Elands Bay Cave

Elands Bay Cave is near the Verlorenvlei estuary. There is evidence that human hunter-gatherers have inhabited episodically since the Later Pleistocene age. Deep within the cave are beautifully preserved cave paintings by ancient San folk. Look out for the tiny handprints and also the portrayal of humans.

Much in the way of archaeological remains from the area help us to learn about the people and the role of the landscape and the changing climate had on them.   The climate has gradually become more arid since the Later Pleistocene which lasted from two and a half million years ago to roughly twelve thousand years ago. During this time there were several ice ages. The inhabitants of the cave were mostly pastoralists (Nomadic people who herded cattle) the animals herded will have included cattle, camels, goats, yaks, llamas, and sheep The inhabitants who stayed intermittently also exploited marine food. Elands Bay Cave was declared a provincial heritage site in 2009.

The site was first occupied during the Middle Stone Age about 80 000 years ago, and intermittently during the Later Stone Age until possibly 500 years ago. Rock paintings include large images of eland that were regarded by the San as spiritual creatures, as well as images of smaller antelope and other animals. There are also many small handprints on the cave walls, some are believed to be those of children and young teenagers.

The site is open to the public free of charge, but visitors are requested to stay on the demarcated path and not touch the rock art since this may cause irreversible damage to the paintings.

To get to the cave drive past the crayfish factory then drive around the point until you pass three ruined  WWII buildings and a gravel road. Drive as far as you can and then walk to the cave.

17° 44′ 20.4″, -32° 19′ 1.2″

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