Western Cape · South Africa · Est. 1954
Cape Peninsula
Spelaeological
Society
Exploring the underground of the Western Cape. Conservation, exploration, research, and community — since 1954.
Exploration
We document and explore cave systems across the Western Cape, from well-known networks to lesser-explored and remote systems.
Conservation
Caves are fragile ecosystems. We collaborate with landowners, researchers, and conservation bodies to protect and preserve the subterranean environments we explore.
Community
CPSS is built on shared passion. We welcome all skill levels — from curious beginners to seasoned cavers — and invest in skills development and training.
1954
Year Founded
12+
Trips Per Year
WC
Western Cape
2,100+
Caves Documented
Get Involved
Upcoming Meets & Events
The Final Squeeze – Kalk Bay Cave Exploration Intermediate Series
This year has been full of beginner-friendly meets, so we thought we'd end the year with a big one. This is an intermediate meet. It involves several tight, claustrophobic squeezes and plenty of scrambling and climbing, with around 5 to 6 hours spent underground. The route is challenging to navigate and move through, so we prefer participants with good climbing skills and a fair amount of caving experience. Only 10 spots are available, first come, first served.
- Essential gear: a helmet and at least two reliable torches with good battery life, plus spare batteries. We'll spend several hours in complete darkness, so backup lighting is essential
- Cave, meeting point and time: to be confirmed
- Open to members and non-members
CPSS AGM & Social
You've met the meet leaders and chatted with the interim committee. Now it's time to help shape the next chapter of CPSS — with a constitution, an elected committee and a membership fee that comes with member privileges.
This event is open to everybody. Whether you joined a trip in 2026 or would like to get involved, come along to meet, greet and chat with the people who made this year's trips possible. Tell us what you'd like more of, what we should avoid, and help elect a willing committee to lead us in 2027.
- Hoping to stand for the committee? Keep the afternoon free — planning for 2027 begins once the social wraps up
- Venue, time and social details: to be confirmed
- Early-release printed copies of the 2026 SASA Bulletin, compiled by Thilo Miller (PPH), will be on sale at the AGM for R100 each. The digital version is at sasa.caves.org.za
Recent Expeditions
From Underground
Our History
The story started long before us
In the early 1900s, Johan Meyer began exploring the caves of Kalk Bay Mountain, eventually documenting over 80 cave systems — 64 of which he is believed to have discovered himself. Starting at 59, he completed more than 1,600 ascents of the mountain alongside his companions known as “The Moles.”
Their work laid the foundation for organised caving in the Cape. CPSS carries that legacy forward.
Read the full storyGetting Started
New to caving?
No experience necessary. CPSS runs beginner-friendly trips, provides training, and has a community ready to show you the ropes — and the ropes. Come join us underground.