The Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn reopened on Friday, September 11, following a six-month closure due to lockdown regulations.

The attraction – which draws around 250 000 tourists a year, of which more than half are international visitors – is a key contributor to the Klein Karoo and Garden Route economy.

A number of safety protocols have been introduced to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Heritage Tour – which traditionally catered for up to 100 people per tour – will now be limited to 20 people, with tours departing every 15 minutes. The Adventure Tour – which takes visitors through narrow passages and tunnels – has been suspended until further notice.

Sanitising stations are available throughout the complex and visitors and staff must wear masks. Electronic temperature screening and sanitising will take place at the entrance to the complex.

“As far as we know this is the first time since opening in the late 1900s that the Cango Caves has closed for such a long period. While we are looking forward to opening our doors to welcome tourists again, we are well aware of the importance of protecting the safety of both the Cango Caves employees as well as our visitors.

“We are also aware of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economy, locally, nationally as well as internationally. This means that we are unlikely to experience as strong a flow of visitors as we saw prior to the pandemic, for the next 18 months,” said Alison Moos, Acting Manager of the Cango Caves.