5 captivating coastal caves in the Western Cape Posted by Anita Froneman on 10 June 2020 Caves are magnificent and mysterious at the same time. The Western Cape has various beautiful caves by the sea that visitors can explore. Sea caves are formed by mechanical erosion through ocean waves breaking directly on a rock cliff, rather than the chemical solution process that is responsible for the majority of inland caves, according to Britannica. Here are 5 caves worth remembering when planning your post-lockdown hiking adventures. 1. Klipgat Caves, Gansbaai View this post on Instagram If you need me, I’ll be in my cave. #vacationisover #justgotback #tear #klipgatcaves #hermanus #overstrand #westerncape #southafrica #backtoreality #wanderlust #livingthathermitlife A post shared by Monica Nicole (@doodersmama) on Feb 24, 2020 at 12:30pm PST These caves were home to humans from 80,000 years ago, according to SAVenues. The area is also believed to have housed people during the Middle Stone Age and eventually the Khoisan from the Late Stone Age, according to Grootbos. From here you have a stunning view of Walker Bay and may very likely spot some whales. 2. Waenhuiskrans Cave, Arniston View this post on Instagram ‘Finding paradise wherever I go.” Featuring → @badylird. . It goes without saying that when visiting Waenhuiskrans, the Waenhuiskrans Cave is a must-see. You’ll be able to see this beautiful sea view only at low tied, make sure you time it just right. __________________________________________ Experience the true essence, beauty and diversity that South Africa has to offer with @jarattours, connect with us and together let’s plan your perfect South African getaway. (Link in bio). A post shared by Jarat Tours (@jarattours) on Feb 18, 2020 at 9:00pm PST The name, meaning ‘wagon house cliff’ in Afrikaans comes from the idea that the cave is so large, it could have fit an ox wagon in inside. Make your way there about 190 kilometres from Cape Town along the N2. The area is part of the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve and holds Grade 1 Heritage Importance status. 3. Elands Bay Cave View this post on Instagram The Bobbejaansberg lies south of Elands Bay and here you will find the world famous Elands Bay Cave. Exploration by Prof John Parkington and his team show that the cave has been intermittently occupied by our ancestors since the late Pleistocene/Holocene era, that is between 126 000 and 11 700 years ago. At some stage during this period the sea was 20 km to the west, today it is a 600 – 800 m walk to reach the shore. Adorning the walls of the cave are various ancient art works. #weskus #westcoast #elandsbay #elandsbayhotel #ebay #elandsbaai #sea #beach #bobbejaansberg #surf #leftbreak #travel #travelphotography #verlorenvlei #vensterklip #elandsbaycave #archeology #pleistocene #stoneage A post shared by Avonture van Wildebulhiktril (@avonture_van_wildebulhiktril) on Jan 16, 2020 at 10:57pm PST These caves are home to several rock paintings by ancient San tribes and an archeological site of the University of Cape Town. The area was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2009. The caves are situated near the Verlorenvlei Estuary, another worthy stop to add to your trip. 4. Peers Cave, Cape Peninsula View this post on Instagram Caves seem to bring out the zen in me! Only 20 min to this cave and the views are beautiful … an ideal spot to watch the sunset. . . #peerscave#capetown#capetownhikes#hikes#hikessouthafrica#beautifuldestinations#capetownetc#capetownmag#capetowntravel#cityofcapetown#fotofanatics_nature_#exploretocreate#gameoftones#instagramcapetown#instagram_ct#instagram_sa#landscapephotography#lifeofadventure#lovecapetown#loves_southafrica#naturephotography#nature_wizards#nakedplanet#passionpassport#pixelpanda_za#sharecapetown#TheLensBible#darrylwhitakerphotography A post shared by Cape Town – Paula & Darryl 🇿🇦 (@d_pwhitaker) on Apr 15, 2017 at 4:24am PDT You can reach Peers Cave from either Fish Hoek or Ou Kaapse Weg. Early explorers and excavators, Victor Peers and his son Bertie, discovered a skull in the cave, the bone structure of which was traced back to those who roamed the coast some 15 000 years ago, according to SAVenues. 5. Pinnacle Point Caves, Mossel Bay View this post on Instagram Photo By: @jaredberman_ “Seeing how many enormous caves there are along the Southern Cape Coastline is awe inspiring. To think that people lived in these Caves thousands of years ago and so extremely close to the Ocean is mind boggling.” . . . . . . Tag your favorite person/s or write a comment below 👇👇👇 . . . . Discover Africa’s best wonders, beautiful lifestyle and majestic wildlife by following us: @Instagram_SA . Tag us or use #instagram_sa for a chance to get featured. . . . . . #cave #sea #ocean #capetown #thisiscapetown #PointOfHumanOrigins #PinnaclePoint #PinnaclePointCaves #meetsouthafrica #wanderlust #visulasoflife #instagram_sa #southafrica #africa #discoversouthafrica #wowsouthafrica #travelsouthafrica #cloud #southafricanskies A post shared by Instagram South Africa (@instagram_sa) on Feb 25, 2019 at 9:50pm PST Pinnacle Point was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2012. Also called the Point of Human Origin, remains found there were believed to date back to the Middle Stone Age. The views onto the ocean right below the cave are unequalled and the insightful archeological tours offered are a bonus. Image credit: Instagram/jaredberman_ Related Posts 12 sensational Western Cape campsites 30 May 2023 Love camping? So do we. These are some of our favourite Western Cape campsites, our... read more Running rampant in Stanford, the sleeping beauty of the Overberg 26 May 2023 Stanford invites you to do exactly what it has been doing while its neighbours frantically... read more 4 stylish farm stays in South Africa 26 May 2023 An agricultural abode that’s refined rather than rustic? These places to stay will fill your... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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