Elands Bay Cave: An Exciting Weekend Trip From Cape Town

Looking for something new to do on a weekend trip from Cape Town? You should visit the Elands Bay Cave!

I spent a night camping there and had the most amazing time so here’s everything you need to know.

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About Elands Bay

Elands Bay Cave, located on the rugged coastline of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, is a fascinating site that draws visitors and researchers alike.

Near the Verlorenvlei Estuary, this beautiful cave offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, blending the dramatic ocean backdrop with the serene estuary. The cave is completely open to anyone who wants to explore and remains a significant location for understanding South African history and heritage.

Recognized as part of a World Heritage Site, Elands Bay Cave has yielded invaluable archaeological remains.

Excavations have uncovered evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years, including the Later Stone Age. These findings provide insights into the subsistence changes and adaptations of early humans, influenced by shifts in climate and resources.

The cave’s walls are adorned with captivating rock art and San rock paintings, some of which are thought to be over 10,000 years old. These cave paintings, created by the San people, depict scenes of daily life, spiritual beliefs, and connections with nature, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

Renowned archaeologist John Parkington has contributed extensively to the study of this site, emphasizing its importance in understanding the region’s prehistory.

Beyond its historical significance, Elands Bay Cave feels like a home for those fascinated by the past. It offers a fully immersive experience into the Stone Age, where the echoes of ancient lives are etched in rock and time.

Getting to the Elands Bay Cave

Getting to Elands Bay Cave is fairly simple!

It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town without any stops along the west coast.

You can enter the exact location into Google but please note that you’ll likely lose phone signal around Elands Bay.

So I’d make sure your driving instructions are loaded and ready to go!

When to Visit the Elands Bay Cave

You can visit the cave year-round, however, the best time would be during the summer months when there’s warmer weather!

I’ve been twice and the first time I visited was at the very end of summer/start of autumn (early March). The second time I went back was in the middle of autumn (mid-April) and honestly, both times were great.

Autumn in and around Cape Town is usually pretty hot (still mid-high 20s most days) so I found it to be a good time to visit. I haven’t been in the peak of summer but I imagine it might be slightly busier during that time of year.

Regardless, you’re not likely to encounter many other people in the area! South Africa is a massive country with so many spots to explore and this one doesn’t get a whole lot of traction (which is part of the reason why I loved it so much).

Camping in Elands Bay Cave

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A post shared by amy ðŸŒ™ canadian travel creator (@spellbound.travels)

I’ve visited the cave twice when I was around the Elands Bay area. The first time I came with a group of friends to camp there but we decided to camp below the cave since it’s a much easier setup and tear down.

The second time, we knew we wanted to set up camp inside the cave. Doing so is far from impossible but you need to be fairly fit and healthy to get into the cave, as well as to get all of your gear up with you!

I recommend going with a group of people (at least 4 people) so you can assist with bringing your gear into the cave. I chose to go up into the cave right away and then help grab some of the gear (tents, sleeping bags, camping chairs, etc) from the top. The lighter your gear, the better!

Don’t have any of your own gear?

You can hire it from many different places in Cape Town for a night or two! I believe we hired our 2 person pop up tents from this company. Each tent hire costs around $10 USD/ R175 per night, making it super affordable.

Make sure you give yourself at least an hour to get everything into the cave and set up before the sun goes down. We saw an incredible sunset from the cave and I’m SO happy we got to experience that.

Safety Tips for Elands Bay Cave

So you might be wondering .. is it even safe to sleep in Elands Bay Cave?

I think for the most part, it’s a safe area BUT … it’s also in South Africa.

That means, you need to keep a few things in mind!

Lock Your Car – This is a given in South Africa but it’s something you really can’t forget to do. And make sure you don’t leave anything valuable inside the car because thieves aren’t afraid to smash your car windows.
Bring Safety Gear – You never know if there could be people lingering nearby/waiting to steal something so come prepared. Most locals recommend keeping a small knife for protection on hand. It’s a fairly remote area with spotty service at best so it’s good to be prepared, just in case.
Tell People Where You Are – Whether you have to share your location or just tell people what your plans are, you should always do that. Never camp alone but go with a group of friends!

I share more in-depth safety tips for travelling around South Africa in this post.

Packing List for Elands Bay

Camping inside Elands Bay Cave is a unique experience that combines adventure with a journey into South Africa’s ancient past. To make the most of your trip, pack wisely with the following essentials:

Shelter & Sleeping Gear

Lightweight tent
Sleeping bag & pillows
Compact sleeping pad or mat

Clothing

Layered clothing (warm fleece, and windproof jacket)
Comfortable hiking shoes or running shoes
Hat, gloves, and a scarf for cooler evenings
Quick-drying towel

Cooking & Food

Portable camping stove with fuel
Lightweight cooking pots and utensils
Non-perishable food and snacks
Reusable water bottles or hydration packs

Lighting & Navigation

Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
Portable phone charger

Miscellaneous Essentials

First-aid kit
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Trash bags (Leave No Trace principle)
Camera or notebook for recording the cave’s beauty
Small daypack for exploring the area

Respect the site’s heritage by avoiding activities that could damage the environment or rock art.

And don’t forget to enjoy your camping adventure!

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Will You Visit the Elands Bay Cave?

The Elands Bay Cave is one of those places I’ll never forget visiting!

It’s secluded in nature, making it a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway. It’s also a great way to get out on a budget if you’re camping and making the most of the summer in the Western Cape.

I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!

Cheers,

Amy xx