There is a scenic route in Southern Africa along the coasts of Indian Ocean that is tremendously popular among travelers. The route stretches from George through Knysna to Port of Elizabeth. It not only offers picturesque views of surrounding environments but also includes several popular vacation spots. Coupled with easy access by road, the route is known as "Garden Route".
Along the inland portion of the Garden Route, amidst the mountains 30 km to the north of Oudtshoorn, lies an enormous natural limestone cave known as Cango Caves. Its fame rivals that of Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves have become a must-visit location for tourists and travelers.

Cango Caves were discovered in the 1780s. Due to the vastness of tunnel and chamber systems, investigations of Cango Caves are still ongoing even till today. Although the tunnels and chambers go for over four kilometers, only about a quarter of it is open to visitors. Here in the Cango Caves, one would find traces that suggested early Bushmen inhabited the caves along with insect fossils. These fascinating discoveries make the Cango Caves extremely valuable in terms of academic significance. 

We enter the caves slowly from its entrance. Approximately 50 meters into the cave, we saw wall paintings that were drawn by early Bushmen. These drawings indicated that thousands of years ago, the Bushmen once lived in the caves. The area has undergone renovation to house exhibits that recreated early Bushmen's lifestyles. The lifelike wax figurines gave us a vivid impression of the kind of lifestyle that Medieval Bushmen led. Back then, the Bushmen lived in groups; they hunted for food and were able to light fire with wood. In addition, they also used simple porcelains.
After seeing the Bushmen exhibits, we moved further into the cave. After traversing for another 100 meters, there was a small flight of stone steps ahead of us. As we walked down the steps, the view before us widened like magic. Right before us was a wide, spacious chamber, and it is said that once a symphony orchestra performed in the chamber. Sound echoes incredibly well in the chamber, which is spacious enough to accommodate 1,500 people. The perimeter of the chamber is surrounded by numerous limestone pillars and stalagmites. These formations may reach over 10 meters in height. According to the estimation of scientists, these rock formations are over 150,000 years old.
 

Continuing down along the small trail at the back of the chamber, we were greeted by a new sight: a vast hall with gigantic limestone pillars and stalagmites. The crew turned on the illumination in the hall and multi-colored lights were projected onto these rock formations. At that instant, the rock pillars seemed to transform to Saint Mary; the stalagmites turned into the Holy Child and the stalagmites on the rock wall became the 12 Apostles! 

 
Symphony music echoed in the hall as we were spellbound by the display. The music created an elegant and solemn atmosphere and turned Cango Caves into a sanctuary of music.

Continuing down along the small trail at the back of the chamber, we were greeted by a new sight: a vast hall with gigantic limestone pillars and stalagmites. The crew turned on the illumination in the hall and multi-colored lights were projected onto these rock formations. At that instant, the rock pillars seemed to transform to Saint Mary; the stalagmites turned into the Holy Child and the stalagmites on the rock wall became the 12 Apostles! Symphony music echoed in the hall as we were spellbound by the display. The music created an elegant and solemn atmosphere and turned Cango Caves into a sanctuary of music.

Next, our guide led us to ascend another flight of steps. The meandering trail in the cave rises and falls in a very random manner. When we came to the third exhibit area, the guide provided general knowledge on limestone formation in the cave and introduced us to a very special type of stalagmite. The guide turned off all illuminations within the room and we waited in complete darkness for the guide to make the next move. All of a sudden, we heard the sounds of drums that came from afar and approached us; it started softly and gradually grew in volume. Much to our surprise, the noise ended just as abruptly as it had started. When light returned in the room, the guide knocked on the limestone by the cave wall to produce a familiar sound. That was when we realized the limestone in the room was hollow! When the guide pointed his torch at the limestone, the stone appeared to be milky beige in color due to the reflection. We couldn't help but gasp at the marvels of nature and its creator.
On the other side of the room, we noticed a species of fern growing on the rocky surface. The sight puzzled us because we knew that plants couldn't grow in a cave without sunlight for photosynthesis. The guide explained to us that the fern was able to grow because a light fixture was placed above it. The light from the lamp, coupled with the moisture in the caves, allowed the plant to grow.

Upon passing this point, the pave ahead becomes incredibly narrow. To proceed deeper into the cave, we would have to crawl. The guide would check with the visitors to see if they wish to continue down; those who are already exhausted may make their way back to the starting point. Visitors that are interested (and have sufficient stamina) may proceed along with the guide.