On the south-western coast of South Africa extends Western Cape province, home to the metropolis Cape Town with its distinctive Bo-kaap area.
Travelling north, you will reach the small town Oudtshoorn which is known as the ostrich capital of the world, and the spectacular Cango Caves. The cave system extends over 3 miles with gigantic artful formations from limestone minerals created by natural processes over 20 millions of years.
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In the Western Cape province of South Africa just north of the town Oudtshoorn, lies the Cango Caves. Within the network of caves are large limestone mineral formations made by natural processes over millions of years.
Situated in the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves are home to gigantic stalagmite formations that will be sure to astound in person. Discovered by a local farmer in 1780, the Cango Caves are now one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations that attracts visitors from around the world.
Adventures For Everyone
The Cango Caves extend for over 3 miles with visitors are only able to see about a quarter of its vastness. There are different tours offered in the caves with different levels of difficultly.
If you are a more experienced cave explorer, the adventure tour may be for you. Taking the adventure tour requires tourists to crawl through small passages and climb up steep rock formations, so it is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia or back ailments. The standard tour offers easy mobility around the caves, great for children and non-adventurers.
Navigate through the Cango Caves from home with this video!
South African Sosaties
Sosaties are marinated skewers from the Cape Malay which became a staple in South African homes. Their flavor is fragrant and a little spicy.
South African Bobotie
Bobotie was most likely influenced by the Malaysian and Dutch cuisine. This creamy meat pie balances a sweet-sour-spicy flavor.
The Ostrich Capital of the World
The home of the Cango Caves is also home to the largest bird in the world. Ostriches are unique birds that can sprint up to 70 km/hr and cover 5m in one stride. To put that into perspective, former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal boasts a height of 2.16 meters, meaning the ostrich can stride over 2 times the length of Shaq!
The town of Oudtshoorn boasts a number of ostrich farms that tourists can visit and learn about these amazing flightless birds. Ostrich farming proved profitable for the farmers of Oudtshoorn due to the European fashion trends in the early 20th century where hats adorned with an ostrich feather grew in popularity. The eggs of the ostrich can be used for food, while the eggshells are used as decorative lampshades, artwork, and more.
South African Wildlife
With some of the most endangered species in the world, Africa has a fair amount of conservation areas that they protect. In Oudtshoorn, Cango Wildlife Ranch is a facility dedicated to the conservation of the endangered species that surround the area.
At the ranch, they home South African cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, vultures, and more African wildlife. Visitors can interact with various species during animal encounters offered at Cango Wildlife Ranch including holding snakes, feeding leopards, and meeting cheetahs.
About the history of rich ostriches farms, historic mansions, and the Cango Caves.
From luxury hotels to feeding ostriches and elephants, here you are at close.
