Explore The Many Activities at Cango Retreat
and Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn, also known as the ostrich capital is the largest town in the Klein Karoo. The picturesque town has been left with a legacy of beautiful architecture, remnants from the economic booms which the area experienced when the fashion industry demanded the finest ostrish feathers.
The economy now relies on agriculture and tourism with major attractions, annual events and the famous ostrich the pivotal attraction.
All within 30km of the town there are several interesting attractions, including the world-famous Cango Caves, the world's leading show cave where you are able to undertake daily tours.
Visit the historical village of De Rust which lies at the foot of the mighty Swartberg mountain range. The beautiful tree-lined main road of De Rust boasts stunning 19th-century cottages and homes which have been lovingly restored.
The Swartberg Pass offers an incredible scenic drive with majestic mountain views on route to the town of Prince Albert. The famous pass was build by the famous road engineer Thomas Bain.
Another scenic route via Meiringspoort offers incredible photographic opportunities through this mountainous sandstone portal.
The KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees) is the largest Afrikaans language arts festival in the country and plays centre stage to all annual cultural activities in Oudtshoorn. The masses descend upon the Klein Karoo capital for 5 days of cultural activity around Easter to celebrate this unique language by way of music, poetry, art and more.
Ostriches remain a focal point of interest in Oudtshoorn and although feathers are no longer in great demand, there is a healthy leather and meat industry which has grown from the giant bird. Several Ostrich show farms can be visited where one is able to ride ostriches and learn more of these great birds.
Visits to wildlife farms are a must. Wildlife conservation is taken seriously in Oudtshoorn and several wildlife farms are open to the public to raise awareness around conserving many of our local species.
Prepare to spend time in Oudtshoorn as a day trip is simply not enough. So much to see and so much to do
Cango Caves
The Cango Caves, situated in the Swartberg Mountains, remain one of South Africa's greatest attractions and a landmark not to be missed when visiting OuTol Cango Retreat. Situated just 6 kms from the Cango Caves a day visit is a must.
The Cango Caves are known as one of the greatest Natural Wonders of the World and the biggest show cave systen in Africa. The cave system is South Africa's oldest tourist attraction with its uniqiue formations.
Tours through the Cango Caves are offered on a daily basis and facilities include:
- Information Bureau
- Cango Caves Auditorium
- View a movie about Cango 2 (now closed to the public)
- Interpretive Centre
- Where you can learn more about the Caves history & Geological background in detail
- Curio Shop
- Sells African gifts, collectibles and originally crafted artifacts
- Restaurant
- Serves traditional South African dishes
S 33° 23' 33.8" E 22° 12' 53.7"
Heritage Sites
With the enormous economic booms during the 1880's and 1900's when ostrich feathers were in such high demand in the fashion industry, the magnificent Ostrich Palaces were built and these magnificent buildings remain in their Art Nouveau, Victorian and Neo Renaissance Revival styles.
Architects the likes of Karl Otto Hager, Georges Wallace (Snr. and Jnr) and Charles Bullock were amongst the famous architects commissioned to carry out some of the fine work still standing today.
Many of the finest examples of the sandstone buildings can be seen on Baron van Rheede Street in Oudtshoorn.
Klein Karoo Wine Route
Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo Wine Route form part of the Route 62 Wine Route (longest wine route!). The area proves to be an excellent wine producing region and farms are well worth a visit.
Grundheim Wines
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 6927
Karusa Vineyards
Tel: +27 (0)44 272 8717
Ostrich Farms
A visit to Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms would be an absolute must when staying at Cango River and Mountain Retreat. Find out all about this great bird and visit one of the farms during your stay. Activities abound! Learn to ride an ostrich and perhaps even participate in an ostrich race, walk on ostrich eggs, see their natural habitat, learn about their breeding cycles and the entire industry surrounding the largest bird in the world. Great family fun outing.
Highgate Ostrich Show Farm
Tel: +27(44) 272 7115
Safari Ostrich Show Farm
Tel: +27(0) 44 272 7312
Mountain Biking
The environment offers some of the very best mountain bike trails so don't forget to bring your bikes along. A great MTB route is the Cemetry MTB Route with paths going in every direction, the longest being 11 kms. Great scenery, challenging surfaces and a couple of thorn bushes will make this all an interesting ride!
Cemetery MTB Route
WHERE: Old Cemetery, Off N12, Oudtshoorn, Karoo
WHEN: Best during daylight hours
CONTACT: +27 (0)82 538-3115
Cango Mountain Biking
WHERE: 8km outside Oudtshoorn on R328 towards Cango Caves
WHEN: Best during daylight hours
CONTACT: +27 (0) 44 272 5110
Wildlife Farms In Oudtshoorn
Once in a lifetime encounters are on offer where you can touch a Cheetah, enjoy the playful nature of a Tiger cub, wrap yourself in a giant Python, cover yourself in Lorikeets and even dive with Nile Crocodiles! Conservation is the name of the game though as the Cango Wildlife Ranch brings you a plethora of experiences in this wildlife paradise not to be missed.
This is a fantastic adventure for the whole family offering an unforgettable experience. Please note that entry fees are payable and additional fees are payable for "animal encounters".
Cango Wildlife Ranch
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 5593