Sudwala Caves Tours and Activities

Mpumalanga - Limpopo showing signage and caves
Mpumalanga - Limpopo showing caves and caving
Mpumalanga - Limpopo which includes caves and interior views
South Africa showing caves and interior views
Mpumalanga - Limpopo featuring caves and a park


One of the oldest cave systems in the world is home to fascinating rock formations and a crystal cave.

Journey deep into the caverns, chambers and passageways of the Sudwala Caves, a vast cave system in the Drakensberg escarpment. The stunning grottos are said to be among the oldest in the world, dating back 240 million years.

Go on one of the guided tours of the cave, which last for approximately one hour. Inside the entrance chamber, see the collection of tools from the Stone Age. Some of the implements are more than 2 million years old. Step into the amphitheater, a huge cavern that is 121 feet (37 meters) at its highest point. There is a constant flow of air through this large space, but the origin of this natural air conditioning system is unknown.

Marvel at the curtains of stalactites and stalagmites and bizarre rock formations that go by such names as the Screaming Monster and the Weeping Madonna. Tribespeople who used to live here believed that drinking the water from the natural spring here would give them eternal life.

Ask your tour guide about how the cave system has been used over the years. Prehistoric man used to shelter here, while in the 19th century it was used as a fort.

If you are looking for some adventure, go on the crystal tour. The 4-hour expedition involves climbing up rocks and crawling through small spaces to get to a chamber of aragonite crystals. The tours must be booked in advance and details and prices are available on the cave attraction’s website.

The caves are open daily from morning until late in the afternoon. The standard tours have no fixed times and take place throughout the day. The maximum waiting time for a tour to begin is 15 minutes. There is an entrance fee, with discounts for children under 16 years old.

The Sudwala Caves lie in an area full of reserves and parks in the northeast of Mpumalanga. You will find them on the road from Mbombela (formerly known as Nelspruit) towards Sabie or Mashishing (formerly known asLydenburg). Next door is the Sudwala Dinosaur Park.

Popular places to visit


Top Sudwala Caves Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Almar View Guest House

Almar View Guest House

4 out of 5
Portion 28, Farm Alkmaar, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Almar View Guest House
Caracal Lodge

Caracal Lodge

3 out of 5
N4 Towards Nelspruit, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Caracal Lodge
Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Guest Lodge

Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Guest Lodge

3 out of 5
Rhenosterhoek 213 JT, (25kms from Sabie), Rhenosterhoek, Mpumalanga
Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Guest Lodge
LoerieRoep

LoerieRoep

3 out of 5
Loerieroep No. 5, Sterkspruit, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
LoerieRoep
Protea Hotel by Marriott Nelspruit

Protea Hotel by Marriott Nelspruit

4 out of 5
30 Jerepico Street, Orchards Nelspruit, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Protea Hotel by Marriott Nelspruit
Mercure Nelspruit Hotel

Mercure Nelspruit Hotel

3 out of 5
Coner Of N4 and Graniet Street, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Mercure Nelspruit Hotel
ANEW Resort White River Mbombela

ANEW Resort White River Mbombela

3 out of 5
Plot 64, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
ANEW Resort White River Mbombela
Chill Pepper Boutique Hotel

Chill Pepper Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
8 Ripple Crescent, Riverside Park, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Chill Pepper Boutique Hotel
Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation

Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation

4 out of 5
Grace Hall Avenue Mataffin Macadamia, Village Off Samora Machel Drive, Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Torburnlea Homestead Luxury Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sudwala Caves

While visiting Sudwala Caves in Mbombela, don't miss the refreshing fish spa experience, where you can relax as tiny fish nibble away at your feet. For the adventurous, the Sudwala Adventure offers thrilling activities, including zip-lining and hiking through stunning natural landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this beautiful part of South Africa.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, you can visit Ilanga Mall, Riverside Mall, and The Grove Riverside, all located 27.4km from Sudwala Caves. These shopping centres offer a vibrant mix of business, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the lively atmosphere at Mbombela Stadium, where you can engage in various sports activities. For golf enthusiasts, both Nelspruit Golf Club and Sabie Country Club offer stunning outdoor settings to enjoy a round of golf while soaking in the natural beauty of Mpumalanga.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Forest Falls Day Hiking Trail, located 43.5km from Sudwala Caves, where you can immerse yourself in stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. For an adrenaline rush, try the Mountain Strings Zipline, also 43.5km away, offering an exhilarating ride through breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Catch a flick at Ster-Kinekor i'langa Mall, located 29.0km from Sudwala Caves, where you can enjoy a blend of family-friendly films and romantic vibes. After the movie, explore nearby pubs for a lively atmosphere filled with local entertainment and good cheer.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sudwala Caves

Whether you're seeking adventure or a romantic getaway, Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga offers a variety of attractions to explore. Discover the stunning natural features, visit the nearby botanical gardens, or roam the wildlife reserves. With plenty of outdoor experiences and local points of interest, your visit to Sudwala Caves promises to be an unforgettable escape into South Africa's natural beauty.

  • Montrose Falls: Located 9.7km from Sudwala Caves, Montrose Falls is a stunning natural feature where you can marvel at cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. It's a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the tranquil sound of nature.
  • Lowveld National Botanical Garden: Situated 27.4km away, this botanical garden exudes romance and family-friendly vibes. Explore diverse plant species while strolling along scenic paths, and don't miss the beautiful picnic areas perfect for relaxation.
  • Nelspruit Private Nature Reserve: At 30.6km from Sudwala Caves, this secluded reserve offers a tropical escape. Experience wildlife in their natural habitat, with opportunities for guided walks and bird-watching amidst serene surroundings.

Best time to go to Sudwala Caves

The best time to visit Sudwala Caves can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sudwala Caves falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sudwala Caves falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
February71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
March70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July57.4°F (14.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sudwala Caves

To save money on your trip to Sudwala Caves, consider visiting in September or November to December when prices are lower. Book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates, avoiding Sundays which are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation and filter for eco-certified hotels. Take advantage of package deals that combine your flight, hotel, and activities for added savings. Additionally, look for options with free cancellation and compare room rates to ensure you get the best deal possible.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sudwala Caves are September and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to February and April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sudwala Caves is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sudwala Caves is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Sudwala Caves hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.