Dark caverns might not be everyone’s idea of a grand day out. However, the gaping mouth of the Elands Bay cave perched above the scenic Baboon Point is a mesmerising time capsule of prehistoric life and certainly worth a visit.
As you enter, the cathedral-like space sets your spine atingle, while the cave’s expansive walls adorned with delicate San rock art whisper history. These ochre-hued markings depicting many small handprints (believed to be those of children), human figures and animals offer tantalising clues about the lives of early hunter-gatherers who called it home thousands of years ago.
UCT’s Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, John Parkington, excavated Elands Bay Cave in 1970 and provided extensive information on the cave’s inhabitants. He indicated that the cave was first occupied during the Middle Stone Age (that’s 80 000 years ago!), and then intermittently during the Later Stone Age until possibly 500 years ago.[1] In addition, nearby archaeological digs by UCT have unearthed stone tools, shellfish remains and fire pits: all revealing a long-standing human connection to this dramatic landscape.
Accessing this provincial heritage site is simple. Drive past the crayfish factory and then around the point until you pass three WWII building ruins. Take the gravel road, stop at the end and then walk to the cave along the demarcated path.
Photo: blog.fossilpark.org.za
[1] https://www.thecapeandafricadiscovered.com/post/discover-elands-bay-cave
