Sudwala Caves image

Sudwala Caves

Tourist attraction Event venue Historical place museum Natural history museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mbombela


Address

R539, Nelspruit, 1201, South Africa

Website

www.sudwalacaves.com

Contact

+27 83 446 0228

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (4.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: caves (30) tour (27) guide (26) experience (25) cave (17) amazing (12) history (12) time (12) visit (11) great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Buyisiwe S. 5 months ago on Google • 214 reviews
    Really really good experience!! These caves are absolutely spectacular!! I wish the tour guide has conducted the tour a little slower so we could just soak up the environment. Highly recommended experience. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll need to simplify the language used to explain the features. Truly wonderful space however. Give the restaurant a miss!! Truly horrid! Even the coffee is bad. Maybe have a hot chocolate and enjoy the views.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsten N. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a lovely experience. We unfortunately went when it was rainy and there was a lot of mud and water puddles which made it rather messy and hard to maneuver here and there. All in all a wonderful experience and the guide was excellent and informative. There is also a wonderful view from the restaurant deck.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacques “Nickelson” T. 2 months ago on Google • 318 reviews New
    If caves is your thing then this will be a welcome retreat from the summer sun... It's a great outing for the whole family... Lots of interesting bits and pieces and the guided tours are very informative...

  • 3/5 The Investigative J. 2 years ago on Google
    Copyright ©️ pictures by blackjohannes. Pictures as is and was not edited or manipulated. The Caves is worth visiting, for lovely view surrounding it but also for the what the caves offer. The experience was made amazing but Twarelo our tour guide. He is knowledgeable and friendly and did his presentation with enthusiasm and wit. Cannot get better. It was also late in the day that we visited so that made the experience even more valuable. The tickets are R100 for adults which I believe bit pricey. The experience is worth it though. There are nice decks to sit close to the caves with lovely views and has a restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caroline P. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun and eye opening experience, really not too much walking involved either. The whole place is beautiful and the guides are well informed and explain the history of the caves in a way that's easily understandable for anyone. Do not wear your best clothing and shoes it will get dirty. Plakkies are also not advisable as the caves are slippery, wet, somewhat dark, and muddy majority of the time I would think. Overall an experience and outing I would highly recommend to anyone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan M. 5 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    It was my first time in a cave and oh my - it was stunning 😍 the tour guide was fantastic and taught us so much about the cave and its history. I would go back again any day, but next time I would definitely do the 5 hour Crystal Tour!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viroshnee N. 2 weeks ago on Google • 214 reviews New
    Loved everything about our visit here. Our guide was so well-informed, and he took his time to explain everything to us in great detail. He answered our questions with so much patience. We had some elderly people with us as well, and he was very caring and understanding. The caves itself is beautiful and well kept. Obviously because it's natural when it rains it can be slippery but other than that, it's a great experience.

  • 4/5 Danie P. 1 week ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    The Sudwala caves are certainly not the most spectacular in stalactite formations. If this is what you want to see, you might want to give this attraction a miss. If you are interested in history though, this cave will not disappoint. The Swazi tribe made use of this cave for their survival and the history and artifacts behind it turned out to be spectacular.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bernice H. 2 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    We enjoyed the historical stories told by the guide. Beautiful and cool air inside. We did the butterfly garden and Dinosaur Park and had a lovely meal at restaurant. Overall a beautiful day indeed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenashlen G. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    R110 per ticket. A guide takes you throughout the cave and provides information about what's inside. Our guide was extremely informative and funny! It was a great experience, even for those who know nothing about the cave and are just going to see what it's about (like me). The Dinosaur Park was Okay.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chandrika V. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery, a must see en route to Mpumalanga. Sudwala Caves is rich in history and has amazing rock structures in the Caves. Right next to Dinosaur Park. Should do both in one go.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francois R. 1 year ago on Google
    What an awesome outing. Will definitely recommend this place for any outdoor person. The cave was just amazing, the tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The cave was nice and cool giving you a break from the 32 degree heat outside. Pretty little gift shop with the area being clean and tidy. The zip line was so much fun and an adrenaline rush. They are a bit pricey but well worth it. The views are well worth the trip.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James Christopher E. 1 year ago on Google
    The caves are quite spectacular and for the non-spelunker, its a really pleasant and easy caving experience for the whole family. The entire route can be walked - though it is with caution as certain of the inclines are a bit slippery. The entire route is well lit and accessible. Points of interest are well marked and the guides are both friendly and knowledgeable on their subject matter. Little has changed in the caves in the last 30+ years - aside from the new amphitheatre, signage and lighting. For those interested, there are more advanced trips into the deeper reaches of the cave system, but must be organised in advance and will incur an additional cost. Be sure to visit the dinosaur park if you have some kids. The butterfly effect garden is wonderful and highly recommended if you have a bit of energy and some good walking shoes. It boasts wonderful little fairy gardens, giant insect scuptures and whimsical artworks. Plenty of place to sit and enjoy nature with the family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dora P. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a super guide Felix, he knew everything about the cave. He was super Friendly, the cave is well maintained and entrance price reasonable priced. There is also a great restaurant next door with a magnificent view.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Louise N. 9 months ago on Google
    Visited on a Friday afternoon. Three school tours also happening so we had to wait a while. Interesting tour and a variety of stones to see at the gift shop. There is also a garden included in the price for the caves. Gift shops chips and drink prices are reasonable. If you like exploring caves the 45 minute session can extend to 5 hours but needs a group of six so booking in advance is essential. Lots of steps and not really suitable for wheelchair clientele. Wear comfortable shoes. If you are traveling on your way to the Kruger it is a nice activity to do.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan J. 3 months ago on Google New
    Had an absolute blast. The tour guide Evarns was great. We learnt quite a lot about the caves and its history. Highly recommended!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lolla O. 1 year ago on Google
    This was absolutely one of our best stops, we enjoyed every single second at sudwala caves. Our tour guide was the friendliest person on earth and had so much patience. It was a full day activity for us and the view was just amaizing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gerrie E. 3 months ago on Google • 146 reviews New
    This was the best tourist site on the panorama route in my opinion. The service is great and the tour guide was very professional. The site is well maintained and very clean. It is good value for money and a must see if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 Cheryl T. 3 months ago on Google • 75 reviews New
    Absolutely loved this place! It felt like I was Jurassic Park, Costa Rica & Columbia all in one! Absolutely breathtaking views all around! There's also a butterfly garden and the monkeys that greeted us at the top of the hill were so entertaining!

  • 5/5 Pavee G. 2 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    Great place to visit. Super knowledgeable The guide was bit too fast and it honestly seemed very rushed but i guess you are allowed to stop him and ask questions. Please wear closed shoes..better to wear walking shoes and comfy clothes. Its wet and uneven inside, and quite slippery. Some people were dressed in sandals and long dresses. It's not suitable. Also not advisable for kids that cannot walk or need to be carried. People had been carrying babies as young as 6 months. Its dangerous. Cost was R110 per adult. Kids and pensioners were cheaper. Also there is a stunning zipline that one can do. Its R300 . Such a beautiful view and experience

  • 5/5 Hannes F. 2 weeks ago on Google • 56 reviews New
    The historic caves are breathtaking to behold. The guided tour that is included with the entrance ticket was the difference between a great and a magical experience. Our guide went out of his way to make the tour interactive and to share his in depth knowledge of the caves and its history.

  • 3/5 Engela P. 2 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    We had lots of rain, so we could not see all the cave tunnels as some were flooded. The whole experience felt a bit rushed but was still nice and informative. We had to run through dinosaur park as it was pouring but also enjoyed the exhibit. It is a good idea to take a raincoat on rainy days or rather go on a sunny day. Zipline also looked like big fun.

  • 5/5 Celia Z. 3 months ago on Google New
    This place is amazing! The nature is simply wonderful... I had a friendly guide and I was so amazed by the history of this place... and I jumped... I'll definitely visit this place again

  • 5/5 Tshego M. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    It is wheelchair accessible. The staff is amazing, they allowed us to use the wheelchair route because we had an elderly person with us. The route is pretty easy to follow with all the signs and staff members around. There are a number of activities options to choose from. There was a 10-15 min wait for the guided tour to begin. There is a guided tour every 10-15 min. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and had a witty sense of humour. I'd definitely recommend this.

  • 4/5 Carmelita O. 3 months ago on Google New
    The caves are a must see. My husband accompanied the Mpumalanga Youth Choir with their concert in the caves. It was an amazing experience, a first for us. There are magnificent views from the restaurant and you could easily sit there for hours just soaking up the tranquility of the place. We did ziplining, another first and just enjoyed every moment of our stay.

  • 5/5 Ema R. 4 months ago on Google
    Full of history and fun! Our guide, Proud, was very enthusiastic and imaginative. My favourite part of the 45-minute tour was the Fairy Land. Do visit - you'll be entering a fantastical, interesting world of curiosities.

  • 5/5 Butterfly R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Steva, this lady makes this place unforgettable. She gave us directions, checked up on our progress, went out of her way to assist me (a disabled person). I would gladly support the little shop there again. There is a 100m uphill ramp. Doing this with a wheelchair, would be challenging. The caves has a few stairs, but otherwise it's relatively flat. I've included pics of the walkway. I couldn't do it in my wheelchair, but used my walker instead. The guide was very polite and assisted where necessary. Overall such a treat for me to be able to experience.

  • 5/5 Benita J. 8 months ago on Google
    Proud was our tour guide - well done! What a great experience! 👏🥳 Would recommend

  • 5/5 rosemary c. 2 years ago on Google
    Pre historic amazement I walked out with wealth of knowledge. If only we as humans could do as nature does we could truly evolve to our finest glory. The caves are a must see super wonder of the world 🌎

  • 4/5 Jared N. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped off when passing to see if this would be a worthwhile spot for a day or weekend trip. It appears to be very worthwhile. Just setting up an itinerary with the rest of the family to incorporate this into a holiday.

  • 5/5 Naquita S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a wonderful experience. The staff were placed all throughout the cave ready to assist in explaining about the caves which they were well versed in and one even gave us a show with his vocals which was a pure delight. The caves in itself was quite impressive I was totally blown away. Lovely experienced enjoyed by all.

  • 5/5 Sypriel Sbonagaye M. 2 years ago on Google
    Greate tour with my guest and they enjoyed the long time pass. Zip line and the the caves at Sudwala caves. Awesome guides at the caves ,the stuff was amazing. 💯%

  • 5/5 Oupa L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a visit and the price tag. Not only did the kids enjoy the educational tour, but I certainly learned a lot too. It's so cool to get a glimpse of how our ancestors lived and survived, and how they used the technology they had at the time to make the most of life.

  • 5/5 Zipporah D. 1 year ago on Google
    There are no words in the human vocabulary that can explain the beauty of Sudwala Cave. The stuff are amazing, beautiful souls and oh is you really wanna experience the lekkerness of the place I suggest yall go in the morning cause time flies when you're having so much fun. And I'm definitely going back for more. The Zip lining was the biggest highlight for me😍😍

  • 4/5 Nyandala R. 2 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the experience, not sure if the kiddies would. There's a dinosaur world next door though that would be a hit with them. Don't forget to visit the butterfly House on the way out :)

  • 5/5 Charlene C. 1 year ago on Google
    R100 entrance fee - we had an amazing guide that has good knowledge and was very entertaining. Absolutely beautiful inside with so much to learn about!

  • 5/5 Linda S. 1 year ago on Google
    Worth a visit , The cave is beautiful and the guide is friendly. There is a small shop selling crystals (not from the cave itself) They have a crystal chamber (5 hour crawl ) that you can book if there was enough rain as you slide /crawl through thight spaces and so that your able to breathe without dust. - we didn't do this however is sound fun and can't wait to try it .I would not at all recommend it if your claustrophobic. We were lucky enough to be a extremely small group of individuals (4 in total)

  • 5/5 Shane L. 1 year ago on Google
    It was absolutely wonderful! Amazing! Well maintained! Knowledgeable staff and very friendly! The food at the restaurant was very very very tasty filling! Thank you so much!!! Keep it up!!!

  • 5/5 Benke Z. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazing time. The tour guide Thabiso was so funny and informative and so good with the crowd. Next time we'll definitely make plans to stay at the hotel and do the longer tour with him. The Caves are beautiful. Definitely something worth doing.

  • 5/5 Michelle B. 1 year ago on Google
    Knowledgeable guides and a well-presented tour. Beautiful surroundings and other activities to do on the property. Great family fun at the oldest caves in the world

  • 5/5 Henk V. 11 months ago on Google
    What a absolutely fantastic experience!!! Wow!!! One of the best heritage sites I have ever visited. Super friendly staff. Every single one we dealt with made you feel so welcome. We loved the cave tour. I even had a chance to sing a tune in the amphitheatre. It is fascinating. The zipline is a thrill worthy of a try. Do not give up the opportunity to give it a try. The restaurant is a tad slow but the food is seriously delicious.

  • 5/5 renee e. 7 months ago on Google
    Very Interesting to see the growth of Stalagmites and Stalagtites over millions of years in the Sudwala Caves and to see the results over all these years. The names and description of all is fascinating.

  • 3/5 Pierre Du T. 1 year ago on Google
    Not much really to see and do. The tour is a quick 30-45 min guided walk through the caves. Bring your own torch should you want to see more. The dinosaur park was fun to walk through and explore. Unfortunately it was cold and wet, so we did not see much of the butterflies.

  • 5/5 Hannah R. 11 months ago on Google
    This is an excellent attraction for families. There are stunning and fascinating caves, with very knowledgeable guides, but also the Dinosaur park, and for the adventurous, there is the zip line. We spent a full afternoon and enjoyed everything

  • 5/5 Pieter M. 11 months ago on Google
    Had an awesome time through the cave and learned allot about cultural heritage and history. Our tour guide was amazing and really knows the history. We also did the zip lines and experienced the butterfly effect with the beautiful zen garden. This all you can do at the Sudwala Caves.

  • 4/5 Marius F. 1 year ago on Google
    The caves are in a beautifull area and you can easily spend the whole day here. You can visit the caves, release adrenaline on the zip line, enjoy short walking trails, visit the butterfly dome and relax at any of the multiple restaurants on site.

  • 5/5 Onga M. 8 months ago on Google
    📌Yes, it was an out of this world experience ✨🤌so affordable for what you get out of it🤞 I loved feelings of being in here, it smells like it's history. Our tour guide was amazing,he was so kind and funny. :Put it in the 🪣 list📝 For a full video ,hop on my YouTube channel LINK IN BiO ▶️

  • 5/5 Jay P. 8 months ago on Google
    Had a great experience here! Amazing tour guides! I definitely recommend it!!

  • 5/5 Char K. 2 years ago on Google
    1st time visiting again in 20 years. The place has stood still in time. Worth the visit. We had an entertaining guide. The optional 1.3m tunnel walk/crawl was the highlight, but because of all the summer rains, very wet and muddy. Our guide helped us wash our shoes for us though afterwards! 👏 What a star.

  • 4/5 Jacques S. 8 months ago on Google
    Always a fun stop. Nice attraction for the grow ups or the children. Take a break from your hectic life to go look at a true heritage site not really very far from Pretoria. There are enough activities to make a whole day outing of it. If you book the serious tour in advance you also get to partake in a truly unique caving experience going for a few km underground. The Resturant serves ok food. There is a dinosaur park with quite a number of large replica dinosaurs. (They may need a bit of maintenance though.) And a butterfly garden to end it all off with. Go and try it!


Call +27 83 446 0228 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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