrees all the time, music concerts have taken place in the amphitheater area and the finishing point of the annual Sudwala Screaming Monster Half Marathon is inside the caves.
There is also a 5-hour Crystal Tour for the adventure seekers but only adults are allowed here.
Totally different kind of family adventure; thoroughly enjoyed it.
These marvellous caves can only be explored along with a guide as informed by the reception staff there. We opted for the 45 min tour (charged at R90 p.p.) which required walking, within the cave) for about 1.5 kms max. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of useful information about the various naturally formed structures (stalactites and stalagmites). It was really astonishing to see the 100-200 million year old natural sculptures. She also told us about the history of the cave and interesting tidbits, e.g., the temperature inside is consistently 17 degrees all the time, music concerts have taken place in the amphitheater area and the finishing point of the annual Sudwala Screaming Monster Half Marathon is inside the caves.
There is also a 5-hour Crystal Tour for the adventure seekers but only adults are allowed here.
Totally different kind of family adventure; thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written 21 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liyah
Dubai, United Arab Emirates100 contributions
May 2019 • Family
What a beautiful tour/place our guide Excellence knew his history and made it a exciting experience. Looking forward to coming again for the Crystal hike.
Written 2 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An3 Theyse
Pretoria, South Africa660 contributions
May 2016 • Family
Sudwala Caves is a must! The guides are well trained with a vast range of knowledge which they are eager to share with you. Our guide was Owen & we enjoyed his humor tremendously. What a funny guy!
Stalagmites & other amazing formations await you deep inside the caves. It's an experience nobody will forget. And very interesting for both young & old alike. The tour takes around an hour to complete. Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. The walking surface is a bit uneven.
The caves are well lit inside & not dark at all.
Afterwards you can buy some curios, snacks, stickers etc at the shop. Very reasonably priced.
Treat yourself to the Fish Spa. The most relaxing experience!
Remember your camera.
Stalagmites & other amazing formations await you deep inside the caves. It's an experience nobody will forget. And very interesting for both young & old alike. The tour takes around an hour to complete. Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. The walking surface is a bit uneven.
The caves are well lit inside & not dark at all.
Afterwards you can buy some curios, snacks, stickers etc at the shop. Very reasonably priced.
Treat yourself to the Fish Spa. The most relaxing experience!
Remember your camera.
Written 2 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alrentia V
Rayton, South Africa147 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
I have not visited the caves since being a very young child and doing so again brought back so many memories. The guide was really well informed and we enjoyed all his comments. The only down side is that unfortunately that there is always people/children misbehaving. It is difficult to describe everything that you see but take along your camera and take a lot of photos. Back at home you will enjoy looking at the caves again an re-live all those moments again. This was a wonderful visit and we will do this again
Written 1 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janita R
Benoni, South Africa25 contributions
Jul 2013
My day at the sudwala caves was beautiful,with breathe taking views. The tour into the caves was very informative,the guides had good knowledge and a good sense of humour that made it even more fun. Moneys worth definitely.
Written 22 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trippinglife
Mwanza30 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Friendly and helpful staff. Premises in and around the Caves very clean. Enjoyable and funny tour guide. The caves as always is breathtaking. Make sure to also visit the "fish pond" just outside the cave entrance, where you can have your feet exfoliated by a bunch of fish. Very ticklish but really enjoyed every moment of it.
Written 8 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SilverstoneLodge
Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland)1 contribution
Being Swazi I enjoyed the history! I have been about 4 times and I don't get tired of going. Also, it is a great place for Swazi's to take foreign travelers as it is not far.
Written 10 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tonymottian
Durban, South Africa46 contributions
Apr 2012 • Family
One of the attractions to visit in Mpumalanga, South Africa is the Sudwala Caves in the small town of Sabie. It is on the route to the Kruger National Park. The road from the entrance to the caves is long and steep. The walk up to the ticket office is equally challenging. The ticket are reasonably priced. After joining a tour group we went along with a guide. There are many interesting rock formations and good explanations are offered. The floors are wet and slippery therefore proper shoes are recommended. It is also extremely dark when the lights are switched off. There are more adventurous tours on offer that requires crawling through narrow tunnels. Outside the caves after the tour there are other attractions. An area to place your legs in pool of water while small fish nibble at your feet. I decided not to have fish and walked further on to the dinosaur park. A ticket is required. There are life size dinosaur replicas in a forest setting. Great fun for the kids. It looks like "Jurassic park". There are restaurants and curio sellers at the gates of the caves.
The other areas to visit while in Sabie are the waterfalls. A long drive on a dusty and rocky road goes to Bridal Veil Falls. A nice hike to the base of the falls. In the vicinity is the Lone Creek and Horseshoe Falls. People were playing in the pools at the bottom of the water falls. The area has cool fresh air. There are several logging factories on the way to these falls. It was an interesting and enjoyable visit to these places.
The other areas to visit while in Sabie are the waterfalls. A long drive on a dusty and rocky road goes to Bridal Veil Falls. A nice hike to the base of the falls. In the vicinity is the Lone Creek and Horseshoe Falls. People were playing in the pools at the bottom of the water falls. The area has cool fresh air. There are several logging factories on the way to these falls. It was an interesting and enjoyable visit to these places.
Written 13 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miguel Rombe
Maputo, Mozambique36 contributions
Nov 2019
It is a combination of natural beauty and an historical discovery mostly about Swazi people and their country. Good for all ages
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. The directions say "2km scenic winding road". Is the road to the place accessable with a campervan?
Written 19 June 2019
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.
Written 19 June 2019
I have a 1 and half year old baby
Would it be possible to take him into the cave
Written 21 February 2019
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.
Written 21 February 2019
We are traveling with dogs - is this pet friendly?
Written 7 July 2018
The cave is not recommended but all other areas are pet-friendly.
Written 23 July 2018
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.
Written 26 January 2018
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.
Written 17 December 2017
Is parking safe? We have all our luggage in the car when we are on our way to sabie
Thanks
Written 16 August 2017
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.
Written 16 August 2017
Hi. The cost of the tour is: R95 for adults, R80 for Pensioners, R50 for kids under 16 and free for kids under 4. You can find more information on our website
Written 25 July 2017
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?
Written 4 March 2017
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.
Written 5 March 2017
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