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Ancient secrets are waiting to be unearthed at the best caves near Johannesburg!
We’ve always had a soft spot for mysteries, especially the kind buried beneath our trainers. And since we’re in Johannesburg, that feeling only intensifies.
How could it not? We’re literally only a few kilometres out from underground trails and million-year-old fossils.
Unsurprisingly, our crew didn’t just wallow in that sense of wonder. We went for a true deep dive, headlamps and all, to see ancient bones, bizarre geological formations, and creatures that prefer the dark. This guide will show you the nearest caves to find them!
Sterkfontein Caves
From kyle_bollert
Address: Kromdraai Rd
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Travel Time from Johannesburg: 51 min (45.1 km) via Hendrik Potgieter Rd/M47
Prices:
- Adults – R150 per person
- Pensioners (60+ Years) – R100 per person
- Children (6-18 years) – R125 per person
- Children under 6 years – Free
- Museum and Prep Lab – R80 per person
“A portal to the past”—that’s how Sterkfontein Caves is often described, and after our trip there, we’d say it’s a fitting title for a spot where early hominin fossils were excavated. That includes the 3.67-million-year-old Little Foot, which is nearly complete as of 2025.
Plenty of other ancient wonders awaited our crew inside the Unesco World Heritage Site. Mrs. Ples, a well-preserved skull that has been around for 2.4 million years, is one of those.
Unsurprisingly, the deeper we went, the more we discovered, especially upon reaching the labyrinths. There, stalactites, stalagmites, and a dim shimmer of gold led the way to Homo habilis and Paranthropus robustus fossils, as well as some early stone tools.
Sterkfontein Caves’ lowest point, The Lake, was what intrigued me most, though. Composed of nearly 5 km of underwater passages, it holds still, pollution-free, and UNESCO-protected waters that only rise after a downpour.
That said, not every point of interest warrants a deep dive. For instance, the narrow entrance, blasted into form by dynamite, draws crowds eager to ogle at its blast scars. This was how they uncovered the 2.6-billion-year-old dolomite where the caves rest.
| Tips: Don’t wear loose clothing such as dresses. There are stairs and tight spots. Closed-toe shoes are a must. The paths are slippery. Dress for the location. The caves’ temperature stays a steady 20°C (60 °F ) year-round. Although not mandatory, kneepads and gloves will give you an extra layer of protection. Bring a water bottle (or bottles). If you don’t want to pack, the shop above ground sells some. |
Bothongo Wondercave
From dreaded_kelz
Address: Kromdraai Road 520 Kromdraai, 1739
Contact Details: +27 11 957 0106
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Travel Time from Johannesburg: 52 min (48.7 km) via M5 or Hendrik Potgieter Rd/M47
Prices:
- Adults: R430 per person
- Children (5-12 years old): R250 per person
- Pensioners (60+ years old): R330 per person
I can’t help but wonder if the Italian miners who discovered Bothongo Wondercave in 1898 realised the wonder they had unearthed. Seriously, the 5-to-10-million-year-old formations of South Africa’s third-largest cave chamber still look unreal!
It’s hardly an Indiana Jones-level challenge either. Sure, you have to take the initial 87-step, 45-degree slope, but after that, an elevator will save you from the hard part: the 18-metre descent into the crystalline formations and stalactites, some even reaching 15 metres.
An expert also leads the 45-minute tour, meaning you’ll learn some fun facts, such as the geological structures’ origins and why the cave is considered ‘alive.’ Spoiler alert: the million-year-old formations are still growing to this day.
There are also rimstone pools and cave pearls to gawk at, all without ever needing to crawl. And since the cave is within the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, you can book self-drives or wildlife tours, for an extra fee, of course.
| Tips: You can grab a free self-drive experience by visiting on your birthday. Bring your ID. Longer visits can be arranged, with on-site accommodations. Restos are available if you don’t want to BYO bites. Check the prices and budget smartly. |
Bat Cave (Wild Cave Adventures)
Address: Oaktree, Muldersdrift
Contact Details: +27 82 486 2464
Operating Hours: Daily – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Travel Time from Johannesburg: 47 min (42.2 km) via Hendrik Potgieter Rd/M47
Pricing:
- Adults: R400 per person
- Children: R350 per person
No, Bat Cave isn’t the Dark Knight’s hideout; this one is a 4,400-m2 cavern that’s about 3 km from Sterkfontein Caves.
The team gave it a shot last month, and the experience, which swung between abseiling and caving, was one heart-racing moment after another. For starters, we kicked off the dark quest by going down 17 m below the surface, through the cave’s roof opening.
We had to get down and dirty for some sections, too, which is why we believe you have to be relatively fit to complete the 1.5-hour excursion.
On the upside, ventilation was adequate, so none of us struggled with breathing. It was also mostly dry, traverses (moving sideways) weren’t needed, and there were no steep ascents to take on.
Exiting was also a breeze thanks to the steel ladder. Best of all, Dawie and his first aid-trained team knew the cave’s origins and every cranny…plus they had plenty of zingers.
| Tips: No need to worry about equipment. Torches, ropes, and other essentials are provided. Book in advance, as it’s not a walk-in experience. They’re quicker to reply on WhatsApp (same number). Wear clothing you’re okay with being soiled. Trust us, you’ll get mucked up down there. Opting for their experience package can save you money. |
