Cango Caves

　　Introduction In the southern part of South Africa, along the Indian Ocean coast, there is a scenic route beloved by travelers, stretching from George to Knysna all the way to Port Elizabeth. The entire route boasts stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery, and with its well-connected road network, it is known as the "Garden Route." The inland section of the Garden Route, about 30 kilometers north of Oudtshoorn, lies within a mountain range and features a massive natural limestone cave called the Cango Caves. It shares the same fame as Oudtshoorn and has become a must-visit destination for tourists. The Cango Caves were discovered in 1780. Due to their immense size, exploration is still ongoing. However, the sections open to visitors currently extend about 3.2 miles into the cave. Inside the Cango Caves, traces of Bushmen habitation have been found, as well as fossils of insects, making it highly valuable for academic research. As we slowly enter the cave, about 50 meters from the entrance, there are rock paintings left behind by the Bushmen, indicating that they once lived and thrived here. This area has thus been designated as the Bushmen Eco-Zone, where lifelike wax figures vividly depict the lifestyle of the Bushmen during the medieval period. At that time, the Bushmen lived in communities, survived by hunting, knew how to make fire by friction, and used simple pottery, marking the beginning of their ceramic civilization. After visiting the Bushmen Eco-Zone, we continue deeper into the cave. About 100 meters in, there is a small stone staircase. Descending the steps, a vast cavern suddenly opens up before us. It is said that a symphony orchestra once performed here. The acoustics in this cavern are exceptional, and it can accommodate around 1,500 people. The surrounding area features numerous stalactites and stalagmites, some as tall as 10 meters. Research shows that these formations are over 150,000 years old. Further along the back path of the cave, a new sight awaits. Within the expansive space, massive stalactites and stalagmites stand tall. When the staff turns on the lights, the colorful illumination casts upon the columns and formations, and in an instant, the stalactites resemble the Virgin Mary, the stalagmites the Christ Child, and those on the cave walls the Twelve Apostles. Then, as symphonic music plays, both magnificent and solemn, the Cango Caves transform into a grand musical hall and a theatrical stage. The cave management team has ingeniously artistically and humanized these stalactites and stalagmites, giving the Cango Caves even greater educational value. Next, the guides lead us up another pathway. The cave’s walkways twist and turn, ascending and descending along the way. Arriving at the third exhibition area, the guides introduce visitors to the stalactites and present a particularly unique stalagmite. The lights are turned off completely, and everyone holds their breath. Suddenly, the sound of drums approaches from afar, growing louder, then abruptly stops. Everyone is amazed. When the lights are turned back on, the guide taps on a hollow stalactite beside the cave wall, revealing that it is hollow inside. A flashlight beam shines on the stalactite, which glows with a milky yellow hue under the light—truly a marvel of nature. On the opposite side of the cave, a cluster of ferns grows on a rock surface. Plants are not supposed to grow in such dark caves, but the guide explains that a light bulb above the rock acts like sunlight, and water droplets fall from above. With sunlight and moisture, the ferns are able to thrive. Beyond this area, the pathway narrows, continuing further underground. Visitors have to crawl forward. The guides ask for volunteers’ fitness levels—if anyone feels unable to continue, they may exit the cave early via the original path. Those with the stamina and interest can proceed further.

　　 Cape Town, South Africa