Family Fun in the Klein Karoo

Sponsored: The beautiful towns of Oudtshoorn and De Rust are the perfect destinations for your next family road trip. Ostriches and caves are of course a given, but see what else is waiting for you in the idyllic Klein Karoo

Oudtshoorn and De Rust are situated in the semi-arid Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape, just north of the picturesque Garden Route. The Greater Oudtshoorn area is accessible via the scenic Meiringspoort mountain pass on the N12, and it is part of the renowned Route 62 – the world's longest wine route, stretching from Cape Town to Gqeberha. However, it's not only the stunning drives that establish this region as a prime choice for your next family road trip. Oudtshoorn and De Rust are nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains, ensuring breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures throughout your stay.

Oudtshoorn evokes thoughts of the KKNK arts festival, ostrich farms, and cave exploration. On the other hand, De Rust – which translates to 'The Rest' in Dutch – has a historical reputation as a resting place for travellers taking on the nearby Swartberg gorge. This makes for a perfect balance between adventure and tranquillity between these two towns. The region is also an ecological hotspot and the convergence point of three distinct plant biomes: the succulent karoo, cape thicket, and fynbos. These biomes come together in the Swartberg Mountain range, forming the Cape Floral World Heritage site.

With minimal annual rainfall in the area, Oudtshoorn and De Rust offer an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the marvels of nature. As a region rich in offerings – from a variety of adventurous pursuits to serene sunsets accompanied by local wine and cuisine – there is truly something to suit everyone's taste.

Embark on the Swartberg Circle Route

If you have some time to spare, consider embarking on the Swartberg Circle Route, a breathtaking drive that leads you from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp across the Swartberg Pass and through Meiringspoort to the towns of De Rust, Klaarstroom, and Prince Albert. Any of these four towns can act as the starting point for the route, and you can travel in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Picturesque back routes include Oudemuragie, Vergelegen, Lategansvlei, Groenfontein, Kruisrivier and Langverwaght.

This route offers a blend of adventure, a diverse array of culinary experiences, a touch of cultural richness, and an overall sense of well-being. It's important to note that while certain segments of the Swartberg Pass are gravel roads, you can traverse them with any vehicle under fair weather conditions. Explore their website to find out more about what to do, where to eat, where to stay and what to see.

Journey into the depths of the Cango Caves

Oudtshoorn is home to Africa’s largest show cave system, the breathtaking Cango Caves. Even though it’s believed that the caves were used throughout prehistory over a long period during the Middle and Later Stone Ages, the Cango Caves were re-discovered in 1780 and are considered an archaeological and historical highlight of the Klein Karoo and Garden Route. Situated in the Swartberg Mountains, 30 km north of Oudtshoorn, the cave system consists of a series of hidden chambers that cut deep into a thick limestone lens.

Guided tours of the caves are conducted at regular intervals: the Heritage Tour is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and the Adventure Tour is aimed for those who don’t mind crawling and squeezing through narrow passages. Visitors can also delve into the cave's history at the Interpretive Centre, peruse a selection of music, fine art, artifacts, gemstones, travel books, and Southern African literature at the Curio Shop, and savour a delightful meal at the Spekboom Restaurant. The caves welcome visitors every day, excluding Christmas Day, with tours commencing every half-hour.

Get in touch with the Cango Caves by phoning 082 303 0029 and 066 486 9475 or emailing reservations@cangocaves.co.za, or visit their website for admission fees and more information.

A playground of animals, conservation, and adventure

Unleash your inner explorer at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, conveniently located along the same road that leads to the Cango Caves. Housing a diverse array of over 90 animal species, the ranch offers guided tours that align with their educational philosophy. These tours not only educate but also advocate for every species, fostering environmental awareness and empathy. Immerse yourself in the Valley of Ancients and venture through an African landscape, where encounters with Malawian cichlids, lemurs, vultures, pygmy hippos, and Nile crocodiles await. Ascend to an elevated pathway over Cheetahland for a glimpse of the majestic big cats. Explore further within the Amazonia Rainforest bird aviary and the Snake Park, or simply unwind at the onsite restaurant and the KidZone playpark!

Nestled in a captivating and distinct ambiance, they take pride in being a truly unparalleled destination that caters to all, every single day of the year.

Get in touch with the Cango Wildlife Ranch by phoning 044 272 5593 or emailing info@cango.co.za. Visit their website to find out more about their attractions, conservation efforts and the different species they have at the ranch.

De Rust’s award-winning drops of delight

Make sure not to miss the chance to experience internationally acclaimed olive oil at De Rustica Olive Estates, situated just beyond the town of De Rust. Immerse yourself in their olive tour, which imparts a genuine appreciation for the globally recognized quality of their oil. Take a seat for a tasting that will illustrate why they've earned triple gold awards as an olive estate. Visitors can stock up on premium De Rustica Olive Oil at the on-site shop, and if you’re looking for a cup of coffee, an exceptional platter to nibble on, and breathtaking views of the Swartberg Mountains, then this is definitely the destination for you.

To arrange your taste and tour, get in touch with De Rustica Olive Estates by phoning 044 241 2177 or visit their website to browse their award-winning range of products.

Stock up on braai essentials with the best of the best

Ensure you're fully equipped with all the braai essentials you’ll need for your Klein Karoo stay by visiting an acclaimed butcher renowned for its unbeatable quality and affordability. Located on the Karoo Lusern Farm in Oudtshoorn, the Karoo Lusern Slaghuis is your destination for exceptional meat selections. Their commitment to superior quality shines through as evidenced by their recognition as the Cleaver Award Provincial Winner in the Western Cape's platinum category for 2022/2023! The amiable staff assisting you are genuine farmers, cutting out the middleman to offer customers top-notch meat products at fair prices.

At Karoo Lusern Slaghuis, a wide array of meats, meat products, and authentic homemade goods await. This is your go-to place to stock up on all your meat needs, ensuring your Karoo experience is truly exceptional.

They are open from 8:00 to 17:00 Monday through to Friday, and from 8:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Get in touch with Karoo Lusern Slaghuis by phoning 044 272 0355 or 066 161 4739. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to check out their specials.

Quench your thirst with wine and beer

Escape to the enchanting Karusa Vineyard nestled in the heart of picturesque Schoemanshoek on the scenic Cango Route, 15 km north of Oudtshoorn. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and well known for its Cap Classique and Mediterranean-styled wines and Craft Brewery, Karusa offers a tranquil retreat for wine enthusiasts, beer lovers, and nature admirers alike. While you savour the fruits of the vineyard’s labour with each sip, you can also experience a culinary delight at the Karoo-inspired restaurant, making this a perfect luncheon destination after a morning of Klein Karoo exploration.

And if you’d like to linger a while, book a stay in one of their eco-friendly farm cottages where modern comfort meets rustic charm. The farm offers hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and picnicking in the orchids, so you’ll need more than one day to experience all that Karusa has to offer.

Get in touch with Karusa Vineyard by phoning 044 272 8717 or peruse their website to learn more about their wine and beer offerings.

Fun and games for young and old

Family fun awaits at the Wilgewandel Holiday Farm. Conveniently located 2 km from the Cango Caves and within a 30 km radius from other exciting Oudtshoorn activities, this farm offers endless adventures.

Spend some time at Wilgewandel and you’ll quickly see why their motto is “Plentiful Family Fun”. The farm offers a variety of activities for all ages, such as camel rides, water slides, zip lines, mini golf, tractor train rides, and pedal cars, just to name a few. You’re guaranteed to work up an appetite having so much to do, so why not sit down to refuel at the onsite restaurant? Dine on traditional South African cuisine – home-cooked food at affordable prices.

When the little ones are begging for more time on the farm, consider staying at one of the rooms available at Wilgewandel. Choose between self-catering or bed and breakfast options that can sleep between two to seven people. Guests can take full advantage of the braai facilities and the swimming pool.

Get in touch with Wilgewandel Holiday Farm by phoning 079 206 8746 or 072 784 6732. Hop on to their website to see what more fun can be had on the farm.

Settle into your home away from home

With so much to do in Oudtshoorn and De Rust, you’ll definitely want to stay a day . . . or five! Oudtshoorn and De Rust both have a wide array of comfortable accommodation to choose from; from camp sites, caravan parks and backpackers to guest farms, bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels and lodges, there is something to fit all budgets and accommodation requirements. You won’t be disappointed in one of these top choices:

Soetdoring Self-catering

When you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living, Soetdoring Self-catering is the perfect place! Situated on the picturesque Zeekoegat Farm, a working farm only 7 km outside Oudtshoorn, their cabins offer the ideal haven for travellers to unwind.

All of their cabins are fully equipped with a kitchenette and braai options, making Soetdoring Self-catering a great home base from which you can explore Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo region. Being on a working farm, you might be greeted with some friendly cattle next door, and in the rainy season, you can watch the waterbirds playing in the dam in front of your patio or balcony. And with so much to do and see in the area, you will definitely need more than a weekend, so book that extra day or two!

To get in touch with Soetdoring Self-catering, phone 044 272 6721 or 082 551 3019 or email info@soetdoringodn.co.za. Visit their website to view the comfy units and to find out more about what you can do during your stay.

Kleinplaas Holiday Resort

Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, planning a short stopover or an extended stay, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort’s comfortable and affordable accommodation options are the perfect choice for your next trip. Kleinplaas Holiday Resort is conveniently located in Oudtshoorn within walking distance from town and close to local attractions.

Their spacious 3-star chalets offer bed and breakfast and self-catering options, and their 4-star campsite caters for both caravan and camping enthusiasts. Their chalet facilities include free Wi-Fi, DStv, and optional breakfasts, and all guests can take advantage of the premise’s braai options, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities. Visitors who are less keen on crowds will appreciate their large premises with lots of open space.

Get in touch with Kleinplaas Holiday Resort by phoning 044 272 5811 or emailing kleinpls@mweb.co.za. To book your stay or find out more about the facilities, have a look at their website.

Berluda Farmhouse and Cottages

Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay with luxurious touches, personal service and South African countryside hospitality at Oudtshoorn’s Berluda Farmhouse and Cottages. Choose from a variety of luxury farmhouse rooms for an intimate getaway, or self-catering cottages ideal for family holidays. As they can accommodate for up to 77 guests, Berluda Farmhouse and Cottages is ideal for small family reunions, and offers business professionals and families alike the best opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the area.

There is also a wide range of fun activities on the farm to keep you busy. Nature lovers can enjoy fishing at any of the many dams found on the farm, or get the blood pumping with mountain biking and hiking. Animal lovers can join informative and memorable guided tours to meet the resident ostriches and meerkats on the farm.

Get in touch with Berluda Farmhouse and Cottages by phoning 063 270 2610 or emailing bookings@berluda.co.za. Visit their website to view the different room options and to find out more about the farm’s offerings.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

Unveil a world of adventure and luxury when you visit Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn. Known for their incredible glamping options, Buffelsdrift offers numerous luxury tents that will take your bush experience to the next level. Tap into your adventurous side by partaking in their range of exciting activities, such as the bush safari, lion feeding, free-roaming cheetah tracking, incredible elephant experiences, and the ever-popular meerkat safari. Hungry visitors can dine on authentic Karoo cuisine at the onsite Buffelsdrift Restaurant, which overlooks a large waterhole filled with big fish, turtles and hippo.

Get in touch with Buffelsdrift Game Lodge by phoning 044 272 0000 or by emailing info@buffelsdrift.com. Have a look at their website for more information and to see what specials they have to offer.

Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve

A landmark with nature lovers, both local and international, the Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of the Klein Karoo’s Swartberg Mountain range. The Wildehondekloof Lodge offers eight luxurious en-suite and airconditioned bedrooms with stunning views of the mountain and river, and one private Presidential Suite equipped with a king size bed, private lounge, indoor fireplace, and a private veranda.

Enjoy sunrise and sunset game drives to see all types of buck species including zebra, eland, kudu and more. Diverse birdlife will satisfy birdwatchers, and other small animals can also be spotted on the reserve’s mountain biking and hiking trails. Stargazers should take advantage of the breathtakingly starry Karoo skies that glitter over Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve at night.

Get in touch with Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve by phoning 082 551 3019 or by emailing info@whkloof.co.za. Visit their website to see what beauty awaits you.