Sudwala Caves
Mpumalanga

The Sudwala Caves are among the oldest in the world. The widely branched-out cave system is more than 30 kilometres long with only 600 metres being accessible. 3,000 million years ago, after gigantic stresses had cracked the dolomite of the Mankelekele Mountains, trickling waters started to eat away on the rocks creating a bizarre world of mighty chambers with huge stalagmites and stalagtites, colourfully dyed from iron and manganese.

The biggest chamber is the circular "Owen Hall" - 18 metres high and 66 metres in diametre. It was named after the owner of the farm, where the caves are situated, who preserved them and opened them to the public. Due to the fantastic acoustics of the cave, music performances are being held here. There is a constant influx of fresh air into the cave, the origin of which is not known.