Cango Wildlife Ranch
The Cango Wildlife Ranch is a wildlife ranch 3 kilometres north of the town of Oudtshoorn in South Africa.
Established in 1977, the Cango Wildlife Ranch is internationally recognised as one of South Africa’s premier attractions in the Western Cape, providing visitors with a world-class experience like no other. They are situated on the road to the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, on the well-established Garden Route and Route 62.
They are the holders of the most prestigious standard of rating within the zoological park community of Africa. This rating is an accreditation standard set out by the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) to raise the operational standards of zoological facilities to a level of good practice that is held in high regard internationally.
Their good standing with the NSPCA (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is evidenced through their recently awarded certificates for good practise and excellent animal care.
Valley of Ancients
A 60-minute guided tour starts in an ancient temple inhabited by giant flying foxes, various exotic birds, blue duiker, underwater viewing of cichlids and giant river turtles. There is a Malawian lakeshore home to red river hogs and prehistoric giant water monitors; and a vulture cliff face where endangered Cape vultures roost and share their leftovers with the Marabou Stork.
This themed walk-through experience is designed to make visitors aware of modern day conservation issues. Visitors can see Malagasy ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy hippo, and spotted-necked otters.
After crossing the hanging bridge over Snapper Gorge, visitors are given opportunity to plunge into a World First Crocodile Cage Dive.
As they power themselves out of the water to snatch food from the hands of our guides, the Nile Crocodiles at the “Jumping Jaws” pool provide a great reminder of the brute strength and agility which has enabled these ancient relics to survive through the aeons.
Cheetahland
From a meandering, elevated catwalk in Cheetahland, visitors have a bird’s eye-view of some of the world’s most endangered and unique big cats - the rare white Bengal tiger, the cheetah and the white lion. As visitors walk above these magnificent cats, in their large natural enclosures, experienced guides take them on a fun-filled and informative tour, highlighting the plight of these mighty animals.
Natural Encounters
Their professionally run Natural Encounters program allows guests to get up close and personal and interact with select ambassador species. Aside from Croc-Cage Diving mentioned above, encounters can also be enjoyed with their tigers, cheetah, snakes, lorikeets and other animals as and when available.
As South Africa’s oldest and longest big cat contact centre, they strive to maintain the highest level of safety and professional ethic. Trained staff will ensure that visitors have the day of their lives! A fully kitted photographic department will capture that special moment on camera, providing each participating client with a complimentary photograph they will cherish forever!
A Walk on the Wild Side
Over and above the guided tour, visitors to the Ranch are welcome to take a leisurely walk through the interactive lorikeet aviary, Kuranda Forest, or wander amongst their wallabies in Wallaby Walkabout. Our Snake Park, home to glowing green gecko’s and the worlds largest venomous snake, the magnificent King Cobra, plus many more slippery serpents, promises to bring out the inquisitive nature of even the most fearful!
Kidz-Zone
Let the kids run wild in the "Kidz Zone" which includes a waterpark with water jets for those steamy hot days - a safe play park for all ages, which includes a petting farm, certain to keep younger visitors happily entertained.
For the Hungry
The Cango Wildlife Ranch is exceptionally well prepared to cater to the palate of any visitor. They have 3 differently styled and unique restaurants catering to visitors varying requirements:
Turtles Restaurant
Fully licensed, and serving a verity of exotic and local foods, the Turtle’s Restaurant offers visitors the chance to relax in a tranquil atmosphere on wooden decks, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and invites clients to experience a taste of Klein Karoo hospitality.
They request that visitors book in advance, as they would like to offer clients and visitors the best service possible. Tour group menus, for all tastes, are available on request.
Grunts Fast Food Restaurant
This rain forest themed 100-seater fast food restaurant is ideal for a quick bite or take-away meal. The size of the deck overlooking the children’s water and play park allows for accommodation of larger tour groups for meals or pre-arranged dinners. Lunch packs to be enjoyed off-premises can also be arranged for visitors convenience.
The Wallow
An exclusive, up-market evening venue for pre-booked groups of 10 and more, this themed paradise is situated in the heart of the Valley of Ancients and offers visitors the opportunity to customise the evening and entertainment accordingly.
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Coordinates: 33°33′58″S 22°12′49″E / 33.56611°S 22.21361°E