The Dinosaur Park boasts life-size models of prehistoric animals ranging from amphibious reptiles to mammals, sculpted by Jan van Zijl. He was also responsible for the black wildebeest on the old South African two-cent coin.
The pupils roamed the park on their own before they went on a guided tour, where they learned about prehistoric life and evolution.
They then moved to the Sudwala Caves, which are thought to have formed millions of years ago when Africa was still part of Gondwana.
The caves were named after Swazi royal Somquba’s induna Sudwala, the principal guardian of the caves’ entrance. Many bloody battles were fought at the site, including one with regiments of Mswati. They buildt a massive bonfire at the entrance, intending to suffocate Somquba and his men taking refuge inside, but were foiled by the caves’ natural airflow. A Lydenburg Boer commando came to their rescue, drove off the attackers and freed Sonquba and his men. Traces of the fire are still visible.
