Feature: Caves

Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Queen’s Hotel, Oudtshoorn

Traditional South African Country Hotel with a regal history

A delightful oasis set in the centre of hot, dusty Oudtshoorn. This is a timeless, if slightly impersonal, hotel frequented in 1947 by the British Royal Family on their trip to the, then, Union of South Africa. The hotel has  undergone extensive renovation and the 40 rooms are clean cut with extensive use of cooling white most with en suite bathrooms. The lounge and dining room are beautifully decorated and the reception area with its black and white floor tiles and rich yellowwood staircase is a local landmark. There is a small pool in a very private garden.

About the Location

This is a good base from which to explore the sights of the region including Ostrich leather workshops and retail outlets, Cango Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke Cheetah (5 minutes drive), Ostrich show farms (a number within 10 minutes’ drive), The Cango Caves (20 minutes’ drive and the Swartberg Pass (45 minutes away).


Rosenhof, Oudtshoorn

Rosenhof, Oudtshoorn

Luxury Boutique Hotel in Oudtshoorn

This is a charming, and popular, small hotel on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. The 12 bedrooms and two executive suites are mostly arranged in small cottages around a central, gassy courtyard set aside from the principal Manor House. This has the beautiful dining room and lounge as well as the reception area. As you can see from the pictures the rooms are of a generous size with big bathrooms.  The emphasis is on luxury and this shown to great effect in the two bed roomed executive suites, which are complete with their own plunge pool. There is a pool for general use. This is a property, which continues to get very good reviews from our clients and this is in part to the great hospitality shown by the staff.

About the Location

The lodge is on the edge of Oudtshoorn in a quiet residential location. The Cango Wildlife Ranch is a 5 minute drive and the Cango Caves are 15 minutes away. There are several ostrich ‘Feather Palaces’ within a short drive as is the great headquarters of ‘Ostrich International’ for an amazing variety of ostrich leather goods.


De Opstal

De Opstal, Schoemanshoek, Nr. Oudtshoorn

De Opstal is an unusual, generally high standard accommodation at a very affordable price in a great location
De Opstal is a unique and comfortable accommodation in historic converted typical Little Karoo farm buildings. There are 21 rooms and suites to choose from. These include a converted milking shed and cow stable to large Pool, Pond and Garden Suites each with their own private patio. Many of the rooms have beautiful cape reed ceilings and are furnished in country style – all with large en suite bathrooms. The property dates back to 1830 and has been owned by the same family for the entire period. Some of the rooms are suitable for families. For some people the age of the buildings may be regarded as rather rustic and you should not expect 5 star luxury. Breakfasts are a hearty meal. In the evenings you can enjoy the excellent local cuisine (Ostrich is a feature) in atmospheric surroundings.

 About De Opstal’s Location

Schoemanshoek is one of those idyllic locations, which are so rare. The village is set in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range near the stunningly attractive Schoemanspoort Pass.  This is approximately 10 minutes drive from Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves. Hiking can be arranged and you can visit the Swartberg Pass with its extraordinary road to Die Hel (The Hell) from the summit. This was an isolated community until the 1960s and is now a living museum. Close to De Opstal, you will find Ostrich Farms. It is a short drive to some extraordinary ‘Feather Palaces’, The Cango Wildlife Ranch and retailers that specialise in Ostrich leather.


Altes Landhaus, Schoemanshoek, Nr. Oudtshoorn

Altes Landhaus is an oasis in the Little Karoo set among lush gardens

Altes Landhaus is a hundred year old farmhouse that was originally built as a rectory for the local church. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is set among the grandeur of the Swartberg Mountains as a backcloth. In season (normally October / November) the soft lilac blooms of the Jacaranda trees add a distinctly exotic touch. This is a small, exclusive hotel with seven suites and two double rooms. The owners provide every luxury and the rooms are air-conditioned. Dinner can be provided on request.

 

About Altes Landhaus’ Location

This is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and Little Karoo region. This is the centre of the once booming Ostrich industry producing feathers and leather for the fashion industry. At the turn of the 1900s, vast fortunes were made supplying the fashion houses in Paris, London and New York. Wealthy farmers built grand houses known as Ostrich Palaces. A number of these still exist and remain Ostrich farms that you can visit and learn about these fascinating creatures. You can buy Ostrich products such as belts, purses, shoes and handbags. You will be paying a fraction of the price you will pay in Europe or North America. From Altes Landhaus  it is a short drive to the world renowned  Cango Caves. Here you can experience the main cave system with relative ease but for the fit, there is also an extended trip which will introduce you to more challenging caving – not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from claustrophobia! While you are here, you should drive the spectacular Swartberg Pass. This is a gravel pass with sweeping views over the little Karoo in one direction and the great Karoo in the other. At the other side of the pass you can visit charming Prince Albert which seems to be caught in a Victorian time warp. It is also the centre of South Africa’s olive industry and you will also be able to indulge your taste buds in some excellent restaurants. Be sure to try the Karoo lamb!

You can also visit South Africa’s Port capital of Calitzdorp where there are a number of wineries where you can taste the product.