Robinson Pass to the Kango Caves

(please check the map on the previous post)

From the summit of the pass the road descends steeply into the Little Karoo, and the landscape becomes drier, with aloes dotting the hills. 1,5 km after the summit there is a picnic site on your right with fine views. As you descend into the Little Karoo you can see the Groot Swart- berg range shimmering on the horizon.

You are now in ostrich country, and it is possible to visit an ostrich show farm. You pass two as you drive towards Oudtshoorn. The first is the Highgate Ostrich Farm, 2,3 km along the second tarred road to your left signposted Volmoed. The second is the Safari Farm, set just off the main road (R328) on your right. Both farms date back to the days of the ostrich-feather boom at the turn of the century.

Shortly after the turn-off to the Safari Farm you reach a T-junction — turn right for Oudtshoorn. At the second set of traffic lights turn left into Baron van Reede Street. As you turn you will see on your left a gracious old stone building that now houses the C P Nel Museum — noted for its ostrich exhibits. Park nearby to visit the museum. (Several establishments in Oudtshoorn offer lunch.)

Continue out of town on Baron van Reede Street, which becomes the main road to the Kango Caves. Note your kms as you leave Oudtshoorn. The road passes a crocodile ranch and the Greystone Wildlife Park, then leads through Schoemanspoort, along the shady banks of the Grobbelaars River, where there are picnic sites on your left.

For an especially attractive picnic spot, turn right onto a gravel road roughly 20 km after leaving Oudtshoorn. 10km along this road you reach the Rus-en-Vrede picnic area (small entry fee, braai places, water, toilets). From the picnic area a 2,5 km road, and then a short footpath, lead to the Rus-en-Vrede waterfall, which plunges 80m into a series of pools. (The path includes steps and narrow bridges, and is not recommended for small children.)

Retrace your route to the tarred road and turn right for the Kango Caves. The road leads directly into the Kango Caves parking area after roughly 6 km. Regular tours of the caves are conducted through the day. You can ascertain the latest starting time before setting out on your journey by telephoning the Oudtshoorn Tourist Bureau (04431) 2221, or the Kango Caves office (04435) 7410.

Kango Caves to George

Return through Schoemanspoort to Oudtshoorn. Drive the full length of Baron van Reede Street and continue on this same street where it veers left slightly and changes its name to Langenhoven Street. Langenhoven Street eventually becomes the R29 to George.

31 km after leaving Oudtshoorn, turn right at the fork for George (the left road leads to Uniondale and Port Elizabeth). As you approach the Outeniqua Pass the road again leads through plantations of hops, and also numerous orchards of apples and pears.

The road rises steeply to the summit of the Outeniqua Pass (799 m) then winds down the southern slopes to the coastal plateau and George. There are beautiful vistas over the whole George area and the sea shimmering in the distance. Several parking areas along the route offer opportunities to enjoy the view.