The R328 leaves Mossel Bay heading north, and after 35 kilometres the Robinson Pass begins: wide curves, rebuilt several times over 140 years, with a memorial stone halfway up for a bus crash. In fog and heavy rain you take this one slowly; the pass has cost many lives over the years. Beyond it the Little Karoo opens up. Oudtshoorn calls itself the ostrich capital of the world: two feather booms between 1865 and 1914 made ostrich plumes as valuable as diamonds, until the market collapsed and four out of five farmers went bankrupt. The feather palaces of the ostrich barons are still standing.
- over the Robinson Pass, a good hour
- 85 km
- from Mossel Bay to the foot of the pass
- 35 km
- the end of the feather boom
- 1914
- Cango Caves: Heritage and Adventure
- 2 tours
The Cango Caves north of town at the foot of the Swartberg are limestone caves with two tours: the Heritage Tour through the big chambers and the Adventure Tour, on which you squeeze through narrow gaps. Times and prices are on the caves’ website, and you should reserve ahead. Ostrich farms show you the hatchery, the feathers and the chicks; riding an ostrich is no longer offered on many farms. And if you have time, carry on over the Swartberg Pass: gravel, built by Thomas Bain, with hairpins that count among the finest in the country, sometimes closed after rain.
- Time needed
- a full day
- Cost
- caves and farms at operator rates
- When
- all year, hot in summer
- From Mossel Bay
- 85 km, 75 minutes
Our tipLeave early, before the fog settles on the Robinson Pass, and book the cave tour in advance. An ostrich steak in Oudtshoorn at midday, a farm in the afternoon, and on the way back the sun is behind you.
Oudtshoorn: frequently asked questions
How far is Oudtshoorn from Mossel Bay?
Around 85 kilometres on the R328 over the Robinson Pass, a good hour of driving. The pass starts 35 kilometres out of Mossel Bay; in fog and heavy rain, take it slowly.
What does entry to the Cango Caves cost?
The prices for the Heritage Tour and the Adventure Tour are on the Cango Caves website, and you should reserve before driving over from Mossel Bay. The caves lie north of Oudtshoorn at the foot of the Swartberg, and the Adventure Tour goes through narrow gaps, so it is not for anyone with claustrophobia.
Can you drive the Swartberg Pass from Mossel Bay?
Yes, but as a long day: over the Robinson Pass to Oudtshoorn first, then up past the Cango Caves. The Swartberg Pass is a Thomas Bain gravel road with hairpins, sometimes closed after rain. Check whether your rental agreement allows gravel roads.