Best time to visit South Africa

Croc Cage Diving in South Africa

The snapping jaws and gnarly teeth just a few centimetres from your face—this personal encounter is to become a memorable experience

Best time: October–March

Croc Cage Diving
Croc Cage Diving
Croc Cage Diving

Cango Wildlife Ranch is the first and so far the only place in the world where you can dive with a prehistoric cold-blooded and much-feared amphibia—a Nile crocodile, or rather a couple of them. The water in the pool is clear enough for you to be able to count all the gnarly teeth.

The experience is unique and perhaps also a bit humiliating at times. Even though you dive in a bite-proof cage attached to the crane, you may still not feel 100% safe while watching jaws snap right in front of your eyes. It must be not a mere coincidence that all these crocs are named after world's most notorious serial killers. IIt's impossible not to feel intimidated by these four-meter-long creatures. Still in reality, there's little to nothing to fear about, as local staff take a good care of the crocodiles, and the animals are always fed before diving takes place, so you won't meet any hungry amphibia.

You'll receive a photo witness of your brave deed, so everybody will instantly believe you really did that. Besides, you can take your own camera or buy one sold at the ranch. So up your guts and enjoy the thrills.

Though Cango Wildlife Ranch operates year-round, crocodile cage diving is a seasonal activity due to winter coma spread among crocs. During cooler months the amphibias don't demonstrate any activity but rather lay around all day long. They are the most active during warm season—October to March. To dive alone you have to be 14 years old, but 8-years old may also enjoy the adventure provided that they are accompanied by their parent.

Practical info

When is the ideal period for attempting croc cage diving in South Africa?

The ideal period for croc cage diving in South Africa is from October to March, during the warm season when crocodiles are the most active. Crocodile cage diving is not available during the cooler months, as the crocodiles get less active at this time of year due to winter coma. It's recommended to choose the suitable month for a thrilling adventure with crocodiles. Show more

What is the location to attempt croc cage diving in South Africa?

Cango Wildlife Ranch located in Cape Town, Western Cape of South Africa is the only spot globally where one can dive with a Nile crocodile. Crocodile cage diving is mainly seasonal; therefore, it's advisable to confirm from the Ranch the specific dates for your visit. Booking should be done earlier to secure the experiential dive session in the bite-proof cage that is safe but exhilarating. Show more

How secure is it to endeavour in croc cage diving?

Croc cage diving is deemed relatively safe as it entails diving in a bite-proof cage with local experts in good care of the crocodiles. Feeding the crocodiles before the dive ensures they are not hungry during the activity. More so, there are rigorous safety measures in place, and a comprehensive briefing on these guidelines is provided before one can embark on the thrilling activity. Although jaws snap inches from your face, there is nothing to fear for the divers. Show more

Can children participate in croc cage diving at Cango Wildlife Ranch?

Croc cage diving is open to families, and 8-year old kids and above can participate accompanied by a parent. If a child wishes to dive alone, they must be at least 14 years old. The Ranch emphasizes following their set guidelines and being attentive to instructions as it is integral to secure safety. An unforgettable adventure is guaranteed for families or individuals seeking such a thrilling activity. Show more

Can I bring my camera for croc cage diving or is there one I can rent on-site?

Visitors interested in capturing their moments during croc cage diving are allowed to bring their waterproof cameras to Cango Wildlife Ranch. Alternative options include renting a camera in the facility and purchasing the site's pictures to take home and cherish the memories. The facility recommends booking a photo package to ensure memory documentation of an exhilarating adventure with the crocodiles is always available. Therefore, visitors are not limited to the option of having a camera for the experiential activity. Show more

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