From mysterious caves to hidden jazz clubs, there’s so much to uncover when exploring spaces below the earth’s surface.
Cango caves
Caves have a way of being majestic in their size yet mystical in their aura, offering all sorts of hidden treasures as you explore the depths of their peaks and valleys. One of South Africa’s natural wonders is the Cango Caves out in Oudtshoorn and has been a local favourite for years. They offer tours to explore the rich history of the original inhabitants – delving into their culture and historical heritage, while also eliciting a deep appreciation for why the caves are so extraordinary. A passionate tour guide will take you on a journey of spectacular sights, where you will get the sense that you are travelling back in time as you marvel at various rock formations. The careful arrangement of these cave chambers, including hidden passages and ancient rock art created by the San, is sure to leave you awestruck.
@mariaveronica3417Cango Caves are Africa’s largest show caves and one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa.♬ Dreamland – 承利
And for the adventure seekers, what better way to truly experience cave life than to attempt caving. While there’s a certain criterion (fitness wise), guests can climb, crawl and slide through a rather narrow cave. Although challenging, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the experience of uncovering the earth in all its splendour.
Kwaxolo caves
The feelings of accomplishment after a beautiful hike are truly unmatched – especially when you are rewarded with the spectacular topography of KZN’s KwaXolo Caves. This tourist attraction highlights monumental history in the province and offers a daring yet unique insight into the life of the San people. Be prepared for an exhilarating experience because this is not your average hike. Along with tour guides, you’ll find yourself strapped in safety gear, walking down the mountain path with a sense of anticipation as you’re greeted with surreal views that feature a picturesque waterfall and a gorge as your backdrop.
Continue climbing and you get to explore the caves up closely, taking in the San rock art paintings that date back to over 100 000 years old. These works of art illustrate how the San people communicated, gaining insight into their culture and ways of thinking. It’s a truly magical adventure – being charmed in spaces that were inhabited thousands of years ago. Walking along paths that are so rich in culture, this hidden cave classic should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Marabi jazz club
Discover more than just hidden caves and underground phenomena. Johannesburg’s Marabi Jazz Club radiates elegance and class with their soulful live jazz performances with an undercover ambience. It’s a discreet night-life jazz club situated in the basement of the iconic Hallmark House and is almost hidden. As far as what to expect, the exterior gives nothing away – it’s mysterious, yet very tempting. Once you step inside this secret find, though, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into another world. Here, history inspired by the 1920s and 1930s bounces off the walls– a period when people found solitude in the Marabi style of music and dance. A place historically inspired by escapism, you can’t help but relax and unwind and forget all about the pressures of the world.
The vibrant design of this underground jazz club’s long bar illuminated by colorful lights displaying incredible cocktails is particularly inviting. Its interior is a comfortable blend between vibrancy and sophistication, thanks to the vintage-inspired decor that creates the desired atmosphere of stepping back into a different era. Add to this the brown wooden tables and chairs, accompanied by old photographs adorning the walls, and Marabi oozes nostalgia in the best way possible.
Kagga kamma nature reserve
There’s nothing better than the feeling of serenity after a break from reality, and the Kagga Kamma Nature reserve in Cederberg offers the ultimate reset-from-reality experience. Explore cave life in style in their cave suites all along the reserve. Their curated rocks as walls sport a rustic yet modern interior, paired with breathtaking outdoor views that show off stunning fauna as well as magnificent rock formations. It’s easy to see how time becomes secondary as you soak in your surroundings.
There’s also the allure of the open-air suites nestled between giant boulders. The Sky suite in particular is situated 950m above sea level. Designed to feel luxurious and romantic – you get the chance to stargaze from the comfort of your bed. Despite the suites being outdoors, it has complete privacy and is hidden from any prying eyes, providing you and your partner ample time to connect and share in the stellar views from the top. The seclusion, combined with the outdoor bathroom and boma braai area provide the quintessential cave inspired experience… but in luxury, of course.
By: Kauther Booley
Photography by: Pexels, Unsplash
