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Oudtshoorn is regarded as the ‘ostrich
capital’ of the world and there are a number of
show-farms offering guided visits. Ostriches live for up
to 40 years and produce around a kilogram of feathers
every nine months. Amazingly one ostrich egg is
equivalent to 18 standard chicken eggs! The meat is very
nutritional and the skin is much prized for leather
goods.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train has always been a
popular excursion on its 3 hour scenic journey between
George and Knysna. Unfortunately, the line was severely
damaged by a land slip and is currently closed with no
date yet announced for its re-opening. However a service
is being operated between George and Mossel Bay.
The Cango Caves are located about 38kms north of
Oudtshoorn and are a magnificent network of calcite
caves, recognised as among the world’s finest caverns.
Tours run hourly from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs and there are
3 tour options lasting 30, 60 or 90 minutes depending on
how far you venture into the system.
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A lasting memory of your visit to Sanbona
Wildlife Reserve will be the huge vistas, amazing solitude and
at night the star filled skies of the southern hemisphere
The region is noted for its spectacular
displays of spring-time wild flowers
Many Ostrich farms are passed when driving
throughout the Western Cape
Various water sports are available at all the
main Indian Ocean coastal resorts
The area is a paradise for birders – ranging
from
large sea birds such as the Albatross to the
colourful Loerie
In and around Oudtshoorn are many palatial
homesteads dating back to the great days of the ostrich feather
industry.
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Greater Garden Route
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The road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is known as the
‘Garden Route’ and is a must for the first time visitor. It is not
Kew Gardens for 622km but a journey through ever changing scenery
with open farmland, mountains, lakes, towns and ocean views. If
travelling between August and November there is every chance that
you will see the whale migration.
There are many places of interest en route worth visiting, such as
Oudtshoorn with its ostrich farms and the limestone labyrinth of the
Cango Caves. Ostrich show farms provide the visitor with a
fascinating insight into the life cycle of these unusual creatures
together with their by-products ranging from feathers for the
fashion industry to leather goods. About one hour should be allowed
for a tour
On the coast road between Wilderness and Storms River Gorge there
are fresh water lakes, forests and beautiful beaches. A worthwhile
diversion is to take the Nature’s Valley road between Plettenberg
Bay and Storms River as this is an area of truly outstanding natural
beauty. In the Tsitsikamma National Park there are various waymarked
trails and this is also the start of the famous long distance ‘Otter
Trail’. There are many resorts along the coast and good bases are
Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
THE HIDEAWAY
This award winning guest house is located in the heart of the
historic town of Swellendam. You are assured of a warm welcome from
the owners and invited to join them for a drink before taking dinner
in one of the nearby recommended restaurants, all of which are
within easy walking distance. A lovely breakfast is served and this
features Sharon’s home made preserves and muffins. They have 4
spacious and elegant bedrooms. Each is air-conditioned and furnished
with handcrafted furniture, antiques and original paintings. The
indoor pool, ‘The Wallow’, is heated by solar panels and the large
sliding glass doors open onto the garden.
KLIPPE RIVIER
This magnificent Cape Dutch Country House dates from around 1820
and is located on the outskirts of the historic town of Swellendam.
Once the family home of Free State Presidents Steyn and Reitz, the
original ‘waenhuis’ and stables have been converted into 6 spacious
air-conditioned bedrooms and in the grounds is a secluded cottage.
The public rooms are furnished to a very high standard where
gleaming yellowwood floors enhance beautiful antiques. At the end of
day enjoy flavoursome country cuisine and fine Cape wines. In the
attractive gardens is a swimming pool.
ROTHMAN MANOR
This charming owner managed retreat is situated in the heart
of Swellendam and comprises of 2 guest houses and a manor house
containing the public rooms. The guest houses have a selection of
accommodation ranging from standard double rooms to extra large
suites. All rooms are air conditioned and have a room safe,
satellite TV, bathrobes and mini bar. Within the spacious gardens is
a swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, lily pond and terrace under a
19th century oak tree. There are numerous restaurants nearby for
evening dining. Swellendam makes a good base from which to explore
the surrounding countryside including the De Hoop Nature Reserve
which is noted for its zebra and variety of antelope including the
Bontebok
SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Between Montagu and Barrydale, this 54000 hectare reserve
is being re-stocked with animals indigenous to the area. It is home
to the only pride of white lions - a truly stunning sight.
Activities include nature and game drives by open safari vehicles,
bush walks, bird watching, visiting ancient rock art and viewing the
amazing sky at night. Excellent accommodation is provided at
Tilney Manor, 6 spacious suites opening onto large private
patios, the manor house with dining room, lounge and bar, swimming
pool and spa centre. Opening in 2009 will be Dwyka Lodge
providing 9 spacious walk-in tents with en suite facilities and
private plunge pools and Gondwana Lodge specially designed
for families.
ALTES LANDHAUS COUNTRY LODGE
This
stately Cape Dutch style homestead which is over one hundred years
old lies in the Schoemanshoek valley about 12km to the north of Oudtshoorn. Generous farm breakfasts and evening drinks can be
enjoyed on the patio
overlooking the garden whilst a la carte dinners are served in the
dining room complimented by the fine South African wine list.
Antique furnishings, high-beamed ceilings, pine floor boars and
tasteful décor are to be found in the charming public rooms and the
7 attractively furnished suites, some with a patio, have comfortable
private sitting rooms. In the gardens is a solar heated salt water
swimming pool.
THE THORNTREE LODGE
Located in the Schoemanskloof Valley just outside of Oudshoorn on
the road to the Cango Caves, the lodge dates back to the 1800's and
has been beautifully restored, combing modern comforts with great
charm and character. The spacious modern air conditioned
bedrooms have satellite TV, personal safe and honesty bar. The
dining room, which serves fine Klein Karoo dishes, including the
speciality of a trio of fillets ostrich/beef/game. From the
gardens and salt water swimming pool there are stunning views over
the surrounding valley. The Thorntree Lodge is ideally located
for touring the surrounding sights and attractions.
ROSENHOF COUNTRY HOUSE
This
hotel is located just outside Oudtshoorn on the road to the world
famous Cango Caves. It is a beautifully restored Victorian house,
circa1852, and takes it name form the beautiful rose garden. It is
furnished
with antiques, rich fabrics and painting by well known South African
artists. There are lounges, a fine dining room, a garden with Gazebo
for afternoon tea and a swimming pool. The 12 air-conditioned
bedrooms are built around the courtyard and have satellite TV, tea &
coffee making facilities and mini-bar. There are also 2 executive
suites, each with a private pool, lounge and patio. For relaxation,
the wellness centre offers a range of treatments and therapies.
FANCOURT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB
On
the outskirts of George, Fancourt is a golfers paradise with 4
challenging golf courses. The courses, designed by Gary Player, are
beautifully landscaped with the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop.
The design of the estate is an intriguing mixture of historic and
contemporary buildings. Accommodation comprises of 151 bedrooms,
studios and suites which are situated in the Manor House and
extensive grounds. All are air-conditioned and have satellite TV,
mini bar and room safes. There are extensive public rooms with 5
restaurants, bars, lounges and spa complex. The sporting facilities
are outstanding and apart from the golf courses there are tennis
courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and running/walking trails
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