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We offer
safe and convenient parking facilities. On arrival one has the option of
parking at the "lower" or "upper" parking area.
Coaches are directed to go to the upper parking area only, which is
situated 60 metres from the entrance to the caves.
Conveniently situated between the upper parking and the cave entrance
are Pierre's Mountain Inn which offers accommodation in a beautiful
setting, as well as a restaurant and curio shop. The entrance to the
Sudwala Dinosaur Park is also conveniently reached from the upper
parking area.
The booking office for tours is at the entrance to the caves and you may
pay by cash or credit card on arrival. |
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At the
cave entrance you will be met by your tour-guide who will take you 600
meters in and 150 meters underground. The route is a return-route, the
entrance and the exit being the same presently.
The cave embraces many aspects of life and allows history, geology and
nature conservation to become tangible and the tours are informative and
fun, also providing great opportunities for photographs.
The normal (One Hour) tours are not physically demanding, and are
suitable for young and old. The chambers are spacious, well illuminated
and there is a good air-flow which comes from an as yet, unknown source!
COST OF TOUR
To minimize damage to the caves one may only enter with a tour-guide.
(Besides the obvious fact that you may get lost and never come out
again!)
The current rates are:
Adults: R 60-00 p/p 16yrs & older Pensioners: R 50-00 p/p 60yrs & older
Children: R 30-00 p/p 05yrs to 15 yrs
Under 5 yrs – Free
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Discounts for groups of 10 or more. |
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The Crystal Tour is something altogether different to the
normal tours which are for normal people, the Crystal Tour being only
for the really adventurous type. It involves an organized excursion,
penetrating into the bowels of Mother Earth and is surprisingly popular!
The tour takes you 2000 meters into the cave, culminating on the
outskirts of the crystal chamber, with its splendid array of sparkling
aragonite crystals. The tour is literally a once in a lifetime
experience, and the route only moderately difficult, meaning there are
stretches of crawling involved, through tunnels, some of which contain
water, so you must be prepared to get a little wet! The duration of the
tour is approximately 5 hours.
DESIRABLE AND UNDESIRABLE QUALITIES OF TOUR PARTICIPANTS
You must be adventurous, sensible and responsible.
People of average agility have no problem clearing the obstacles. The
guide is always there to push and pull when the going gets tight.
Obviously no persons with any serious health problems should undertake
the tour.
Children under the age of 16 years cannot undertake the tour.
People who suffer from psychological ailments like claustrophobia, are
not advised to do the tour.
Last but not least, very large, meaning rotund people cannot be
accommodated. To give you some indication the biggest person to fit
through weighed 125kg, Very tall people are no problem but anything too
wide Is liable to get perfectly stuck.
NB: We do our utmost to guarantee your safely. You, however,
undertake to do the Crystal Tour entirely at your own risk, We accept no
responsibility in the event of any accident.
WHEN AND WHERE
The tour normally takes place on the first Saturday of each month. We
accommodate groups of 30 people at a time and therefore it is a good
idea to book well in advance. Private tours for a minimum number of 10
people can be arranged for any other day at the same cost.
Tour group meets at the cave entrance at 9h30 in time for departure into
the cave at 10h00. The group normally returns at approximately 15h00.
Cost R200.00 per person. Deposit R100.00 per person.
After booking telephonically, we require that you send a deposit of
R65.00 per person either by making a deposit into our bank account or by
doing a credit card transaction over the telephone. This must reach us
as soon as possible from the time of booking. Only once we receive your
deposit is your booking confirmed, If we do not receive it at least 14
days prior to the commencement of the tour, you forfeit your place. If
you wish to cancel, please do it telephonically before you send a
deposit or you forfeit that too.
ADDRESS
The Crystal Tour
P 0 Box 48 Schagen 1207
Tel: (013) 733 4152 Fax: (013) 733 5266
BANKING DETAILS
ABSA Nelspruit
Acc. Name: Owen Spelonke (Crystal Tour)
Acc. No: 01029580088 Branch No: 334252
WHAT TO WEAR
NO JEANS - they are too restrictive when wet. MEN: Shorts and T shirt or
overall.
LADIES: Suitable top and suitable shorts or tracksuit pants or overall.
Wear boots or takkies with good grip. No open shoes unless they can
fasten to your feet - eg. Rockies.
As you will be wet when you come out of the cave, it is advisable to
bring a towel and change of clothing.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
You must bring your own torch. This will be your only and most important
piece of equipment. Use long life batteries. You are welcome to bring a
camera but make sure it has suitable waterproof protection.
WHAT NOT TO TAKE
No jewelry or non-waterproof watches. No bulky rucksacks or lunch boxes,
or any article you don't intend bringing out again - your
mother-in-law!! Sound like fun! It is fun! Phone us when you are ready
to book. No food or drinks are allowed in the caves so have a good
breakfast.
See you on the tour!!
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