Explore Activities and Things to do in Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo

Explore The Many Activities when at Cango Retreat OuTol

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 ostrich feathers.

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

Web: www.cango-caves.co.za

Cango Caves S 33° 23' 33.8" E 22° 12' 53.7"

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

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

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

National Heritage Sites

Le Roux Town House & Arbeidsgenot
Home to the famous Afrikaans lawyer and author of part of the South African National Anthem, C J Langenhoven. It provides interesting artifacts and a glimpse into life as it once was in the Klein Karoo.
C P Nel Museum
Montague House
Situated at 12 Baron van Reede Street. Originally a family home to the Lipschitz family and now a National Heritage site
Prince Vincent & Co
On the corner of Baron can Reede and Church Streets. Originally on of the oldest and largest General Merchants in South Africa.
Presbyterian Church and Manse
43-45 Baron van Reede Street.
St Jude's Complex
57-61 Baron van Reede Street.
Church built in 1860. Architect: Sophie Gray (wife of first Bishop of Cape Town).
Rectory: 1861.
Victoria Memorial Hall: 1904.
School: 1901.
Botha House: 19th Century. Tuishuis: 1862. Original Country Club.
Synagogue Complex
83 Baron van Reede Street.
Synagogue built in 1888. Architect: George Wallis.
The complex also contained the Jewish Club, Hebrew School and Rabbi's House.
Gottland House
72 Baron van Reede Street Built in 1902.
Synagogue Complex
83 Baron van Reede Street
Synagogue: 1888. Architect: George Wallis.
The complex also contained the Jewish Club, Hebrew School and Rabbi's House
Mimosa Lodge
85 Baron van Reede Street. 1907
Roman Catholic Cathedral
78 Baron van Reede Street. 1964. Architects: Bergamasco, Duncan & Assoc. Cape Town
Oudtshoorn Gaol
116-118 Baron van Reede Street
Early 19th Century
Oakdene House
Baron van Reede Street
One of the oldest buildings in Oudtshoorn. The plot originally belonged to Rev. T.J. van der Riet. It was built in 1853. In front of the house is a old water furrow dated 1847. Original Oak trees still stand outside
146 Baron van Reede Street
built in the 1860's
Former home of miss Hudson, Governess to Pauline Smith, authoress of "Stories of the Little Karoo".
Fairview
131 Baron van Reede Street. Early 20th Century.
Suspension Bridge
Church Street. 1913. Made by Rowley & Sons. London. Local contracting engineer: E. Helfritz.
The Old Pavillion
Voortrekker Road. 1894. Built for recreation Grounds Co.
Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage
141 High Street. 1881. Architect: Otto Hager. Mid-Victorian style with Neo-Classic influence.
Dutch Reformed Church
High Street. 1860-1879
Architects: George Wallis, Otto Hager
The model for the five angels standing in front of the pulpit was Maria van Rooyen from Oudtshoorn
Town House
146 High Street. 1908. Architect: Charles Bullock. Owner: J.H.J. le Roux. Currently ancillary to the C.P. Nel museum. The little house at the back was originally a shop. During the great influenza epidemic of 1918, it was used as a hospital.
170 High Street
Late 19th Century
171 High Street
Early 20th Century
Criterion Hotel
213 High Street. Early 20th Century.
Designed by Charles Bullock in 1908 for Mr. Mark Morris. Currently the Baron's Palace
Rus in Urbe
(Foster House) 54 Voortrekker Street. 1902.
Architect: Charles Bullock.
Owner: J.A. Foster, M.L.A. He went bankrupt in 1914 with the crash of the feather industry.
Drill Hall
8 Camp Street. 1892. Oudtshoorn Volunteer Rifles. Currently Dutch Reformed Church Hall. The foundation stone was laid by Cecil John Rhodes in 1892.
Youth Hostel
84 Adderley Street. 1894. Originally public school for girls

Why Choose Cango Retreat Ou Tol?

There are countless reasons why guests fall in love with our mountain and river retreat. Here’s what sets us apart:

Unbeatable Location: Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty yet conveniently close to Oudtshoorn and the attractions of the Klein Karoo.
Unique Experiences: From kayaking to fly fishing, and hiking to hammocks, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Family-Friendly: With a playpark, animal interactions, and safe, open spaces, kids will have the time of their lives.
Peaceful Ambiance: Perfect for those seeking tranquillity, with plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature.
Group-Friendly: Accommodations and a venue that cater to large groups, making it ideal for celebrations and events.

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Activities