[category]
[title]
If you’ve lived in Johannesburg long enough, you know the Cradle of Humankind is for more than just school trips and fossil hunting. But while the crowds usually flock to the big-name sites, like Sterkfontein(which we love by the way), the Bothongo WonderCave remains one of the city’s best-kept (and deepest) secrets.
Situated within the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, this isn’t your average "squeeze through a gap caving" experience, which is something I’m secretly grateful for because I’m not a fan of tight spaces. It’s South Africa’s third-largest cave chamber, a massive, single-room underground world that feels more like a subterranean cathedral than a hole in the ground.
Here is why you should be heading underground this weekend:
The no-squeeze policy
Forget about dusty overalls and military-style crawling. The WonderCave is famous for its accessibility. After a quick descent of 87 stairs (at a breezy 45-degree angle), a smooth elevator ride drops you 40 metres below the surface directly into the heart of the chamber. It’s wide, walkable, and entirely family-friendly. I managed to go up and down the stairs while pregnant, so I can vouch for the family-friendliness of the whole setup.
A living masterpiece
We tend to think of rocks as being lifeless, but this isn't just a stagnant rock formation. With 14 major formations still actively growing, you’re looking at living stones. From 15-metre-high stalactites to shimmering rimstone pools and whimsical mushroom formations, it’s a geological work in progress that has been five million years in the making. If you visit, look out for the formation that many say resembles the Virgin Mary.
The cave that answers back
The coolest feature (besides the perfect temperature ) is the acoustics. Because it’s a single, massive chamber with no external noise and no bats to ruin the vibe (thank goodness), the silence is absolute until you speak. The limestone walls create a resonant echo so clear that even a whisper travels. Ask your guide to demonstrate the acoustic magic so you can hear the cave answer back.
History with an Italian twist
The cave was actually discovered by Italian miners in 1898. While they originally used the calcite for everything from toothpaste to gold smelting, the mining stopped in 1902 during the Second Boer War. Thankfully, they left 85% of the formations untouched for us to marvel at today. Standing near the site of some of the mining remnants is quite special; it's as if a moment were frozen in time, or rather, rock.
Make a day of it
Since the cave is part of the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, your ticket usually doubles as a pass to a full-day out. You can combine your underground tour with a self-drive to see lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, or grab a coffee at the WonderCave restaurant right at the entrance.
Plan your visit
- Where: 520 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp (Cradle of Humankind).
- Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday (Closed Mondays). Tours run every two hours.
- Cost: R520 per adult (includes the cave tour and a self-drive through the reserve). Kids under 12 go free (one per paying adult).
- What to wear: Comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must.
- Booking: Visit rhinolion.co.za.
If caving is your vibe, the Cradle of Humankind is a honeycomb of activity. While the WonderCave is the leisure choice, the others offer everything from world-class science to adrenaline-pumping squeezes.
Aside from the WonderCave, these are the essential sites nearby:
- Sterkfontein Caves: This is the heavy hitter where Mrs Ples and Little Foot were discovered. It recently reopened with upgraded walkways and a new museum. It’s more of a traditional caving experience than WonderCave, expect some steep stairs and narrow paths.
- Rising Star Cave: Famous for the discovery of Homo Naledi, this system is notoriously difficult to navigate. While the deep fossil chambers aren't open to the general public, you have to be a "skinny scientist" to fit; it’s the site that put Joburg back on the global map in 2013.
- Swartkrans & Kromdraai: These are active excavation sites. While they aren't "show caves" in the tourist sense, they are often open for specialist walking tours through the Maropeng visitor centre.
Looking for more lesser-known treasures? Check out our guide to the 7 best unique things to do in Johannesburg.
Also read: The 7 best day trips from Johannesburg
RECOMMENDED
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!