29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the Cango Caves.
Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. Lost in absolute darkness, a deep stillness, a constant temperature and high humidity, it is a world with its own unique scenery of calcite masterpieces formed by gently dripping water.
Ostrich Farms
"Copyright: South African Tourism"
On operating Ostrich Show Farms you can see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the surrounding fields. During the course of a tour a guide explains every aspect of ostrich farming, from breeding to rearing. The tour starts in the breeding camp, with a nest of ostrich eggs, where the first stage of the ostrich life cycle is explained. Visitors will get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on them - a great photo opportunity.
During the breeding season visitors get to see ostrich eggs hatching in the incubator rooms. Visitors get to sit on an ostrich and those who are brave enough can even try their hand at riding one. A highly entertaining and educational tour is guaranteed.
Swartberg Pass
Swartberg Pass from the top
The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the most spectacular
mountain passes in the world. An untarred road winds to the summit 1
583 metres above sea level in steep zig-zags and sudden switchbacks,
with breath-taking views at every turn.
The entrance, comeing
from Prince Albert, is through a narrow Cape sandstone kloof where the
eye is drawn upwards by the convoluted rock faces to the sparkling sky
above. Several picnic sites near the river provide tranquil spots to
stop and absorb the peace and splendour.
As you drive on you
gain your first sight of the valleys and peaks of the Swartberg Pass.
The natural characteristics of the Pass are magnificent – as are the
man-made features. This was Thomas Bain's last engineering masterpiece.
His construction philosophy, which has stood the test of time was:
"Good hat and good boots".
Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut, hotel and other interesting historical sites
Hiking in the Swartberg Pass
There are a number of options for hiking in the Swartberg Mountains, from day hikes to a demanding five day hike.
Lindsay of Dennehof Tours
arranges a hiking permit and then drives you into the Swartberg Pass
with a picnic lunch, a bird list and map and you hike back down to
Malva Draai, where beers or soft drinks will be cooling in the river.
Choose between a 9km and an 18km route. Call Lindsay on 082 456 8848
for more information.
PERMITS FOR DAY HIKES available from the
Prince Albert Tourism Association Office 023 5411 366 and the Prince
Albert Info Office at the National Centre.
You must have a permit to hike in the Swartberg Pass.
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