Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

CULTURE / COMMUNITY TOURISMBonguletu: The township of Bonguletu is located on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. Many of thelocal women have learnt how to craft items from ceramics. Their work, especially theirceramic post boxes, has become so sought-after that a “post box route” has been developed.The route visits various open-air art galleries and houses that have been painted in colourfulAfrican designs, where various arts and crafts are sold.ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPINGKuriopik: This ostrich market specialises in ostrich products and African curios.Oudtshoorn Express: This luxury overnight steam train travels from Oudtshoorn to the smallport-distilling town of Calitzdorp in the Gamka Valley.FAUNA AND FLORACheetahland: Cheetahland offers educational tours of their facility where cheetah, lion andother indigenous predators are housed in cages landscaped to simulate their natural habitats.Ostrich Farms: There are a numberof ostrich farms in the area, each ofwhich offers fun, excitement and theexperience of a lifetime. Guidedtours, curio stores, ostrich-racing andriding, ostrich meals and photographytours are on the activity list.Scenic views: A trip over theSwartberg Pass is recommended forits breathtaking views and delightfulpicnic spots. The Outeniqua Passcrosses the Outeniqua Mountainsand links the towns of Oudtshoornand George.The steep descent on the southern side of the mountain offers spectacular views of thelandscape.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREBuildings: The large houses built during thewealthy ostrich period in Oudtshoorn’s historystill grace the area and are affectionatelyknown as “ostrich palaces”.CP Nel Museum: The museum has exhibits onthe local history and the ostrich trade.NATURAL WONDERSCango Caves: The magnificent complex oftunnels and caverns that runs under theSwartberg Mountains is one of the mostimpressive natural wonders in the province.131