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WELKOM IN Oudtshoorn
Volstruishoofstad van die wêreld, weggesteek in die voue van die Swartberge
It is once again that time of year that Oudtshoorn opens its gates and doors to welcome visitors. As Executive Mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all tourists and visitors who will be choosing the greater Oudtshoorn and surrounding areas as their preferred tourist destination during these holidays.
Nestled at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains in the heart of the Klein Karoo region, Oudtshoorn is defined as a semi-desert area with a unique and sensitive natural environment. The area abounds with natural beauty and a wide range of fauna and flora.
Situated 29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Cango Caves. Known all over the world these are the only show caves in Africa offering a choice of a standard, heritage tour or adventure tours. Tourists can also visit our ostrich farms, dive with crocodiles, touch a cheetah and feed elephants.
The passes in our area offer scenic drives for normal vehicles as well as excursions by 4x4. The scenic Swartberg Mountain range has been nominated as a future heritage site and is currently part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas. Behind these tourist destinations are the warm-hearted people of the Klein Karoo who are widely known for their hospitality.
Come and enjoy the jewel of the Klein Karoo, its weather and its people. Welcome to the greater Oudtshoorn.
Colan Sylvester - Executive Mayor
- From Rust en Vrede, return to the entrance but turn left on the dirt road towards De Rust.
- The road winds along the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains through farmlands and joins the main road between Oudtshoorn and De Rust after about 30km.
- Drive through De Rust to Meiringspoort. Halfway into the poort the large parking spot below the waterfall is on your right.
- The waterfall is reached after quite a steep climb along a pathway. The pools below the falls are favourite swimming spots. Be aware that the one directly under the falls is quite deep and rocks may be slippery.
- Return to Oudtshoorn along the main road past Dysselsdorp (35km). You might want to visit this waterfall first as it is a popular site for visitors and may be crowded around midday and over weekends.
- This is the lesser known of the two and not as easy to reach.
- Pack a picnic basket and take the road to the Cango Caves through Schoemanspoort for about 20km.
- Turn right at the Kango Mountain Resort sign and follow the road for 5km past the resort and the Raubenheimer Dam to the entrance of the waterfall.
- A smaller dirt road takes you to the parking spot about 1km from the waterfall.
- An easy but scenic hike across small bridges and up several steps leads you to crystal clear pools and the waterfall.
- Spend time in the serene setting and please note that no fires are allowed.
Ben se gunsteling is agterpaaie en wegsteek kuierplekke. As hy teerpadlangs ry, is Calitzdorp slegs 55 km en ongeveer 'n halfuur se vervelige ry ver. 'n Agterpadroete op grondpaaie verf egter 'n heel ander kleurvolle en interessante prentjie. Neem die Lategansvlei afdraaipad sowat 5 km buite Oudtshoorn op die R62 Calitzdorp toe. Hou kop en rigting berge toe tot by die eerste T-aansluiting en gooi links agter jou neus aan. Die pad loop verskeie kronkels en kurwes en het tenminste vier kunsplekke langs die Groenefontein/Kruisrivier-roete.
- Do not leave your luggage and belongings unattended
- Store valuables in the hotel or guest house's safe at reception or in your room's safe (if supplied)
- Always keep your accommodation and any sliding doors or windows locked
- Never open doors to strangers
- Hand your keys in at reception if you plan to leave for a few hours
- Use the main entrance of the hotel or guest house when you arrive late at night
- Don't use ATMs in deserted areas or on your own. Ask locals or your host
which ATMs are secure
- Determine if there are any areas which you should avoid
- Don't use your cellphone while walking
- If possible, plan your route beforehand so that you don't
create an impression of being lost
- Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert and avoid alleyways
and dense shrubs and bushes
- Don't carry large amounts of cash, rather use credit cards
instead of cash
- If you need information, ask a traffic-, police- or security
officer or a shopkeeper
- Avoid jogging or cycling alone and at night. Plan your route beforehand. Vary your routine and route
- Tell your hosts, friends or family about your travel plans, route and
expected times of arrival.
- Make sure your car is in good order and serviced
- Check tyre pressure, oil and water levels regularly
- Don't wait till your tank is nearly empty before filling up
with petrol
- Don't stop or park in isolation
The Prince Vintcent building in Baron van Reede Street
The Le Roux Dorpshuis Museum in High Street
The Queens Hotel,one of the oldest hotels in the Western Cape
CP Nel Museum in Baron van Reede Street
The Dutch Reformed Church in High Street
The suspension bridge in Church Street
Oudtshoorn en Calitzdorpbied ten minste nege puik bestemmings om wyn, brandewyn, jenewer, bier en selfs witblits te proe. Dit alles binne 'n radius van ongeveer 60 km. Behalwe vir die wyn-kelders in Calitzdorp bied die dorp ook verskeie interessante winkels wat enigiets van snuisterye tot uitstekende kuns verkoop.
Neem die grottepad vir ongeveer 15 km tot by Schoemanshoek. Volg die pad om die kerk tot by Karusa se proelokaal vir bier en wyn eie aan die Klein-Karoo.
Vanaf Oudtshoorn ry in die rigting van George en draai links by die pad direk na die treinbrug. Volg die pad vir ongeveer 5 km en vind Olivanti-gastehuis en proelokaal aan die linkerkant vir kos en drankparing met 'n verskil.
As jy lus is vir 'n groot verskeidenheid likeur en witblits neem die R62 in die rigting van Calitzdorp vir ongeveer 8 km. Draai links by die Volmoed afdraaipad en 'n paar kilometer weer regs by die eerste grondpad tot by Grundheim en raak rustig.
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