#sudwala

The Sudwala Caves is among the most popular tourist attraction which lies along the Drakensberg escarpment. The natural caverns are both educational and fascinating (learning about the caves geology and human history). 

The caves are set to be the oldest caves in the world - with stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmite and flowstone. 

Sudwala Caves are formed with dolomite rock, erid, shale, conglomerate, chert, and limestone. The rock is made of minerals - evidently seen on the colours and texture of the rocks. The caves are believed about 250 million years old. 

There are a number of unique structures or formations in the cave, called the Lowveld Rocket, Samson's Pillar, and the Screaming Monster. Other popular attractions are the Devil's Workshop, the Map of Africa on the cave's ceiling, and the magical alcove dubbed Fairyland. 

You can't help but marvel over the rock formations. The natural beauty in the cave is breathtaking. A piece of earth history you could almost touch. Oddly there are roots and small plant inside the caves. The ceilings are also home to a colony of bats.

Tours are guided and take about 30 minutes - about 600 meters in and 150 meters underground. The caves are spacious - there's a fresh cool breeze circulation and maintaining the temperature at steady 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Yet the source of the fresh air is still undiscovered - and legend has it, the caves continue under the mountain range. The main chamber is known as PH Owen's amphitheater. The amphitheater is 70 meters in diameter, and 37 meters high to the peak of a dome-like feature in its roof. The chamber is so unique for its natural acoustic it lends to the performances. A number of artists have performed here. The tour is perfect for the whole family - you'll need trainers or any shoes with good grip as it can get slippery at times.

For the adventures seekers - there's a private tour of the Crystal Chamber deep into the cave - by booking only. The tour is five hours long and takes you over a 2000 meters journey of obstacles - crawling, mud, water, and tunnels. 

The caves were used for shelter in prehistoric times - by the Swazi prince called Somquba and his people. They fled bloodshed in Swaziland. The caves were later discovered by PH Owens on his doorstep while farming in the area in 1956. It's was then opened to the public. Explore the underground - and discover the secrets of rocks beneath...