The Cango Wildlife Ranch offers far more than the average zoo. We recently went to Oudtshoorn while staying in Mossel Bay for a short holiday and spent the day at the ranch. It wasn’t the cheapest outing we’ve had as a family, but we all loved the experience and it was definitely worth it.
We arrived early on a relatively cold and misty morning, just in time for a guided tour. Together with a group of people we were escorted by one of the ranch’s multilingual guides on a tour through the enticing Valley Of Ancients housing various exotic and endangered animals. We saw the rare Cape Vulture, Madagascar Lemur, Greater Flamingo, Spotted-necked Otter, Pygmy Hippo, Marabou Stork and, of course, the infamous Nile Crocodile.
Cheetahland, home to various big cats, including cheetah, Bengal tiger and the rare White lion also forms part of the tour and we enjoyed a birds’ eye view of these magnificent creatures from the raised walkway.
Kids will also enjoy the Kuranda Forest and Wallaby Walk-about, where they get to feed these furry friends.
After the tour we had lunch and coffee at Turtles Restaurant. The menu offers meals like crocodile kebabs and ostrich steaks but we opted for conventional hamburgers instead…maybe next time. They have lots for the kids too. Other dining options include Grunts Restaurant – a forest themed fast food restaurant overlooking Kuranda Forest – and the Dinkum Tucker tuck shop.
After lunch we spent quite some time at the children’s play area and water park where the kids ran wild and got rid of some of their energy. This area has a petting zoo where farm animals such as goats, ducks, rabbits and potbellied pigs entertain the kids with their antics. They also have a jungle gym, a jumping castle and slides for the kids to enjoy. Carl and I even joined the kids in going down their massive slide.
Visitors will enjoy the Kuranda Forest aviary filled with rainbow colored Lorikeets. You can purchase nectar at the aviary and feed the friendly birds. Although I don’t like the idea of being attacked by a mass of noisy birds, my husband did it, got a few friendly pecks at the ears and loved the experience.
Cango Wildlife knows it is vital to protect all species for the generations to come. By educating the public, both young and old realize just how fragile our planet is and how vital it is to conserve endangered species. Their Natural Encounters programme gives visitors the unique opportunity to interact with a variety of animals, including cheetah and even possibly a Bengal tiger cub or two. The more daring visitor can get the adrenalin pumping with a four meter Crocodile Cage Dive or try and remain still while a python wraps itself around your shoulders!
One thing is certain, with all there is to do and see at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, you and your children will definitely not get bored.
Contact Details:
Tel: 044 272 5593
Fax: 044 272 4167
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cango.co.za