The entrance was 5 star, as usual, but the main cavern is disgusting and didn't even deserve one star. The entire cavern stank of alcohol and someone had placed about 5 or 6 200ml bottles to capture dripping water. There was also a puddle of light pink, foamy-textured liquid that might have been some type of home-brewed umqomboti spilt out next to the bottles. At the Kalk bay exit, there was yet again evidence of alcoholic beverages having been consumed and fires having been made and the glass bottle was smashed against a rock under the overhang where one might sit to enjoy the view of Echo valley. On the way down we encountered a group of teen-agers lugging a huge beat box down the mountain at full volume. I pleaded with them to turn it off in the name of the peace that we were trying to enjoy and they reluctantly obliged. In the 35 years that I have been going to this cave, this is certainly the worst condition I have ever seen it. It's a great shame.

We started our hike from Fish Hoek side (cloveley road) it took us about 1 hour to get to the cave, we often ended up on the wrong route so be sure to check google maps quite often. When you reach the pail of rocks keep a slight left. Some parts my boyfriend had to help me climb up as it was a bit high. We ended up on the back entrance of the cave but just a couple of meters before the back entrance there is a pathway to the right. We only did about 15 - 20m into the cave as I am way to clusterephobic for tiny spaces. On our way back we met two guys, the one guy had done the cave about 7 times and said that it takes anywhere between 25 to 40min to get through the cave and it involves a lot of crawling on your stomach. Be prepared with headlamps, sunhat sunblock and water. - maybe even pepper spray and go in groups as I have heard it's not always too safe up on the mountains. Enjoy!
Visited on
Weekday

A fantastic cave to explore, keep an eye for the trail marker as you need to turn off left and follow the trail up to the side of the mountain. It has become quite over grown so you might need to bushbash a little. It looks like there is someone living under the rock left of the cave so if you come across this move right for about 10m. Make sure you have proper headlights and that you don't go alone. Follow the crawl in and tune left,this will open up into a large hall, from there you will turn right and walk through the rest of the way and out of the other side of the mountain. There are bat's in the cave so please be respectful it's their home, YOU are the Visitor.

Absolutely Terrifying!! I probably should have read other reviews before this endeavour. A cellphone light is far from sufficient, take a proper torch with and preferably do it accompanied. I will certainly return more well equipped to benefit more from the experience. Also the cellphone signal is very bad at the cave entrance, so don't depend on reading up about the cave entrance once you're there. It certainly is a very thrilling adventure and I would definitely recommend it. It was however quite scary, and you will be required to maneuver through tight spaces.

Great hike with the opportunity to crawl (5 minutes - keep left and again left) and walk (15 minutes) through the cave to the other side of the mountain. This is not possible without a tourch or better a headlamp so your hands are free. There are no snakes but quite a few bats in the cave. If you keep your light down then the bats will continue sleeping at the very high ceiling. It took us about 90 minutes to reach the cave from Silvermine gate 2.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Astounding. This entrance is very narrow and you have to crawl for some time before reaching a big cavern. Quite amazing since there is no way of telling by looking at the tiny opening that there is a massive cave inside. If you don't know the passages, best not to enter since there are multiple paths inside. I was really sad to find the cave full of litter, including alcohol bottles, plastics and what not. But it is an amazing natural creation.

Cool adventure to get there but it's not suitable for anyone who doesn't like confined spaces and you each need a torch. Best to go with someone who knows the way up there and through. We actually turned back and went around on this day because it looks as if some people are living at the entrance. We continued over the mountain and down. It did involve some minor climbing but was scenic and rewarding.

Needs to be cleaned up a bit. A lot of leftover rubbish and general evidence of human activity in the area which ruins the atmosphere a bit. Entrance wasn't that hard to find and inside the cave was quite fun. Definitely one of the easier caves and better for newbie spelunkers that aren't claustrophobic
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Am a larger guy so did not go far into the cave. Outside was a bit disappointing with some garbage about and graffiti on the rocks. The walk up is superb and views stunning with a fresh water stream. We drank the water and had no ill effects. Keep a sharp lookout for the sign directing you to the cave and choose the path carefully as not all roads lead to Rome but rather to roam.

Second time visiting today. Feels like the entrance got bigger since I was last there. Met up with a group and we had fun exploring the caves. Signal is pretty decent on the trail. You can use Google Maps to easily navigate the paths if you get lost. Definitely worth the hike.

A truly beautiful area to hike. A bit quiet, so be aware of your surroundings and be safe. The cave itself is pitch black inside, and has some rather small crawlspaces, but definitely worth getting some dirt on your hands and knees. Definitely a hike easy enough for beginners.

Lovely cave full of bats, it is very cool inside with complete darkness. Some parts are wet and narrow so cautiousness must be practiced. If u every get lost, just follow the breeze that blows to your face. Suitable for fit and adventurous people! Highly recommend.

Great fun to explore with the kids. The entrance can be hard to find the first time you visit so advisable to take a local with you. The short crawl into the cave adds makes it seem like an Indiana Jones movie but once inside it is pretty impressive.

Energy consuming climb up for the average-Joe, but children and dogs are able to make it up nevertheless. The caves are worth every drop of sweat. Bats, spiders, and creepy crawlies are in all nooks, with bat droppings falling from above

Great walk with very good views. Take water and remember sunscreen. Shorts would not be recommended, lots of bushes to scratch the legs. In the cave, you need a torch or proper light. Again shorts not recommended as you have to crawl

If you love caves then this one is a must. The walk towards the cave is well pathed. Take a headlamp. Wear good walking shoes it is quite a climb. Take water, hat abd sunscreen. Do not go alone and be vigilant- there are some trouble

What an awesome experience. Hike is not that long before getting to the caves, but there is just a bit of scrambling to get to the cave. Gloves, headlamp and a bit of crawling needed to get into the cave. There are bats inside cave.

Excellent team building hike.. The cave offers an insight into history and way of life of past generations.. Just wish that parks and forests could clearly mark in and around the cave in a safe eco friendly manner

One of the most enjoyable and beautifull hikes we have ever done. Entrances an exits to caves can be tricky to find from outside, but with a bit of research beforehand you will be able to find them on your hike.

The view all the way to Boomslang cave is spectacular.The cave itself is huge inside but the entrance is small where you have to crawl or slide in.Me and my boys will definitely do this hike again.

This cave is accessible via a short, easy hike, exploring the cave is very fun, make sure to bring a strong lamp and don't wear white clothing, the cave requires you to crawl on the dirt.

Very fun short cave through to the other side. Near the exit there is an entrance to a much tighter cave system which unfortunately does not go all the way through the mountain.

Absolutely amazing , adventurous , make sure to go in a fun group with headlamps and snacks. Use only red light when looking at the ceiling as it scares the bats in the cave

It was my first time at Boomslang (without a guide or any knowledge of the trail) We got lost and ended up entering the cave at the "Exit". This was not

Amazing hike! Did it with our 7&9yo daughters. It can take 1hr to get to the entrance, and the cave itself is really worth it! Very special experience

Was fun Bats fly past you, complete silence, can't see, crawl on stomach. Great experience! Don't shine your torch at the bats . They don't like it.

It is quite a bit of a crawl but a lovely cave to explore. You really need to go with a proper torch, preferably a head lamp to enjoy it fully.

Was awesome... except, I didn't see any bats and there is no signs, so we got lost and couldn't find the trail, to get back home, for a while

So glad my kids & I took this hike. Pity we only found the entrance & not the exit... Tight spaces... A bit scary but oh so exilirating!

Beautiful hike, you just need quite a strong light going into the cave. Awesome views in Echo valley though, and plenty rocks to climb!

A great hike for adventurous hikers as the path isn't clear towards the top. Cave is awesome and a great view of Kalk Bay at the top.

Very cool hike, the dead ends are all pretty obvious, it is pitch dark inside, so bring a torch, or cell phone light will also work.

Best caves ever bit hard to enter but amazing inside and there is a lot of bat's inside so not 'n great idea to visit in winter

Be prepared to crawl. Flashlight/headlight a must. Best to take someone who has been before else you may get lost in the cave

Filthy . Too many elements at play. Smoking, illegal fireplace made, drugs and drinking taking place. …

Epic hike altnough the last section to the cave is not suitable for small kids!

Short , simple and quiet. Easy hike. Take a bright torch for the cave.

A bit tight, but only a few meters of crawling then it is amazing.

Super cool cave through the mountain, also doable for kids.

We did it the other way round but what a scary adventure.