Table Mountain

Table Mountain is home to the longest known caves on the Cape Peninsula and the caves are home to a unique eco-system, with many of the creatures occuring nowhere else in the world.

Geology

The processes that created the Wynberg Cave System are quite different from the processes that created the caves on Kalk Bay Mountains and Constantiaberg. Most of the sandstone caves on the Cape Peninsula were formed by sub-soil weathering, while the Wynberg Caves were created mechanical block displacement. The mountain cracked, and moved apart, leaving the void that we now know as the Wynberg Caves. Some of the lower parts of the cave do show evidence of erosion and weathering, but block movement was the main driving force.

Biology

The Wynberg Caves are home to a unique collection of animals, many of which occur nowhere else in the world. When you do visit these cave, please be aware that you are entering a special place. Limit the time you spend in the caves, and do not injure or kill any of the insects and bugs you find there. Don't litter, especially if the litter pollutes the cave environment.

More info

For more information on these caves, or caves not listed here, contact the Cape Peninsula Spelaeological Society, or the South African Spelaeological Association.

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