In short, Wonderwerk Caves has been neglected for years. The good news is Wonderwerk is under new management. The new land owners, the smit family has taken up the mission to care for and improve this beautiful heritage site.
In short, Wonderwerk Caves has been neglected for years. The good news is Wonderwerk is under new management. The new land owners, the smit family has taken up the mission to care for and improve this beautiful heritage site.
A New Chapter for Wonderwerk
A New Chapter for Wonderwerk
The story of Wonderwerk Cave’s revival begins with the Smit family, who relocated from Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, to the Northern Cape after falling in love with the vast open landscapes and quiet beauty of the region. What started as a dream to build a new life on the family farm soon led them to one of South Africa’s most remarkable heritage sites Wonderwerk Cave.
The story of Wonderwerk Cave’s revival begins with the Smit family, who relocated from Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, to the Northern Cape after falling in love with the vast open landscapes and quiet beauty of the region. What started as a dream to build a new life on the family farm soon led them to one of South Africa’s most remarkable heritage sites Wonderwerk Cave.
Rediscovering a Forgotten Treasure
Rediscovering a Forgotten Treasure
When the Smit family first visited the cave, they were struck by its history and scale, but also by how neglected the site had become. Overgrown paths, broken infrastructure, and years of disuse had hidden its true beauty. Seeing this, the family took it upon themselves to help restore and revive the area, driven by a shared belief that such an extraordinary place should be cared for.
When the Smit family first visited the cave, they were struck by its history and scale, but also by how neglected the site had become. Overgrown paths, broken infrastructure, and years of disuse had hidden its true beauty. Seeing this, the family took it upon themselves to help restore and revive the area, driven by a shared belief that such an extraordinary place should be cared for.
Restoring Wonderwerk
Restoring Wonderwerk
As visitors began returning, it became clear that Wonderwerk needed to offer more than just a cave tour; it needed an experience. The Smits began improving the facilities and surrounding land, adding a coffee shop, braai areas, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, and chalets for overnight stays. Their goal was simple: to create a space where people could enjoy both the ancient past and the living landscape.
As visitors began returning, it became clear that Wonderwerk needed to offer more than just a cave tour; it needed an experience. The Smits began improving the facilities and surrounding land, adding a coffee shop, braai areas, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, and chalets for overnight stays. Their goal was simple: to create a space where people could enjoy both the ancient past and the living landscape.
The Land and Its Legacy
The Land and Its Legacy
Before the Smit family took ownership, the property had been rented for farming and had been neglected for many years. Basic upkeep was lost, and no long-term investment had been made in its preservation. Today, the family manages the land with care and commitment. The cave itself falls within a 17-hectare servitude under state management, but the Smits have worked closely with heritage authorities to take greater responsibility for maintaining and improving the site.
Before the Smit family took ownership, the property had been rented for farming and had been neglected for many years. Basic upkeep was lost, and no long-term investment had been made in its preservation. Today, the family manages the land with care and commitment. The cave itself falls within a 17-hectare servitude under state management, but the Smits have worked closely with heritage authorities to take greater responsibility for maintaining and improving the site.
Working Toward a Shared Future
Working Toward a Shared Future
The revival of Wonderwerk Cave is an ongoing collaboration between the Smit family, the McGregor Museum, and heritage authorities. Together, they aim to protect the site’s archaeological value while building a sustainable future through thoughtful tourism and community involvement.
The revival of Wonderwerk Cave is an ongoing collaboration between the Smit family, the McGregor Museum, and heritage authorities. Together, they aim to protect the site’s archaeological value while building a sustainable future through thoughtful tourism and community involvement.
Phone
WhatsApp - 073 254 2256
Chante - 083 810 3582
Archaeologists
B.D. Malan, Peter B. Beaumont, Karl W. Butzer, Anne Thackeray & Francis Thackeray, Michael Chazan, David Morris
Phone
WhatsApp - 073 254 2256
Chante - 083 810 3582
Archaeologists
B.D. Malan, Peter B. Beaumont, Karl W. Butzer, Anne Thackeray & Francis Thackeray, Michael Chazan, David Morris
