Sudwala Lodge’s neighbours, Sudwala Caves, have an elaborate list of amenities that you must experience on your next holiday to Sudwala. The Caves were born, approximately 240 million years ago, through dissolution of soluble bedrock, such as limestone or dolomite. This cave, with its natural amphitheatre, and bucket-list status, is well-worth-it on your next trip. To enrich your holiday experience, the Sudwala team have curated a few items you must experience or see at the Sudwala Caves:
Live Shows:
Sudwala Caves have hosted numerous live shows in this mystical, natural amphitheatre, and as always, are an absolute treat to see. The jaw-dropping acoustics of the Caves makes for a once-in-lifetime experience, especially when accommodated with colour stage lighting which highlights the Speleothem of the cave. The amphitheatre, PR Owen Hall, is named after the original owner and developer of the Caves, Philippus Rudolf Owen; the Caves have since been re-purchased by African Heritage Foundation. The amphitheatre is 70 metres in diameter, and 37 metres high to the peak of the dome-shaped roof.
Screaming Monsters:
The Screaming Monster Race is an annual event held by Sudwala Caves. This popular half marathon starts at Sudwala Lodge and follows a route through the Sudwala Caves site, including a very steep uphill to the Sabie Road, which finishes at the Lodge. Approximately 300 and more daring participants take on this arduous event each year.
So why the name Screaming Monster? The Sudwala Caves have numerous Speleothem structures in the caves, known by names such as the “Lowveld Rocket”, “Samson’s Pillar”, and the “Screaming Monster”; some have been dated to 200 million years old. In this race, participants head through a natural tunnel with the Screaming Monster above them, before descending 2km down the mountain toward the finish.
Aquaponics:
Sudwala Caves recently introduced a very exciting new feature to their already elaborate list of amenities: an aquaponics system. This system combines aquaculture (like the Koi fish seen in the image) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water).
Wondering how this system works?
In aquaponics, the fish excretions and by-products form ammonia in the water. The ammonia is broken down by nitrifying bacteria, produced by algae, which is initially turned into nitrites and subsequently into nitrates. The nitrates are then utilized by the plants as nutrients, and in this process the plants ‘clean’ the water of ammonia. The water is circulated throughout the process; in the end, ammonia-free water gets pumped back into the fish-tank.
Be sure to check this new feature out, near the Sudwala Caves entrance, on your next visit!
Fish Spa:
Why not try a Fish Spa pedicure on your next trip? This unusual experience where fish exfoliate and clean your skin is a favourite among our visitors. At first, this might feel a bit uncomfortable and slightly ticklish, but as you get used to this weird sensation it becomes rejuvenating and absolutely relaxing. The dozens of tiny toothless Garra Rufu fish, in this almost natural-looking freshwater pool, almost instantly gather together to soothe and nibble on your feet.
We hope to hear all the stories on your way back to the Lodge, after a busy day at Sudwala Caves – from the fish nibbling on your little toes, to the exhaustion from taking on on the strenuous Screaming Monster Race.
Remember to see what other fun on-site activities you can do at Sudwala, by clicking on the button below.