We set out early along the Swartberg Pass, planning to make our way to Cape Town with a quick detour at Peter Bayly Wines, one of Raymond’s favourites. As it turns out, the route there goes straight past the Cango Caves, and we couldn’t resist the chance to explore.
This was during the height of COVID-19, so numbers were limited. We lucked out and managed to snag a booking right when we arrived. It felt like we had the caverns practically to ourselves, which made it extra special. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by dramatic rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites that must’ve taken millions of years to form. It’s humbling to think of how much remains undiscovered beneath our feet.
The caves can usually feel pretty busy, so having fewer people around allowed us to linger and appreciate the details. Soft lighting in the chambers highlighted each limestone curve, and our guide shared interesting tidbits about the caves’ discovery. Standing there, we were reminded how much beauty South Africa holds, often in places we least expect.
Exploring the deeper chambers, we marvelled at the natural acoustics of the caves. Our guide demonstrated how sound carried through the vast space, making it easy to understand why concerts were once held in the largest chamber, known as the Cathedral. The eerie echoes of our footsteps only added to the atmosphere, making us feel like true explorers uncovering a hidden world beneath the earth.
If you’re ever driving the Swartberg Pass or exploring the Little Karoo, I’d suggest pairing a stop at the Cango Caves with any local gem that interests you. Even if your main goal is somewhere else, these little detours can be the best part of the adventure. We left the caves feeling grateful, amazed, and ready to tackle the rest of the road, wine bottles and all.
With the caves behind us, we continued toward Peter Bayly Wines. The vineyards, tucked away in a secluded valley, felt like the perfect contrast to the rugged underground beauty we had just experienced. Sometimes, the best experiences aren’t the ones we meticulously plan but rather the ones we stumble upon when we take a moment to pause and explore.
