A long drive, but worth it. The significance and what the cave offers makes it worth it. Oldest proof that man used controlled fire. Make sure you check opening hours before going. Pack a picnic basket as there is no food. “The ability to control fire was a crucial turning point in human evolution, but the question when hominins first developed this ability still remains. Here we show that micromorphological and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (mFTIR) analyses of intact sediments at the site of Wonderwerk Cave, Northern Cape province, South Africa, provide unambiguous evidence—in the form of burned bone and ashed plant remains—that burning took place in the cave during the early Acheulean occupation, approximately 1.0 Ma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest secure evidence for burning in an archaeological context.”

From the outside it doesn't look like much, but once you enter it, you see how deep the cane actually goes. There is some old weathered bushman paintings around it. And loads of interesting looking archaeology diggings taking place! There is also a small museum. Well worth a look when in the area.

So disappointed and upset!! We drove an extra hour out of our way to visit the cave, only to discover the gate locked during supposed trading hours (10am on a Monday)! All we found was a guy (maybe a security guard??) who came out of the building at the entrance, brushing his teeth with his fly unzipped, shrugging his shoulders when we asked how we can get access. He didn't speak English and just pointed to the lock on the chain around the gate. We also tried calling the number sited above but got a message saying it's not in service. My children cried and cried when we had to leave without visiting the cave, as they'd never seen one before and where really looking forward to it. Plus we wasted valuable time on our holiday by scheduling a night in this area and driving the long distance to get there. :( We also had to skip the planned visit to the relatively nearby Eye (natural spring in Kuruman) due to inadequate security, neglect and rubbish. Both of these are a sign of how little priority the local municipality puts on tourism, which has the potential to provide a good source of revenue to the impoverished communities in the area. Such a shame!

The archeologists were SO helpfull and friendly. There's no coffee shop or café, but they served us some of their personal coffee!! Loved it. Enjoyed the history and will return very soon.

What an absolutely incredible experience. For years western archeologists have ignored the fact that Africa has the longest record of human habitation in the world. Evidence within Wonderwerk cave shows the oldest controlled fire, where the hominins cooked food. Richard Smith, although not a guide, was very knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. He is so passionate about the organisation, we will definitely be back. We can't wait to stay for a weekend, play paintball, go on the zipline, and quad bike. All in their future plans! I'll keep you updated.

This place is neglected and has quiet a lot of potential…..given to the right people it may bring tourists in this area. Bring your own food and drinks as there’s no shop here and the tour is less than 20min, basically there’s not much to do/see here.

What an amazing place to visit. Artwork was preserved so well. It certainly deserves a visit if you are in the vicinity.

Important, culturally relevant but lacking the full tourist experience. Museum needs an update, guide missed mentioning the fact that this is where the oldest evidence of humans using fire is. Well worth the R25 entrance.

Said it was open but was closed. Could not get hold of anyone. So disappointing to drive all that way for nothing. Waste of petrol and time

The visiting hours are only on week days. It doesn't make sense that the caves are not open to visitors on weekends. That is when most people are able to go and visit. The site os beautiful though.

The gate was open but there was no one to assist on a Tuesday at 12;45pm, went to the museum its was unlocked. Phones don't work … save your petrol and time , don't bother going here .

It were loadshedding..when we arrive there..the guide suggests we waited ..after loadshedding ..he will take us through the caves...but we waited 30 minutes and he didn't come back to us..we left ..without seeing the caves..

A unique insight into our early ancestors

Informative and a tranquil site. Current upgrades will enhance the experience even more