Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, principal centre of the Klein Karoo,

Congo Caves

Oudtshoorn, principal centre of the Klein Karoo, and often referred to as the feather capital of the world, is synonymous with ostriches and ostrich farming. Founded in 1847 and named in honour of Baron Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, who died at sea en route to the Cape to become governor (1773), Oudtshoorn is ideally situated to serve as a base from which to discover the many treasures of the Klein Karoo.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

N1 from Cape Town via Paarl and Worcester to follow the R62 to Oudtshoorn. N2 from Cape Town via Somerset West to Mossel Bay. When entering Mossel Bay, take the R328 to Oudtshoorn. Cape Town 422 km, Worcester 312 km, George 63 km, Beaufort West 179 km, Bloemfontein 714 km, Johannesburg 1130 km, Port Elizabeth 358 km.

Altitude: 350 m above sea level

Average Rainfall: 220 – 240 mm per year.

Average Temperatures: 25°c

Banks

Absa, Boland PKS, FNB, Saambou, Standard

Dams

Melville and Raubenheimer Dam

Rivers

Grobbelaars, Olifants

HISTORICAL VIEW

Oudtshoorn received town status in 1863 and became a Municipality in 1887. The first Dutch speaking cattle farming pioneers trekked into the Klein Karoo in the 1750’s. The group entered the Cango region over the Kogmanskloof (Montagu) and along the Gouritz and Gamka Rivers. Phillip du Preez became the first white person to receive an ordinance for the feudal estate ‘Matjiesrivier’ in the fertile Congo Region in 1756. in 1760, Hermanus Steyn received rights for the estate Kombuis, on which the Cango Caves were discovered by Jacobus van Zyl in 1780. in 1821, CP Rademeyer received rights to the farm Hartebeesrivier (Oudtshoorn) on the Grobbelaars River. Members of the Dutch Reformed Church requested of Rademeyer to donate a part of the southern corner of his land for the erection of a church. This church opened it’s doors in 1838. by request of the surrounding inhabitants, CP Rademeyer asked that a part of the farm Hartebeesrivier be divided into a number of properties. Land surveyor, J Ford measured out 716 properties on both sides of the Grobbelaars River. The first sale of properties was held on 15 November 1847.

Feather Palaces Greylands

Built in 1911. Owner NHO Gavin.

Mimosa Lodge

Built in 1907. Owner Robert Sladowski. Architect: Charles Bullock

Onverwacht

Built in 1909. Owner: Karoo Valley farms. Architect: Simpson & Bridgeman.

Pinehurst

Built in 1911. Owner: ETL Edmeads. Architect: JE Vixeboxse

Rus in Urbe

(Forster House)

Built in 1902. Owner: JA Forster. Architect: Charles Bullock

The Towers

Built in 1903 and demolished in 1966. Owner: GC Olivier. Architect: Charles Bullock

Historical Tour of the Town

(Most of the buildings are open to the public)

146 Baron van Rheede St

Built during the 1860’s, this was the former house of Miss Hudson, governess to Pualine Smith, author of ‘Stories of the Little Karoo’.

170 High St

Built during the late 19th century

171 High St

Built during the early 20th century

Arbeidsgenot

(‘Joy Of Labour’)

217 Jan van Riebeeck Rd. National Monument. Built in 1898. Home of CJ Langenhoven, renowned South African writer and poet. Exhibits include memorabilia from his life.

CP Nel Museum

National Monument. Built in 1906. architect: Charles Bullock. Housed in the old Boys High School building, itself a beautiful example of the sandstone buildings erected during the ostrich feather boom, the museum has the theme – ‘the ostrich throughout the ages’. It also boasts a Jewish community to the development of Oudtshoorn. There is also an old fashioned grocer’s shop, a collection of early transport vehicles, household goods etc.

Criterion Hotel

Built during the early 20th century. Architect: Charles Bullock. Today the Feather Inn

Drill Hall

Built in 1892. home to the Oudtshoorn Volunteer Rifles. Foundation stone laid by Cecil John Rhodes in 1892.

Dutch Reformed Church

Built during the period 1860 to 1879. Architects: George Wallis and Otto Hager.

Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage

National Monument. Built in 1881 in the Victorian style with Neo Classic influence. Architect: Otto Hager

Fairview

Built during the early 20th century

Gottland House

Built in 1902. Architect: Charles Bullock

Kleinplaas

Built during the 19th century

Mimosa Lodge

Built in 1907. Architect: Charles Bullock. Today a National Heritage Site the building was originally erected for the Lipschitz family.

Oakdene House

National Monument

Built in 1853, this is one of the oldest buildings in town. The water furrows in front of the house dates back to 1847.

Oudtshoorn Gaol

Built during the early 19th century. Architects: Possibly Gierge Wallis

Pinehurst

Built in 1911. Architect: JE Vixeboxse

Prebyterian Church and Manse

Church built in 1923. Architect: Simpson & Bridgeman. Manse built during the 19th century.

Prince Vincent & Co

Built in 1914. Architect: Watson Hall. Used to be home to the largest Produce and General Merchants in the country.

Roman Catholic Cathedral

National Monument

Built in 1964. Architects: Bergamasco, Duncan & Associates (Cape Town).

Rus in Urbe

Built in 1902. Architect: Charles Bullock

St Jude’s Complex

National Monument

Church built in 1860. Architect: Sophie Gray, wife of the first Bishop of Cape Town. Rectory built in 1861. Victoria Memorial Hall built in 1904. School built in 1901. Botha House built during the 19th century. Tuisbuis built in 1862. Originally the country club.

Suspension Bridge

Built during 1913.

Synagogue Complex

Synagogue built in 1888. Architect: George Wallis. The complex also contained the Jewish Club, Rabbi’s House and Hebrew School.

The Old Pavillion

Built in 1894. Built for the Recreation Grounds Company.

Ton’s Cycle Shop

Built in 1894, the building originally housed Gibbs drapery store, later an Apothecary’s shop (called the Rooi Apteek).

Town House

National Monument

Built in 1908. Architect: Charles Bullock. Today forms part of the CP Nel Museum.

Youth Hostel

Built in 1894. Originally used as public school for girls

NATURE

Cango Caves

One of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Sculpted by nature over millions of years, the Cango Caves offer a magical journey through subterranean caverns with fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours. Although certainly known by prehistoric man and used as a home by Bushmen in more recent times, the treasures and secrets of the caves remained unexplored until 1780, when they were accidentally discovered by a herdsman while following a wounded buck. The first expedition into the caves was led by a farmer named Van Zyl, who, in the flickering light of a few torches, was awed by the immense size of the underground caverns and the spectacular limestone formations. From every corner the light reflected from stalactites (growing from the bottom upwards) and helictites (growing in all directions) – some up to 9 m high. The caves were declared a National Monument in 1938 and remain one of the 10 most visited tourist attractions in South Africa. The section open to the public (called Cango One) is about 760 m long and boasts several chambers of immense size, the largest being the Grand Hall, 107 m across and 16 m high. Two further extensions to the Cango One system were discovered in the early 1970’s, the first, called Cango Two or the ‘Wonder Cave’, extends for a further 240 m while the third, Cango Three, consists of a series of chambers 1600 m long. The beauty and magnificence of the crystalline formations in these ‘new’ caves far surpasses that of Cango One, where the influence of millions of visitors over the years had diminished the natural beauty of the formations. Three tour options, led by experienced miltilingual guides, are available. In 30 minutes the Scenic Tour, departing hourly on the half hour, draws awestruck visitors through the two largest chambers spread over an easy kilometer of spellbinding beauty. For those keen to marvel at the full grandeur of nature’s itme wrought wonders, the hour long, Standard Tour takes in six chambers, roughly half those now open to the public. With a few stairs to climb and comfortable walkways, the Standard Tour is an enchanting tip to a seldom seen world of majestic, glittering stalagmites and stalactites. Incorporating a challenging maze of crawlways, the 1,5 hour Adventure Tour is for the fit and physically able visitor keen to explore approximately 1,2 km of subterranean splendour comprising all caves open to the public. High temperatures and humidity make light clothing and sturdy walking shoes essential. Whichever option you choose, the CangoCaves will be an unforgettable experience. Located 26 km from Oudtshoorn, the complex has a crèche and petcare facilities, a reastuarant and a curio shop caring for your every day needs and leaving you free to experience the beauty of the cave system. Open all year with the exception of Christmas Day. Bookings is essential for groups of more than 15 people.

Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve

Home to the rare Mountain zebra. Located 33 km from Oudtshoorn on the Calitzdorp road.

Gamkaskloof

Also known as “Die Hell” is a fascinating valley near Prince Albert where a small, proud community lived in isolation for more than 100 years. Access was on foot or horseback only, and harvests of dried fruit and wild honey were carried out by pack animals. When a road was carved into the valley in 1962, a gradual exodus began, with the last farmer, Piet Swanepoel, leaving in 1991. Their modest homes and relics of fruit orchards can still be seen. Access to Gamkaskloof is 15 km from Prince Albert neat the northern summit of the Swartberg Pass. Visitors should allow almost a full day in a sturdy vehicle to travel the 57 km to the end of the valley and back.

Grootkop

A hill on the outskirts of town, opposite the jail. A short trail leads to the top, offering magnificent views of Oudtshoorn. Proclaimed as a National Heritage Site, Grootkop is home to the rare succulent Haworthis truncate or Horses teeth (Afr. Perdetande).

Meiringspoort

Soaring cliff walks with spectacular rock formations lie along the 25 km tarred road which winds along the floor of the gorge, crossing the Groot River 25 times. Entry to the poort is via Klaarstroom, 55 km east of Prince Albert en route to Oudtshoorn and the coast. Hardy plants, including indigenous pelargoniums, cling to the precarious rockfaces while birds, baboons and smaller fauna abound in the protected kloofs and crevices. Among the most scenic spots is the waterfall tumbling into a dark pool which, legend has it, is bottomless. Meiringspoort has been flooded several times in it’s 140 year history – 1885, 1968 and 1996 were devastating – and so the idea for building a high road over the mountains was born.

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Meiringspoort

Rust-en-vrede Waterfall

Approximately 23 km from town is the turn off to the Rust-en-vrede waterfall. Follow the gravel road for 11 km./ surrounded by spectacular mountains and breathtaking scenery is the 74 m high waterfall. Picnic sites at the entrance.

Scenic Drives

Oudtshoorn to Schoemanshoek – 14 km

Oudtshoorn to Cango Caves – 29 km

Oudtshoorn to Die Hell – 107 km

Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert via the Swartberg Pass – 77 km

Prince Albert to De Rust – 74 km

Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay via Robinson Pass – 90 km

Oudtshoorn to George via the Outeniqua Pass – 60 km

Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp – 68 km

Swartberg Mountains

The Swartberg mountains are a magnificent backdrop to the village of Prince Albert. Once considered almost impenetrable, there are now three major gateways – the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort – linking the Great Karoo with the Little Karoo and the coast. Meiringspoort and the Swartberg Pass are almost on Prince Albert’s doorstep, and with their awesome beauty and many opportunities for recreation, should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

Swartberg Pass

Author Lawrence Green had the following to say about the Swartberg Pass:”I have traveled only one road in my life more dramatic, and that was the fifteen thousand foot pass beyond DarjeelingTibet”. The 27 km long Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 m above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. The road is supported in places by hand packed stone walls, a trademark of brilliant road engineer Thomas Bain. Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. Often covered with snow in winter, the mountain’s unique micro-climate supports fynbos and a rich bird life in contrast with the arid zone flora and fauna outside it’s cool shady kloofs. The Swartberg Pass was opened in 1888 and declared a National Monument in it’s Centenary year. that leads into

Swartberg Nature Reserve

Swartberg Nature Reserve lies in the Oudtshoorn district between the Great and Little Karoo, bordered by the Gamka River in the west and the Uniondale –Willowmore road in the east. The reserve encompasses 121 000 ha of mostly state owned land. Gamkaspoort Nature Reserve, immediately to the north of the reserve and 8000 ha in extent, is managed as part of the Swartberg, making the total conservation area a vast 129 000 ha. The nearest towns are Oudtshoorn (40 km), De Rust (5 km) and Prince Albert (5 km). Besides conservation, the reserve is concerned with the conservation of mountain catchments and the water yield thereof, and educational and recreational opportunities.

History

This area was clearly used by the Khoisan for many centuries, as evidenced by the numerous rock art and artifacts found in caves all over the reserve. During the 1700’s European farmers arrived in the area, establishing small settlements and making roads. Three historic routes connecting the Great and Little Karoo lead through the reserve: Toorwaterpoort is a train route; Meiringspoort is used by motorists; and the untarred Swartberg Pass, built by Thomas Bain, takes one over the Swartberg and reaches a height of 1585 m above sea level. Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), which was first inhabited by farmers in 1830, was only accessible by foot until 1963 when a road was finally built into the valley.

Climate and Geology

This is an area of climatic extremes, with very cold winters, often with snow on the mountains and temperatures well below zero, while summers can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 40°c and more. Rain occurs throughout the year, peaking in early winter and spring, and with thunder showers in the summer months. The Swartberg mountains are part of the Cape fold mountain range, and the geological formations are chiefly of the Table Mountain group and to a lesser extent of the Bokkeveld and Cango groups. Impressive rock formations may be seen in the Swartberg and Meiringspoort passes.

Vegetation

The reserve’s vegetation is remarkable diverse, featuring renosterveld, mountain fynbos, Karooveld, spekboom veld, and numerous geophyte species. Virtually throughout the year som speices will be in bloom .nost plants flower in spring, but early autumn is the time that many protea species flower, attracting large numbers of sugarbirds and sunbirds. During mid summer (December – Febraury) many of the interesting plants on the higher Swartberg peaks are in flower, including the rare Protea venusta.

Animals

Mammals likely to be seen include klipspringer, grey rhebuck, kudu, baboon and dassie and on the flatter areas at Gamkaspoort, springbok. Leopard and caracal also occure in the area, but are seldom seen. More than 130 bird species have been recorded here, notably Black, Fish and Martial Eagle, Cape Sugarbird and Pied Kingfisher.

Recreation

Visitors to Swartberg may experience a sense of vastness and tranquility throughout the year. Picnic and braai facilities are available at Gamkaspoort, Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort. Fishing is allowed in the Gamka River and the Gamkaspoort Dam, with possession of a fresh water angling license. Various hiking options are possible, ranging from easy day hikes to a fairly demanding five day route. The five day trail has three alternative starting points, with overnight huts at Ou Tol, Bothashoek and Gouekrans – which has a panoramic view over the landscape dominated by Cape fold mountains. This trail leads hikers past rock formations, incredible views and unspoilt mountain fynbos.

Gamkaskloof (Die Hel)

The remote and isolated Gamkaskloof valley is about 90 km from Oudtshoorn and is only accessible via the Otto du Plessis road which turns off from the Swartberg Pass. The valley is of ecolovical, archaeological and cultural historical importance and is now managed as part of the Swartberg Nature Reserve. Visitors to the kloof may camp or stay in a restored house. Attractions and activities include a picnic area, a working Norwegian mill, angling in the GamkaRiver, and sightseeing and relaxing in this natural paradise.

ATTRACTIONS

Camel Riding

At Wilgewandel, 2 km from the Cango Caves

Cango Angorè

South Africa’s first German Anfora Rabbit Show Farm. Visit the farm and see the shearing and spinning of the wool. Restaurant facilities available

Cango Wildlife Ranch

Get close to nature at this ranch, where the animals roam free in their natural habitat. An absolute must for visitors to Oudtshoorn. Restaurant facilities available. The Curio Shop specializes in ostrich leather goods. The ranch is situated 3 km from Oudtshoorn, on the road to the CangoCaves.

Klein Karoo Arts Festival

Oudtshoorn became the venue for this annual event in 1995. This is only Afrikaans arts festival in the country and is conducted along the lines of the National Arts Festival held in Grahamstown annually.

Ostrich Farms

In the Klein Karoo, man discovered a treasure as appealing as the gold of the Transvaal – ostrich feathers. During the feather boom at the turn of this century, several farmers became very rich in a short time and became known as the ‘Feather Barons’ of the Klein Karoo. Several elaborate ‘feather palaces’ were built in the Oudtshoorn district and quite a few survived this day, with the finest examples in the older parts of town. Today Oudtshoorn is still the only district in the country where the ostrich is commercially farmed on a large scale. Two of the largest original ostrich farms, Highgate and Safari, have been turned into show farms, where the visitor has the opportunity of diring an ostrich or betting on the outcome of an ostrich race.

Cango Ostrich Show Farm

15 km from town on the road to the Cango Caves

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm

Situated 10 km from town. Refreshments included in the tour fee. Prebooked ostrich meals available.

Safari Ostrich Farm

5 km from Oudtshoorn with tours every half hour. Visit the Welgeluk Ostrich Palace. Special rates for large tour groups. Admission charged.

Pinehurst

Finest example of a ‘feather palace’ built during the boom

Wine Route Domein Doornkraal

Mons Ruber Estate

Grundheim Wines

ACTIVITIES

4x4 Trails

De Vlught 4x4

Eko Karoo Tours

Swartberg Experience

Swartberg Pass – Die Hel

Lovain 4x4 Trails

Fishing

Raubenheimer Dam, Gamkaskloof Dam, Kammanassie Dam

Hiking

The area offers various opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Gamkaspoort Nature Reserve, Mons Ruber Hiking Trail, Swartberg Hiking Trail, Die Hel, Cango Mountain Resort Trails, Rust-en-vrede Waterfall.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Oudtshoorn Adventure Centre