Pinnacle Point Caves

About Pinnacle Point Caves

On the small headland that juts into the Indian Ocean at the very tip of Mossel Bay is a collection of caves that are not only intriguing to explore with awe-inspiring views of the ocean, but are also historically relevant to many scientists. Based on evidence left behind by ancient folk that once lived along this stretch of the South African coastline, some scientists believe that this area was occupied by humans 40 000 to 150 000 years ago, or even further back on the timeline.

Did you know? The St. Blaize Cave (one of the more famous caves that is open to the public) is situated right below the St Blaize lighthouse.

Visiting this part of the Garden Route, along which Mossel Bay is perched, is as exciting as it is beautiful. The caves are large and invite visitors to explore their heights and depths and to relish in the breath-taking beauty that lies before them. Keep an eye out for passing whales between July and December.

Archaeologists from around the world have used the stalactites, which are dripstone formations hanging from the roof of the caves, to determine details about the moisture content, weather and plant-life that once characterised this part of the world. In addition, bones, implements and other remnants were discovered in and around the caves, testifying to the lives, habits and diets of ancient mankind. These showed that the earliest inhabitants of the caves lived off the molluscs and crustaceans that were easily available to them, on seals that they caught, and even on beached whales.

There are several formal tours (to be booked in advance) of the caves and their surrounds. More than this, there are endless awesome photographic opportunities for travellers to South Africa that want to capture its essence, a splendour that has not been marred by pollution or urbanisation.

After a walk along the rocky shores, head out for a shark cage diving adventure in Mossel Bay or explore the many exciting facets of the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex (which includes a life-sized model of the ship that brought this explorer to South African shores). Cape Town is about four hours away and Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are around an hour from Mossel Bay.