Boomplaas Cave
An archaeological cave in the Swartberg with a 70,000-year human-climate record — near the Cango system.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
Boomplaas is a serious archaeological site, not a tourist attraction. It is a quiet, dusty, and scientifically significant cave that rewards those interested in human history, but it offers nothing in the way of spectacle or visitor facilities.
Boomplaas is a serious archaeological site, not a tourist attraction. It is a quiet, dusty, and scientifically significant cave that rewards those interested in human history, but it offers nothing in the way of spectacle or visitor facilities.
- Trip Role
- Only If Nearby
- Ideal Stay
- 30 to 60 minutes, plus the drive.
- Best For
- archaeological interest, deep history, quiet reflection, Swartberg foothills scenery
- Skip If
- families with young children, casual tourists, those seeking guided tours
- Go If
- You are a dedicated student of archaeology or human evolution who wants to stand in the literal footprint of ancient foragers. It is a site for quiet contemplation of deep time, not for casual sightseeing.
Why it's worth your time
A Swartberg archaeology cave with a 70,000-year record — the science sibling of the Cango.
What we love
The sheer depth of the record. While the nearby Cango Caves are a commercialised spectacle, Boomplaas remains a raw, honest archive of human survival. Standing at the entrance, you are looking at a 70,000-year timeline of climate change and human adaptation that has been meticulously excavated and studied.
What to know
Access is strictly controlled and requires a permit. You cannot simply walk in. The site is an active research area, not a public park, so do not expect signage, paths, or staff on site. Always check with local heritage authorities or regional museums in Oudtshoorn well in advance to determine if access is currently permitted for visitors.
The full guide
The reality of the site
Do not arrive expecting a tourist experience. Boomplaas is a modest cave entrance tucked into the limestone foothills of the Swartberg. It lacks the lighting, walkways, and ticket offices of the nearby Cango system. What you see is a raw, weathered opening that has served as a shelter for humans and animals for tens of thousands of years. The value here is entirely intellectual. You are visiting a place where archaeologists have spent decades sifting through five metres of sediment to reconstruct the lives of Stone Age foragers. If you are not prepared to stand in the dirt and imagine the past based on what you have read, the site will appear to be nothing more than a hole in the rock.
Managing your expectations
The site is worth the detour only if you are already in the Oudtshoorn area and have a specific interest in the history of the Southern Cape. It is a place for a brief, respectful visit rather than a destination. Because the cave is an active research site, the conditions can change based on whether fieldwork is currently underway. You must secure the necessary permits before you travel. If you arrive without them, you will be turned away. The heat in the Cango Valley can be intense, and there is no shade or water at the cave entrance. Plan your visit for the cooler hours of the morning to avoid the worst of the midday sun.
Combining the visit
Most travellers combine a trip to Boomplaas with a visit to the Cango Caves or a drive through the Swartberg Pass. Since the cave is located in the Cango Valley, it is easy to reach from Oudtshoorn. Use the town as your base for supplies and information. If you are driving from Cape Town, the four-and-a-half-hour journey along the R62 is the best way to approach the region. Keep your itinerary flexible, as the lack of formal visitor infrastructure means you should not rely on the site for anything other than a quick, self-directed look. Once you have seen the cave, the surrounding foothills offer excellent opportunities for photography and observing the unique vegetation of the Little Karoo, which has remained a focus of study for researchers working at the site.
Before you book
Questions Boomplaas Cave always raises
- Can I just drive up and walk into the cave?
- No. The site is protected under the National Heritage Resources Act. You need a permit to access the cave, and it is not open for casual public entry. Always contact local heritage authorities in the Western Cape before attempting to visit.
- Is there a guided tour available?
- No. There are no permanent staff, guides, or visitor facilities at Boomplaas. It is an archaeological research site, not a commercial tourist attraction. You are responsible for your own safety and for respecting the integrity of the site.
- How does it compare to the Cango Caves?
- They are entirely different. Cango is a massive, commercialised show cave with guided tours and infrastructure. Boomplaas is a small, quiet archaeological shelter used for scientific research. It offers no spectacle, only historical context.
- Is it suitable for children?
- It is not recommended for children. There are no facilities, the terrain is uneven, and the site requires a level of patience and interest in history that most children will not have. It is better suited for adults with a specific interest in archaeology.