Cape Town’s underground tunnels

A 222-year old fort, canals, bunkers and passages

Last updated: Tuesday, 9 April 2024

Did you know that there are secret tunnels running below the city? Good Hope Adventures is known for their haunting and curious underground tunnel and bunker tours. From the Castle of Good Hope to the 222-year old Fort Wynyard, here's how to get out (and in) of these underground tunnels in Cape Town.


Go on a tour of Cape Town's tunnels. Image: Good Hope Adventures

GHOST TOUR IN A 222-YEAR OLD FORT 

Fort Wynyard in the city centre is known to locals as one of the city’s most paranormally active places. Good Hope Adventure’s “ghost” tour takes you through the fort where you can see interrogation chambers, secret passages, bunkers and (maybe) a ghost or two. 

This tour also includes viewing a museum. While you’re hearing tales of strange and spooky occurrences, you can also take in views stretching from Table Bay to Table Mountain. This tour is currently only available for groups of 10 to 24 people. 


Do you believe in the paranormal? Image: Good Hope Adventures

SECRETS OF THE CASTLE

This one's not for the faint of heart. The Dungeon Tour starts and ends at the Castle of Good Hope, and comes with both a medic and qualified guide. The tour will see you crossing underground canals from 1652 (some of which are under the Company Gardens).  

Depending on the weather, the tour can alternatively start at the slopes of Table Mountain. The tour spans between two to three hours. It’s recommended that participants be of a reasonable level of fitness, as part of the tour involves climbing a three metre ladder. 


Go beneath the castle. Image: Good Hope Adventures

EXPLORE AN AMMO MAG UNDER A 1795 FORT 

One of Good Hope Adventures’s most popular tours is the Top Secret Underground Tunnel and Bunker Tour. Across a two-hour journey you can go beneath an old fort from 1795, explore tunnels, bunkers and enter a decommissioned ammunition magazine (where firearms were held). 

Plus, you can see working ammunition lifts and the only disappearing gun in South Africa. The tour ends with drinks at the "Sergeants Bar", set up by Good Hope Adventures, where you can find out about secret radar stations and the German boats that sank over 100 000 tons of shipping. 


See secret underground rooms. Image: Good Hope Adventures

WHAT TO WEAR & PACK

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can exercise in. For the canal tour of the castle, it is necessary to wear both clothes and shoes that can get wet (especially non-slippery shoes). It’s a good idea to pack a torch, too. 


Be sure to check what is needed for your specific tour. Image: Good Hope Adventures

BOOK A GOOD HOPE ADVENTURE TOUR 

Good Hope Adventure tours are done: By appointment and booking only 
Cost: Ghost tour, R495pp; Tunnel & Dungeon Tour, R795pp; Bunker and Tunnel Tour, R395pp
Book: Website, mattweisse@mweb.co.za
Contact on: Good Hope Adventures

By Sarah Williams 

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