| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Arnhem Bat Cave:
Famous for bats since 1930. Arnhem Cave, situated 125km from Windhoek, is 4,5km in length - the longest in Namibia and is inhabited by 6 different species of bats. A guided tour through the cave will probably leave you with your most memorable experience of caving. The duration of the tour depends on how far you would like to explore the cave. No crawling is necessary, and the tour could last up to three hours - if you desire.
Arnhem Cave is still in a completely natural state. It developed through the solution of limestone and dolomite between thin layers of quartzite and shale. The insoluble rock layers eventually collapsed to form a large complex of narrow tunnels and enormous caverns.
Discovered by farmer Daniel Bekker in 1930, the Arnhem Cave system stretches for an impressive 4.5 to 4.8 kilometers of winding passages and large chambers. Initially, the cave's primary value was commercial; large-scale mining of its extensive bat guano deposits took place between 1932 and 1940 for use as fertilizer.
Though mining ceased when artificial fertilizers became more cost-effective, an estimated 15,000 tons of guano remain, contributing to the cave's unique atmosphere and delicate ecology. In 1995, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism officially declared it a tourism attraction, ensuring its conservation and controlled access for visitors.
An Ecological Hotspot
The true stars of the Arnhem Cave are its residents. The cave is a vital roosting and maternity site for at least six species of insectivorous bats, which live in large colonies. Among them is the impressive Giant Leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni), known as one of the world's largest insect-eating bats, with a wingspan of over half a meter.
This massive bat population, in turn, supports a unique and diverse community of specialist invertebrates. Within the dark, dusty depths, a fascinating array of life thrives on the rich guano deposits, including:
Endemic skeleton shrimps (Trogloleleupia gobabis) and amorphous white flatworms are found in cave pools.
Various beetles (some endemic to Arnhem Cave), spiders, crickets, and pseudoscorpions that rely on the bat guano and other cave inhabitants for sustenance.
Visiting the Depths
For the adventurous traveler, Arnhem Cave offers an authentic, undeveloped caving experience. Visitors embark on guided tours, lasting several hours, where they navigate the large chambers with provided headlamps and water. The environment is dry and dusty, and guests are advised to wear old clothes and potentially a mask as a precaution against histoplasmosis spores found in the guano dust.
Facilities:
Visitors are most welcome to make use of the bar, braai, and swimming pool facilities.
Other Activities:
Guided Nature Walks / Game Drives / Hiking Trails
