Wonder Cave (Kromdraai)
Overview of the Wonder Caves
The Wonder Cave (sometimes also referred to as "Bat Cave")
is a natural wonder, located in the world renowned Cradle of Humankind World Heritage
Site, nestled amongst paleontological sites containing some of oldest relics of
mankind.
The Wonder Cave is the 3rd largest chamber in South Africa, and
generally believed to have formed 5- to 10- million years ago. The single chamber
has an area of 46 000 meters, 125 meters long and 154 meters wide.
The Wonder Cave was originally discovered in the late 19th century
by Italian limestone miners, who dynamited excavated the limestone for the making
of cement. Sometime during the Second Boer War, the miners left the cave, and never
returned. The Wonder Cave was not discovered again for many years,
and only open to the public since 1991.
The Wonder Cave has about 14 stalactite and stalagmite formations,
with some of the formations reaching as high as 15 meters. 85% of the formations
in the cave is still growing.
The Wonder Cave is part of the
Cradle of Humankind, a
world heritage site, located in the
Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve.
Review of the Wonder Caves
I love going into caves! The Wonder Cave is no exception. Going
on one of the regular tours, tour descend about 22 meters down into the cave before
going down another 18 meters with the lift.
The wonder cave is dimly lit with a wonderful cool atmosphere.
The average temperature is 18 degrees. A walkway takes you past the most beautiful
formations. Keep an eye out for the Praying Mary, The Kitchen, and the Mushroom/Ice
Cream.
A little side note: You need to climb almost 106 stairs to get out of the cave again.
If you are going to have serious problems with 106 stairs, you need to re-think
your trip.
