Journey from the Great Karoo to the Klein Karoo and back:
Swartberg pass, Cango Caves, Rust en Vrede Waterfall, Ostrich riding in Oudtshoorn returning via
De Rust, Meiringspoort, the Great waterfall and Prince Albert valley:
Swartberg Pass, 2km south of the village of Prince Albert, 27km long and last of the 17 passes built by the remarkable road builder, Thomas Bain 1893, now a World Heritage site and one of the most spectacular passes in the world. You will see magnificent fluorescent green lichen on the mountain sides, abundance of flora and wildlife, including the petit, shy Klipspringer, as well as sightings of Rock Kestrel and Verreaux’s Eagles. Experience the breath taking views and the amazing natural stone walls, hugging the mountain sides.
Cango Caves, 55km from PA where you explore a natural wonderland with daily tours leaving on the hour.
Wilgewandel holiday farm, a few 100m towards Oudtshoorn from the T-Junction to Prince Albert, offers Camel and Donkey cart rides, animal feeding, foefie slides over the dam, quad buggies and light meals . . . wonderful for the kiddies.
Now you can choose to bypass Oudtshoorn by turning left at the sign Rust en Vrede Waterfall which is only 10km down the Oude Muragie Road. Even though the entrance fee is a little high at R42.00 it really is a worthwhile visit and very beautiful, as you will meander over gangways suspended above the river up to the waterfall. Upon leaving, turn left towards De Rust 25km away travelling through scenic farmlands.
Or alternatively continue . . .
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, en-route to Oudtshoorn, offers you a close up elephant experience, game drives to see rhino, buffalo, giraffe and kudu or a horse ride around the 5ha waterhole. Receive 10% discount if bookings made through Karoo View.
Cango Wildlife Ranch is also en-route to Oudtshoorn and offers you much in adventure and animals.
Oudtshoorn being the feather capital of the world offers you so much – enjoy a thrilling and exhilarating experience of riding an Ostrich or sampling Ostrich Steaks at one of the Ostrich Show farms and more. Returning via N12, De Rust and Meiringspoort.
De Rust is filled with antique shops, galleries and quirky tea gardens, but The Village Trading Post is a must for “foodies” and Klapperbos for those looking for unique gifts.
Continue through the majestic Meiringspoort gorge, with its geological formations a complete contrast to the Swartberg Pass, colours changing constantly throughout the day and rare sightings of rainbows and waterfalls. 25 Km Long, 25 interestingly named drifts to traverse, each with their own story and the Great Waterfall, midway, to have a picnic and in summer have a refreshing ‘dip’ in one of the pools, where it is said you may even spot the “Karoo Mermaid”.
Visit the tiny hamlet of Klaarstroom, little affected by time, 58km from PA, as you exit Meiringspoort.
As you crest the Kredouw Pass you now enter the picturesque Prince Albert Valley, also known as Die Gang, 25km from PA, with ‘picture cut-out’ views of the mountains, grape vines and olive groves. At the bottom of the pass on the right is Kredouw Olive Farm, the home of Karoo Virgin Olive Oil, where you can visit the Karoo Virgin Olive Shop.
There are now 3 Wineries in the Prince Albert valley. The 1st on the right is Reiersvlei, a little further on is Bergwater on the left and 17km from Prince Albert is Fernskloof on the right.
As you return to the village of Prince Albert, look to your right for a truly magnificent example of the fluorescent green lichen on the rocks, which is really a beautiful sight, particularly as the sun is setting.
