Wilgewandel Holiday Farm.

After spending some time at the Cango Caves it was time for lunch and I wasn't particularly partial to the excessive pricing at the facilities on site.

My travelling partner suggested we stop in at the Wilgewandel Holiday Farm immediately below the Cango Caves. They run a large self service restaurant with a substantial menu and facilities that more than adequately cater for large groups.

There are facilities for children but note that many activities are charged for. Still, it was a great breakaway from the caves and a good place to chat and dine in tranquil surroundings.

http://www.wilgewandel.co.za/english/restaurant.htm

The Cango Caves

Located 30km from Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations.

Not all of the caves are open to the public – there is more than one section to the caves that took millions of years to form one of the world’s great natural wonders – but the main sections are available for amazing exploratory subterranean walks that include fumbling around on all fours in an effort to see all that is viewable.

In totality, the extensive system of tunnels and chambers in the Cango Caves stretch for over 4 kilometres, but the section open to visitors, about a quarter of this, takes place as part of supervised tours, including an “adventure tour”, which takes about an hour and a half.

The Cango Caves aer well worth the visit and proved very interesting to young and old alike. The tours were well organized and the insights and anecdotes provided rounded out a pleasant subterranean outing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cango_Caves

Calitzdorp Spa

I recently had the unexpected opportunity to drop in on the Calitzdorp Spa while meandering through the Klein Karoo near Oudtshoorn. The Spa is something of an oasis in the semi arid region.

The Spa turned out to be an ideal place to rest up and relax after tiring road trip with a two large swimming pools as well as naturally heated pools and Roman baths.

We chose a mountain cottage and were pleasantly surprised to see Springbok grazing nearby. The surroundings are tranquil with a river running nearby, a bird hide and nearby hiking trail.

Although the accommodation was basic it was matched by the competitive low pricing. Given the available facilities I'd recommend a stop. It was within easy range of the Cango Caves which is also well worth the visit.


Situated along Route 62, itself a wonderful driving route it is also around two hours away from the Garden Route via the Outeniqua Pass. If you're exploring the Western Cape, along either route, this is definitely a place to consider visiting.

http://www.calitzdorpspa.co.za/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outeniqua_Pass

Stellenbosch Wine Route

The Stellenbosch Wine Route was the first wine route in the Cape and was established in 1971. It is synonymous with a variety of high quality, award winning red and white wines.

Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by Dutch settlers. The region's cool climate and fertile soil combined with the planting of suitable varieties of grapes laid the foundation for great wine making. 

The Wine Route comprises 44 cellars which are situated along the four main roads leading to Stellenbosch. Each cellar entrance is clearly sign posted with the official Wine Route logo.

Most of the cellars offer cellar tours, wine tasting as well as lunches in their shaded gardens and restaurants. Of course there will be plenty of wine to choose from.

This is a picturesque route with views of Cape Dutch style homesteads, vineyards covering rolling hills and valleys with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

If you're after the spectacular views the Cape has to offer you could explore the Fruit Route. From Stellenbosch, start with the Helshoogte Pass to the Berg River Valley, over the Franshhoek Pass to the upper Riviersonderend Valley, then over the Viljoen's Pass to Elgin and finally back to Stellenbosch down the Sir Lowry's Pass.

For the wine lovers on that drive you'd be hard pressed to pass Franschhoek!!! 

http://www.stellenboschtourism.co.za/

Pictures courtesy of cometocapetown.com and vinehopper.co.za