The Sudwala Caves, nestled in Mpumalanga, South Africa, are a testament to the Earth's ancient history. These caves are set in Precambrian dolomite rock, which was first laid down about 2.8 billion years ago. The caves themselves formed approximately 240 million years ago, making them one of the oldest known cave systems in the world.
Entrance to the Sudwala Caves
Geological Marvels and Formations
The Sudwala Caves are an extensive stretch of caves and crevices, making up part of the Mankelekele Mountain range. They were created by the flow of water which trickled through the soft dolomite rock foundation to create caverns. This process continues to shape the rock today.
The cave system is more than 18 miles (30 kilometers) long, but tourists can only visit about 2,000 feet (600 meters) of the caves. The entire cave system has not yet been explored. Sudwala consists of a series of passages that end in huge rooms.
There are a number of speleothem structures in the cave, known by names such as the "Lowveld Rocket", "Samson's Pillar", and the "Screaming Monster"; some have been dated to 200 million years old. Some of Sudwala’s rooms contain mineral formations that are many millions of years old. Some of the formations hang from the ceiling and are called stalactites. Others stand on the floor and are called stalagmites.
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Many formations resemble strange sculptures. They have been given fanciful names like the Screaming Monster and the Weeping Woman. One formation is called Somquba’s Gong because it reverberates when struck.
Inside the Sudwala Caves
The P.R. Owen Hall
One of the larger rooms is the P.R. Owen Hall, named for the man who bought the surrounding land in the 1960s and opened the caves to tourists. The hall is nearly round, with a diameter of 230 feet (70 meters) and is 121 feet (37 meters) high.
There is a really large hall in the Sudwala Caves. You can even hold small concerts or read lectures about stalactites there. The "Amphitheatre", as it is called, can comfortably accommodate 500 people. It seems that the roof of this grotto goes straight into the starry sky.
The "Miriam Makeba Hall" is a large amphitheatre inside the Sudwala Caves. This chamber was used as a concert hall on a number of occasions, including July 1970, when the Russian singer Ivan Rebroff gave a concert. Concerts were stopped due to vandalism in the caves in 2002, but were started again in 2006. Chris Chameleon performed in the caves with the Drakensberg Boys' Choir as part of the InniBos Arts Festival in 2012. The local Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band also performed in the caves on 10-03-2013 as part of World Bagpipe Day celebrations.
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A Refuge Through the Ages
The Sudwala Caves system has been present for a variety of activity and a history which has left its mark on the dolomite rock formations.
Early Inhabitants
Homo habilis, the most ancient human species, sheltered in the caves about 1.8 million years ago. Grotto the cave dweller, classified as Homo habilis, is also referred to as the “handyman”. The oldest known relative in the Homo ancestral tree, Grotto was believed to make use of stone tools to consume meat. These tools were used for cutting and smashing.
Those which were found within the Sudwala Caves are on display today at the entrance to the caves. The tools have been carbon dated and vary in age from 2.5 million years to a few thousand years B.C. Homo habilis was first discovered in Tanzania by the Leakey family. They discovered segments of a jaw, some teeth, and later metatarsals of feet and hands.
Grotto the cave dweller’s statue was small. On average, the species stood between 3 and 4 ft.
19th Century Conflicts
In the nineteenth century the Sudwala Caves were used by Somquba, the brother of the Swazi heir apparent, as a fortress.When King Sobhuza I of Swaziland died in 1836, his heir was Mswati II, who was still a minor and too young to ascend the vacant throne. A cousin, Paramount Chief Usutfu, was installed as regent, which proved to be a flawed choice. Usutfu was too weak to prevent Mswati's brother Somquba from making an effective bid for the throne by calling an Incwala, or Festival of the First Fruit.
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After a skirmish with Mswati's army near the Mgwenyana River, 9 km west of Barberton, Somquba and his followers fled the area, with some 500 head of Mswati's cattle. They crossed the Crocodile River and settled near the Mankelexele Mountains, between Elandshoek and Schagen, about 10 km from what are now the Sudwala Caves. Somquba sought and received protection from the newly established Boer settlement of Lydenburg.
During the early 1860s Somquba came to know of the Caves, and subsequently, in times of conflict, he and his followers would take refuge there, with their cattle. They stock-piled food and there was plenty of water, so it made a strong refuge. Somquba maintained observation posts, and always kept the cave entrance clear, so that he could retreat there in a hurry.
The principal guardian of the Caves’ entrance was Sudwala (mispronounced from Sidvwaba by the Boers), Somquba's chief inDuna (councillor/captain) and brother, whose name is thus commemorated to this day, and whose spirit is legendarily said to linger in the Caves.
At one time, the ever-persistent regiments of Mswati built a massive bonfire at the entrance, while Somquba and his followers were inside, in an attempt to suffocate them, but the natural airflow in the Caves foiled this attack. Help was sent for and received from a Lydenburg Boer commando, led by one Abel Erasmus. The commando drove off Mswati's regiments, and freed Somquba. Traces of the fire are still visible to this day.
Somquba and his followers used the caves as refuge, until Somquba was killed in an unexpected attack.
Boer War
During the Second Boer War, in 1900, the caves were used by the Boers to store ammunition for their 94-pounder Long Tom guns. A legend arose that the Boers also hid a fortune in gold bullion there, but no gold was ever found.
Modern Tourism
The Sudwalaskraal farm that is home to the caves was purchased in 1965 by Philippus Rudolf Owen, and he opened the caves as a tourist attraction. The Sudwala Caves are a popular tourist attraction in Mpumalanga.
One-hour tours of the cave are run during the day, and a monthly five-hour-long Crystal Tour takes visitors 2000 metres through the cave, with the tour culminating at a chamber that bears aragonite crystals and the Sudwala Star.
Visitor Experience
Visitors consistently praise Sudwala Caves for its fascinating geological formations, knowledgeable guides, and well-maintained facilities. The added attractions like the Dinosaur Park and zip-lining make it a great family destination.
Tours at Sudwala Caves run frequently, usually every 15-20 minutes, so advance booking isn't always necessary for individuals. However, for larger groups or during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to contact them to ensure availability.
Things to Do
- Guided cave tours
- Dinosaur Park
- Zip-lining
- Restaurant dining
Besides the main cave tours, Sudwala Caves offers a fun dinosaur park for kids, thrilling zip-lining adventures with breathtaking views, and a restaurant with great food and service. The zip-lining experience is a major draw, offering an adrenaline rush as you glide over the scenic Mpumalanga landscape. Reviewers describe it as an 'awesome' and 'unforgettable experience' with 'breathtaking views'. The professional and fun staff ensure safety and enjoyment for all participants.
The restaurant at Sudwala Caves offers a range of meals, often with a focus on local South African cuisine. Reviews highlight the quality of the food and the friendly service.
Here’s a summary of the pricing and offerings at Sudwala Caves:
| Activity | Price (ZAR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cave Tour | R140 | Guided tour of the main cave system |
| Dinosaur Park | Varies | Features life-sized dinosaur models |
| Zip-lining | Additional fee | Thrilling zip-lining adventures |
Planning Your Visit
Plan ahead for your visit to Sudwala Caves. Tours run frequently, but booking in advance, especially for larger groups or during peak season, is wise. Check the latest entrance fees and tour times online to avoid surprises.
The Sudwala Caves maintain a constant cool temperature year-round. Pack a light jacket or sweater, even on hot days. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the cave paths and any additional activities like zip-lining.
Getting There
Sudwala Caves are accessible via a well-maintained road. Many visitors drive, and the access road is in excellent condition. It's a scenic drive, making the journey part of the experience.
From Mbombela (Nelspruit), take the R37 towards Lydenburg. Turn off onto the R539 towards Sudwala Caves. Follow the signs. The road is generally in good condition.
Ample parking is available for visitors at Sudwala Caves, making it easy to access the entrance and facilities upon arrival.
The main cave tour involves stairs and uneven terrain, which may be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's best to contact Sudwala Caves directly to discuss specific accessibility concerns.
Exploring Sudwala Caves: Africa’s Oldest Caves | Hidden Wonder of Mpumalanga!
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