The Cape Peninsula Spelaeological Society

The spelling Spelaeological is used in keeping with the Society’s own usage, retaining the classical ae digraph.

Overview

The Cape Peninsula Spelaeological Society (CPSS) is the active caving club for the Cape Peninsula. It promotes safe, responsible, and scientifically minded exploration of the caves of the Table Mountain range and surrounding areas, and provides a community for cavers ranging from beginners to experienced surveyors.

The Society is the primary point of contact for anyone wishing to learn to cave in the Cape Peninsula, and maintains links with the wider South African and international caving community.

Activities

The CPSS runs regular caving trips for members and visitors, with particular emphasis on the Kalk Bay caves — the most accessible and historically significant cave systems in the area. Cave leaders trained in first aid, rope techniques, and cave conservation accompany all trips.

The Society also contributes to cave conservation, working with SANParks and other land managers to ensure that access to caves within the Table Mountain National Park is managed responsibly, and that the educational and natural value of the caves is preserved for future generations.

Conservation

The caves of the Cape Peninsula have experienced significant human impact over the decades. The Society actively promotes a Leave No Trace ethic in the caves: carrying out all litter, avoiding touching formations, refraining from marking walls, and minimising disturbance to cave-dwelling animals, particularly bats during their breeding season.

SANParks permits are required for visits to caves within the Table Mountain National Park. The Society can advise on permit requirements and seasonal closures.

Contact and membership

New cavers are always welcome. The CPSS is the best starting point for anyone interested in exploring the Cape Peninsula caves with experienced leaders. Contact details are available through the Darklife contact.