Bushmen were the first to discover the caves, which were known to them as ‘Kango’ meaning ‘wet mountain’.
They dwelled at the entrance of the cave but were unable to explore the breathtakingly beautiful depths of the caves, because they did not have portable light. In later years, the caves were discovered quite by accident when a slave named Klaas went in search of his master’s cattle, when he discovered the cave opening. He reported it to a Dutch seaman named Barend Oppel who entered the caves for the first time in 1780. Since then there was so much interest in the caves, which eventually led to an iron gate being erected at the mouth of the cave. This was done to protect the cave from vandalism and souvenir hunters. The Congo Caves are visited by some 180 000 people each year

Known as the feather capital of the world, Oudtshoorn has the ideal conditions and climate for the breeding of ostriches. One may visit one of the many ‘feather palaces’ which were built during the boom time in the ostrich industry. These homes are quite ostentatious in their design and feature multi rooms with marble floors, turrets, gables and cast-iron trimmings. These homes are a good reflection of Art Nouveau and the wealth of the feather barons of the time.

There are over 11000 ostriches on two farms making up Safari Show Farm and visitors can go on a tour of the breading pens, see ostriches on their nests, chicks and feeding pens. These tours of the farm include demonstrations in ostrich handling and plucking. For the brave, opportunities do exist to ride an ostrich.

There are about 300 crocodiles as well as many other animals, including cheetah’s and lions