South Africa is filled to the brim with stunning caves to explore, and wiggle your way through its network to make you feel like a true adventurer.
Unsplash/Intricate Explorer
However, these tight squeezes can be pretty intimidating if you don’t keep your wits about you. Luckily, there are a few helpful ways to tackle this adrenaline-fuelled activity like a pro.
Go with a guide
If you’re a true beginner, you’ll need to book a guided tour to determine whether caving is up your alley. The enclosed spaces can be tricky to navigate, so having a trained professional is vital to ensure your safety.
A guided tour also ensures that you’re not travelling alone, which is essential if you get injured and need assistance to finish your journey.
Wear appropriate clothing
No matter the weather, caves tend to be wet, cold, and damp as they are largely protected from the elements that lurk outdoors. This is why you’ll need to be equipped with warm clothing (preferably waterproof and insulated) and walking shoes to make the journey comfortable.
If you get stuck, try not to panic
While this might be hard to remember at the moment, remaining calm when you find yourself unable to venture forward is very important to find a way to free yourself. When you panic, you’ll find the space around you and feel like it’s getting smaller and tighter.
This is because your lungs expand from rapid breathing, which is often accompanied by stress. Take controlled breaths when stuck to ensure you can assess the situation and determine your next move.
Do not touch any rock formations beyond the allocated caving passages
As caves are filled with fantastic formations formed by nature, it’s important to note that these stunning structures should not be handled. Stalactites and stalagmites could be damaged by human intervention, so it’s best to marvel at these beauties from a distance.
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