South African Cave Surveys & Biology

A freely accessible resource for speleologists, cave biologists, and researchers working in the subterranean environments of the Cape Peninsula and surrounding Western Cape.

About this site

Darklife is a freely accessible resource for speleologists, cave biologists, and researchers with an interest in the subterranean environments of the south western parts of South Africa. It is maintained by Peter Swart as an independent, non-commercial project.

The site brings together cave surveys from across South Africa, cave-life observations recorded through iNaturalist, and general reference material for those working in or studying cave systems. All content is offered in the spirit of open scientific exchange.

Cave Survey Library

Survey plans and descriptions covering sandstone, limestone, and coastal cave systems in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.

Browse surveys →

Cave Biology

Invertebrate observations from Cape cave systems, recorded through the Cave Invertebrates of the Western Cape Atlas Project on iNaturalist.

Explore observations →

Caving Information

Safety guidance, equipment notes, and general information for those interested in exploring the cave systems of the Cape Peninsula and surrounding regions.

Conservation Cave environments are fragile and slow to recover from disturbance. Please follow Leave No Trace principles underground, do not remove formations or fauna, and take all litter out with you. Many cave systems on this site lie within protected areas — obtain all necessary permits before visiting.

Safety Never cave alone. Always leave a surface contact who knows your plans and expected return time. Carry at least three independent light sources. The caves of the Cape Peninsula can flood rapidly in wet weather. Do not enter caves in or after heavy rain.

On cave locations

Exact entrance coordinates are not published on this site. This is a deliberate policy applied consistently across all caves in the database. Unrestricted location data has historically led to vandalism, littering, and the removal of cave fauna and formations.

Researchers and serious cavers seeking location information for legitimate fieldwork are welcome to make contact directly. Established members of the caving community may apply for access to the members area, which contains entrance coordinates and additional data.

Surveys

Surveys in the library have been collected over many years of fieldwork across South Africa. They are made available for research and reference purposes. Survey data should be cited appropriately in any published work.

Browse the survey library →

Cave biology

Cave invertebrate observations from Western Cape systems are logged through the iNaturalist project.

What’s New

197 pages updated since last deployment — 12 April 2026