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The
Sudwala Caves
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The Sudwala Caves are situated only 25 minutes from Nelspruit,
just 8km off the N4 highway.
They are the oldest known Dolomite caves in the world! They are
very special geologically as well as culturally, as they played
an important role in the building of the Swazi nation. They
have very old and beautiful rock features.
The caves lie in the
Mankelekele Mountains overlooking the Houtbosloop Valley where
there are still indigenous rainforests and abundant wildlife
and birdlife. It is a very beautiful area. The Houtbosloop
river is pristine and said to be the fastest flowing river in
South Africa. |
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The Caves
are open daily for public viewing and guided tours are offered that are
suitable for all. There are easy and more adventurous tours! They offer
special rates for groups and tour operators and the tours can be adapted
to any length of time and difficulty required.
The Caves
are open daily from 8. 30am - 4. 30pm.
Tours are
arranged as people arrive. At best there is no wait at all and at
worst about 15 minutes wait for a tour to commence. The guided tour
takes about one hour. On this tour the first 600 metres of the cave is
explored and this tour is suitable for people of all ages and levels of
fitness. The tour is not difficult or dangerous in any way. The front
sections of this cave are enormous and no crawling is necessary (as can
be see in the picture above). The caves are well illuminated and there
is plenty of fresh air pumping through. The tour deals with the geology
and history of the caves.
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The Crystal Tour is for the
more adventurous only. It is for people 16 years or older and
only for people of slim girth and humorous disposition (and who
don't suffer from claustrophobia). There is a regular Crystal
Tour on the 1st Saturday of every month, but it must be booked
in advance as the maximum number of people taken on this tour is
30.
Private Crystal Tours for a
minimum of 5 people can be arranged for any other day or time.
The only equipment necessary for this tour is a torch, old
clothes and shoes - a good grip and determination.
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Rates
The cost
for the standard tour is :
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R50-00 per adult, R40-00
for pensioners, R25-00 for children under 16 years of age
and under 5s are free.
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Groups of 10 or more
qualify for discount. This discount may be given on arrival
or can be arranged telephonically for those who plan.
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Rates for school groups
are: R12-00 for primary school learners, R16-00 for high
school learners, R18-00 for teachers, should they come as a
school group.
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Tour operator groups:
For 10 - 30 adults = R40-00 per person.
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For 30 - 60 adults
R35-00 per person.
The cost of the Crystal Tour
is R150-00 per person and it takes an average of 4 hours, so
arrive early. |
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