Holkrans at Meiringskloof

Useful Information

Location:	Meiringskloof Nature Park, Meiring road, Fouriesburg, Free State, 9725 (-28.599804, 28.228266)
Open:	All year daily. [2021]
Fee:	Adults ZAR 25, Children ZAR 20. [2021]
Classification:	erosional cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Holkrans, Po Box 101, Fouriesburg 9725, Tel: +27-58-223-0067. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Holkrans (Hollow Cliff) cave at Meiringskloof is considered a sacred site by ngaka (traditional healer) or sangoma shamans. The huge cave is a place, where the dlozi (ancestor) can be contacted, so you should dress and behave accordingly. Practitioners of traditional African religions are sometimes praying and performing rituals. The same is with nearby Boesmangrot (Bushmen Cave). There is a lodge in the valley with cabins, where a trail to the caves starts. Some tour operators offer trips to the cave. The caves are accessible for patrons of the lodge and day visitors who must pay an entrance fee.

Meiringskloof was named after J H Meiring, who was the major of Fouriesburg from 1925-1931. The farm was called Meiringen at that time. The canyon has a dam which provides drinking water for the town. The resort was founded by Wynand and Susan Pretorius in the 1980s. They leased the ground to create a caravan park and finally purchased it in 1987.