Underground Tunnel Tours in Cape Town

Adventure is out there, or underneath, at least

In celebration of spring and Heritage Day, Good Hope Adventures is trekking groups of explorers through the underground tunnels of Cape Town on Saturday, 1 and Monday, 24 September 2012.

Not only is the Mother City home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world (Table Mountain), it’s also a city steeped in history and intrigue, and those intrepid adventurers keen to swap scenic beaches and winelands for the subterranean throughways that date back to the mid 1600s will find themselves privy to a thrilling slice of Cape Town lore.

During the early days of “Little Amsterdam” – as Cape Town was commonly known –canals and rivers, not highways and interchanges, acted as routes of travel and supplied the Company Gardens and ships with fresh water. Sadly, these canals and rivers became an unofficial waste disposal system - which was covered up sometime during the late 19th century. Still in existence today though, these tunnels – approximately two meters in diameter – which are located under the busy streets of the CBD and now help with stormwater drainage, channel fresh run-off water from Table Mountain (straight into the sea).

Good Hope Adventures’s journey through these underground tunnels and beneath the belly of the Mother City is accompanied by qualified guide and a professional rescue medic (just in case), and each explorer gets a permit and a hard hat. Bring along your own headlamps, some bottled water and non-slip shoes – old trainers, river shoes or gumboots.

Explorers need to be physically fit and surefooted, as parts of the tunnels can be slippery and as there are obstacles to hurdle and ladders to climb. Otherwise, though, the expedition is great for kids over 10 and for adults who are young at heart and very adventurous; rats are rarely seen – as the noise from the tour typically scares them away. Children need to be accompanied by an adult.

The trail starts and ends in the gardens of the Castle of Good Hope, and ticket prices include entrance to the castle. Secure parking is available at the castle. Spaces are limited to 24 spots per adventure, so book early to secure your spot. Tickets are R225p/p and R175p/p for children under 18. Contact Matt on +27 (0) 82 482 4006, or email mattweisse@mweb.co.za to book.  

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