Oudtshoorn Activities Archives - Swartberg Circle Route

Cango Caves

Jul 1, 2025

OUDTSHOORN ACTIVITIES

(OUT OF TOWN)

CANGO CAVES

Cango Caves offer a fascinating pilgrimage through time. The caverns began forming 20 million years ago when acidic ground water chemically eroded the 100-million-year-old limestone rock – although today’s dramatic stalactites and stalagmites began growing only when the water which once filled the Caves drained away: a mere three million years ago.

Man has visited Cango since ancient times: Southern Africa’s earliest people found shelter here for more than 80 000 years before the Caves were re-discovered’ – in 1780 – by Dutch colonists. It has since become one of South Africa’s most frequently visited tourism attractions.

It is an attraction of many firsts:

First to be protected by environmental legislation.
First to employ a full-time tourist guide.
South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction.
Biggest show cave system in Africa.

Cango Caves are open 364 days per year, except 25 December.

GENERAL INFO

It is essential to book either tour in advance. Every tour carries a restriction in terms of visitors and by booking you are not only making it comfortable for yourself, but also aiding us with our conservation effort of this non-renewable resource.

HERITAGE TOUR

This tour is an easy walk through the first six largest halls, continuing through to the African Drum room with a few stairways.

Departure: 09:00-16:00 – every hour on the hour
Duration: 60 minutes

ADVENTURE TOUR

This is a medium risk activity with exciting passages and narrow tunnels requiring a degree of fitness. It is for lean people only and is essential to wear non-slip footgear. Children younger than six (6) years may not partake in this tour.

Departure: 09:30-15:30 – every hour on the half hour
Duration: 90 minutes

THE SPEKBOOM RESTAURANT

Full service restaurant with a la carte menu
Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Full service bar that services a variety of SA wines
Craft beer & Gin on Tap
info@thespekboom.co.za / 063 561 9004

Get in Touch

Email Enquiry

Contact Details
Telephone: +27 (0)44 272 7410
Email: reservations@cangocaves.co.za
Website: www.cango-caves.co.za

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Opening Hours

Open from 09:00-16:00

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ADDRESS

Cango Valley,
Oudtshoorn
Western Cape,
South Africa,
6620

Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall

Aug 6, 2024

RUST-EN-VREDE WATERFALL

(OUT OF TOWN)

Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall location

Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall is on a scenic detour branching off the R328, 22km from Oudtshoorn, on the way to the Cango Caves. From this turnoff, the waterfall lies another 13km along the scenic Oudemuragie road, totalling 35km from Oudtshoorn’s town centre.

No title could be more apt for this scene of isolated beauty engraved into the heart of the Swartberg Mountain by nature’s powerful forces. It is a must-see for anyone travelling to Oudtshoorn.

Short walk to the waterfall

Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall is hidden among the bracken-clad heights; therefore a walk over little bridges is required along the mountain trail. You are inspired by the beautiful wild flowers that bloom in great profusion alongside the path while far below amidst ferns and undergrowth, a powerful river ripples over rocky edges.

This scenic and peaceful trail ends in great reward. Collected at your feet is the sparkling pool that originated from a spring high up in the mountains. Rust-en-Vrede is a safe sanctuary for indigenous plant and animal life; definitely a precious asset of the Klein Karoo and Cango Valley.

Picnic Spot

Picnic and braai facilities are available under the enormous trees at the entrance. Unfortunately you are not allowed to have these facilities near the waterfall, for it is a protected area. Please note that an entrance fee is charged.

In general

It also serves a utilitarian purpose, for from the waterfall here Oudtshoorn acquires its bountiful water supply which is carried by a pipeline, twenty-two miles in length, to the town reservoir.

If you require any information about Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall, please feel free to contact us.

A Short History

Water was now becoming a major consideration of the expanding town and irrigated farms of the valley. In March 1894 heavy rains and a particularly damaging thunderstorm focused attention on the river crossings. The Olifants River Bridge was nearly completed and was opened in May by the Minister of Public Works, Sir James Sivewright, the bridge being given his name. The next year work started on the Grobbelaars River bridge which was opened in October 1896 in the presence of a crowd of 4 000 people. It was named the Juta-Olivier Bridge.

That year, ironically enough, was one of the driest on record and water was carted from the Cango valley to Oudtshoorn and sold at sixpence a bucket.

Danie Nel of Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall was persuaded to sell his water rights and work immediately began on piping the water to the town, which it reached in 1900.

The year 1899 is remembered at Oudtshoorn as one of the worst droughts in the town’s history. The veld lay black and lifeless, and even large ornamental trees withered. The Municipality had water carried for 18km and sold it to the thirsty citizens at cost.

It was at this time that the first serious proposal was made to build a storage dam on one of the rivers. Victorin, in 1855, describes a visit he paid to the irrigation dam on the Olifants River near Van Wykskraal. He says it was made of rocks and bushes dumped in the middle of the river; there is no reason to believe that things had changed 40 years later.

The new proposal came from E.T.L. Edmeades, the owner of the farm Kammanassie, and he proposed an irrigation dam be built on the Kammanassie River. At the time, nothing came of it, but the idea was not forgotten.

( Source: The Little Karoo by Ralph Taylor )

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Aug 6, 2024

MEIRINGSPOORT

(OUT OF TOWN)

Where is the poort situated?

On the N12 between De Rust & Prince Albert in the Western Cape.

What is the distance of the poort?

Through a gorge with a 25 km road crossing the same river 25 times.

Are there restroom facilities?

Yes, there are various places to stop with bathroom facilities.

Is the waterfall wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not, as it is a short hike with stairs leading to the waterfall.

INTRODUCTION

Meiringspoort is situated on the N12 between the towns of De Rust and Prince Albert. This spectacular natural gorge cuts its way through the Swartberg Mountains, forming an incredible natural gateway between the Klein Karoo and Groot Karoo.

The 25km road leading through the poort has a total of 25 drifts (each with its own name and interesting bit of history) crossing the Groot River as it winds its way through the huge rock formations.

There are plenty of scenic spots (with bathroom facilities) to stop and appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this geological wonder. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of the towering rock walls or take a short hike up to the waterfall for a bird’s-eye view of the scenery or a dip in the cool rock pools.

[Please note: Unfortunately, the waterfall is not wheelchair accessible, as it is reached by a short hike with stairs leading up to the waterfall.]

Geology

Over 200 million years of geological activity has produced this astounding natural wonder. As this ravine cuts through the Swartberg Mountains (which also happens to be one of the best exposed fold mountain chains in the world), one can see the spectacular rock formations that have been pushed upwards and folded like pleats in the enormous rock walls some 250 million years ago.

Visit Meiringspoort Geology to read more about the geology of Meiringspoort.

Animal Life

Meiringspoort is home to an impressively diverse range of wildlife. Over millennia, many of these animals have evolved in such extraordinary ways, that today they are recognised as unique species that occur nowhere else in the world but here.

Visit Meiringspoort Animal Life to learn more about Meiringspoort’s diverse animal and birdlife.

Vegetation

Equally diverse as its wildlife, the poort also boasts a rich diversity of plants. Some even gained fame across the globe, like the wild geranium that was sent to England where the Duchess of Beaufort started cultivating them by 1710.

The topography of this incredible environment creates various habitats that can differ so completely from its neighbouring habitat that visitors often come across extraordinary combinations like forest ferns and fynbos nearly growing alongside each other.

Keen to learn more about the plant diversity of Meiringspoort? Visit Meiringspoort Vegetation.

VISITORS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO

Only make fires in designated fireplaces
Not make fires anywhere after sunset
Bring all their firewood with them and not to gather wood in the veld
Not disturb, collect or remove any animal, bird, insect or plant
Not disturb, collect or remove any artefacts or geological objects
Use the rubbish bins and not to litter
Not feed baboons or any other animals
Have picnics only in the designated picnic sites
Not camp here. There are camping facilities at De Rust
Not make a noise – radios or musical instruments should not be a disturbance to-others
Not paint or write on rocks, trees or at the waterfall
Not swim in the river – people and animals that live down the stream drink this water!

As a result of the many loose stones and rocks in the Poort, it is dangerous to walk on the mountain slopes and will only be allowed in special cases.

If you require any information about the Swartberg Pass, please feel free to contact us.

A bit of history

The morning of March 3rd, 1858, saw the official opening of Meiringspoort. The poort was named after Petrus Johannes Meiring, an influential farmer from De Rust, and was an extremely important milestone for trading between farmers from the north and the communities of Oudtshoorn, George and Mossel Bay. The new route gave the Groot Karoo economy a major boost with one eighth of the Cape Colony’s wool clip transported to Mossel Bay’s port by 1870.

For more on the history of Meiringspoort, visit The History of Meiringspoort.

Swartberg Pass

Aug 6, 2024

SWARTBERG PASS

(OUT OF TOWN)

Where is the Pass situated?

Between Oudtshoorn & Prince Albert in the Western Cape.

What is the distance of the Pass?

The pass itself is approx. 25km gravel road.

Do you need a 4×4?

No, but higher ground clearance will certainly count in your favour.

What is the height of the Pass?

The pass is 1,583m above sea level.

WHERE IS THE PASS LOCATED?

The Swartberg Pass lies right at the heart of the Swartberg Circle Route. This scenic route takes you along the picturesque back roads from Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp, De Rust, Klaarstroom and Prince Albert, over the Swartberg Pass and through Meiringspoort. The pass itself is situated between the towns of Oudtshoorn & Prince Albert in the Western Cape, South Africa.

DISTANCE OF THE PASS & NEAREST TOWNS

The pass itself is approx. 25km gravel road that connects the towns of Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. Although the distance seems short, the pass is renowned for its steep climbs and sudden switchbacks, so best take it slow while properly soaking up the spectacular scenery along the way. You can set aside approx. 1h for the pass itself and an extra 10min to reach the pass from Prince Albert and 20min from Oudtshoorn.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO ACCESS THE PASS?

Not at all! The pass connects the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn and the Groot Karoo town of Prince Albert and the well-maintained access roads from both sides make it easy to reach. Allow yourself about 10min to reach the pass from Prince Albert (+/-5km) and 20min from Oudtshoorn (+/-40km) while setting aside roughly 1h for the 25km pass itself.

DO YOU NEED A 4X4?

No, but higher ground clearance will certainly count in your favour. We don’t, however, recommend this route for cars with very low clearance. Do take note that the road can be quite rocky in certain parts. The narrow lanes and sharp bends also necessitates that you take it nice and slow while keeping an eye out for oncoming cars. There are various narrow parts where one driver often needs to give way in order for both vehicles to pass each other safely.

JUST HOW STEEP IS THAT CLIMB? SOME INTERESTING FACTS:

This formidable pass, at an elevation of 1,583m above sea level, climbs a whopping 1000m over a distance of 12km, with a max gradient of 1:8. Yes, it’s a steep one, but those brave enough to venture to the top are rewarded with the most breathtaking views!

For more info on the history and construction of the pass, visit the The History of the Swartberg Pass.

LOOKOUT POINTS:

There are various viewpoints where you can stop to stretch your legs, break out your picnic basket, savour the spectacular views and get a closer look at this pristine environment teeming with life.

BIRDWATCHING & WILDLIFE:

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has an incredibly rich diversity of plant and animal life, with some species so rare, they’re found nowhere else on earth. Take your time driving this incredible pass and keep your eyes peeled. You’ll spot a variety of critters including the dassie, klipspringer, vibrantly coloured lizards, baboons and many more. Avid bird watchers are in for a treat, as bird species abound in this area. Bring your binoculars and remember your camera.

HIKING & BIKING:

There are various hiking and biking trails on the pass itself. The hiking trails vary in length and intensity, making it easy to pick out the best trail for your fitness level. These do, however, require permits which can be obtained from the Cape Nature offices. The biking trails are better suited for more experienced cyclers as the terrain can be rough and the steep climbs quite brutal.

If you require any information about the Swartberg Pass, please feel free to contact us.

SIGNPOSTS ON THE SWARTBERG PASS

The following boards (from north to south) have been erected to indicate places of historic interest:

EERSTEWATER (First Water)
It was given this name because the draught animals could be outspanned here before the long, tiring journey. On their return they were fed and watered here. Bain’s first convict base camp was here and the ruins are still visible.

TWEEDEWATER (Second Water)
The older people will remember that before the low-water bridge was built, they had to wait for the water level to drop before crossing the stream.

MALVADRAAI (Geranium Bend)
This is the spot in the mountains where geraniums (Pelargonium zonale) grow luxuriantly. They are always green and often covered with flowers. One just cannot miss them. This natural inlet offers the traveller a place to stop and look at the rock formations. One of the Swartberg’s most beautiful hiking trails starts here.

BLIKSTASIE (TRONK) (The Jail)
During the building of the pass, a stone and clay structure to confine the convicts at night, was built at this spot. The present ruins are the remains of this structure.

DROËWATERVAL (Dry Waterfall)
During the rainy season it is a unique sight to see the water cascading down. During the summer months it is usually dry; hence the name.

TEEBERG (Tea Mountain)
In this area you will find the well-known honey tea bush which was much sought after by earlier inhabitants. Dealers used to market the honey tea in large quantities. This is surely one of the most aromatic teas, but unfortunatelyit is unknown to the younger generation. From this point the summit of the pass is visible, and if you look into the chasm, you will recognise ‘Malvadraai’ far below.

FONTEINTJIE 1884 (Little Fountain)
This fountain forms a beautiful waterfall and is a perennial stream. A few hundred metres higher is a pine plantation started as an experiment in 1927. (Pinus muricata; Pinus taeda)

GAMKASKLOOF 57KM (Gamka’s Kloof)
Also known as The Hell, it is a secluded settlement in a valley in the Swartberg Mountains and is well-known for its delicious fruit and vegetables. Its dried figs are a gourmets delight.

OU TOLHUIS (The Old Toll House)
At the pine grove stood the old Toll House where road-users paid the toll.No sign remains of the Toll House, but a board with a sketch of the old Toll House has been erected.

DIE TOP (The Top)
The Top is 1 585m above sea level and the highest point of the pass. From this point nature lovers can see the marvels of creation for kilometres to the north and south.

DIE GROOT KLIP (The Big Stone)
This is a very popular place to stop when travelling from the south. From here the summit of the mountain pass is visible.

BOEGOEKLOOF 1886 (Buchu Kloof)
In earlier days this was the areas medicine chest because various species of buchu grow here. The best known is the mountain buchu (Empleurum unicapsulare), aniseed buchu (Agathosma cerefolium) and long leaf buchu (Agathosma crenulatal). The buchu was usually put in brandy or vinegar and the extract used as medicine for stomach and many other ailments.

SKELMDRAAI (The Tricky Bend)
To the traveller from the north, the road seems to come to an end, and then it turns sharply to the left. From the south the road is very steep with a difficult, concealed hairpin bend, hence the name.

FONTEINTJIE (Small Fountain)
(On the southern slope)
Here a perennial stream flows from the high peaks to revive tired travellers. In bygone days a watermelon was placed in this stream by travellers from Prince Albert when they visited Oudtshoorn. On their return the well chilled melon could be enjoyed.

HOTELLETJIE (Small Hotel)
After the completion of the Swartberg Pass a postal service was instituted between Prince Albert Road and Oudtshoorn. To offer overnight accommodation, a modest hotel, the ruins of which can still be seen today, was erected on the southern slope. Some old maps still refer to this old inn as the Victoria Hotel.

PLANTASIE (Plantation)
This pine plantation was started as an experiment in 1927. It is a convenient picnic spot where tables and benches have been erected. It provides the ideal place for stretching one’s legs.

WITDRAAIE (The White Curves)
These curves are so named because of the two hairpin bends cut into the limestone deposits, which give the road a whitish appearance.

STALLETJIE (The Stables)
The horses that were used to draw the mail coach were fed and watered here. Fresh horses were harnessed for the journey both to the north and the south.

NEVILLE SE DRAAI (Neville’s Bend)
There is a sharp bend on the plateau on top of the mountain. It was too dangerous to erect a sign there, but the bend is called ‘Neville se Draai.’ At the age of 42 John Fitz Neville, Clerk of Works during the construction of the Swartberg Pass, was killed in an accident on this curve on 8 March, 1888. Some people believe he was killed in a dynamite explosion and others say he was thrown from his horse.

Source: Swartberg Pass Masterpiece of a brilliant Road Engineer by Helena Marincowitz

Bird watching

Aug 6, 2024

BIRDS OF THE SWARTBERG CIRCLE ROUTE

Avitourism (aka bird-watching tourism, birding, or even twitching) is considered to be one of the fastest growing areas of eco-tourism internationally and, with the wonderful diversity we have, South Africa is a haven for casual and hardcore bird-watchers.

With well over 900 species recorded in Southern Africa, it’s no wonder this is a desirable location for those pursuing our feathered friends. And the Klein Karoo has hosted a surprising number of those.

Book your bird watching tour with Minwater Eco Adventures at louis@minwater.co.za. On request, guided birding excursions at Minwater or elsewhere can be arranged.

A few bird species to look out for

Cape Bunting

(Emberiza capensis)

Afrikaans: Rooivlerkstreepkoppie
Size: 16cm
Colour: Grey brown with dark streaks and chestnut wing coverts. Adults have a black crown, white supercilium (plumage on the head) and white ear coverts with black borders.
Distribution & Habitat: Southern Africa, including Angola, Malawi and parts of Zimbabwe. Most commonly found in South Africa and Lesotho. Preferred habitat is dry shrubland, rocky mountain slopes and dry watercourses.

*Emberiza capensis
aka Cape Bunting

Orange-breasted sunbird

(Anthobaphes violacea)

Afrikaans: Oranjeborssuikerbekkie
Size: 13cm (female) | 17cm (male)
Colour: Male’s head and mantle are a vibrant metallic green and its upper breast is a metallic violet. The lower breast is a fiery orange fading to a paler yellow belly. Females are dull olive green with paler underparts.
Distribution & Habitat: Endemic to South Africa, these birds occur within the Western Cape region’s fynbos biome as well as coastal scrublands. During summer, they migrate to higher altitudes in search of nectar-rich plants.

*Anthobaphes violacea
aka Orange-breasted sunbird

Swartberg Circle Route - Orange Breasted Sunbird

Blue Crane

(Anthropoides paradiseus)

Afrikaans: Bloukraanvoël
Size: 110cm – 120cm
Colour: A pale blue-grey body that turns darker towards the neck and head. The lores (between the eyes and bill) and the crown are much lighter, almost white, while the long tertial wing feathers that trail to the ground are dark to blackish grey.
Distribution & Habitat: Endemic to South Africa, they occur in the southern and eastern parts and prefer dry grassy plains, hills and valleys with access to both uplands and wetlands — especially during breeding season. These altitudinal migrants nest in the lower grasslands and move down to lower altitudes for winter.

*Anthropoides paradiseus
aka Blue Crane

CARDINAL WOODPECKER

(Dendropicos fuscescens)

Afrikaans: Kardinaalspeg
Size: 14cm – 15cm
Colour: Its back is dull olive green with paler flecks, while its underparts are white with short black streaks. The head has an olive-brown crown and a prominent black malar stripe that separates the white face and throat. Males also have a distinct red hind crown.
Distribution & Habitat: Widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, they have a wide range of habitats across western and central Africa and are commonly found in woodland, savannah and riverine forest.

*Dendropicos fuscescens
aka Cardinal Woodpecker

Cape Rock Thrush

(Monticola rupestris)

Afrikaans: Kaapse kliplyster
Size: 19cm – 21cm
Colour: The male bird has a blue-grey head and throat with orange breast and dark-brown back. The female has duller underparts and her head is mainly brown with lighter specks.
Distribution & Habitat: This endemic species occurs across eastern and southern parts of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Their preferred habitat is rocky areas like cliffs, ravines, steep hillsides and scree slopes, but they’re also often found in towns bordering their natural habitat.

*Monticola rupestris
aka Cape Rock Thrush

Southern black korhaan

(Afrotis afra)

Afrikaans: Swartvlerkkorhaan
Size: 25cm – 28cm
Colour: The male bird has a black underbelly and neck while the main body plumage is of a checkered black and white pattern. The female’s head, neck and breast is the same colour as her body, the checkered brown and white pattern.
Distribution & Habitat:The Southern black korhaan is endemic to southwestern South Africa and prefers open, semi-arid habitats such as shrub-lands and savannahs.

*Afrotis afra
aka Southern black korhaan

Swartberg Circle Route - Southern Black Korhaan

A birding list will be ready soon for you to use on your next expedition!

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