With over 90 species of adored creatures, Cango Wildlife Ranch is a multi-accredited destination for conservation that is available all year long. The ranch offers engaging encounter programmes, entertaining and instructive guided excursions, and even the world's first croc-cage dive.
A rich history of the ranch
As the first crocodile exhibition farm in South Africa, the Cango Crocodile Farm was founded in 1977. Crocodiles were being bred on the property to be sold. The Cango Crocodile Farm was bought by Andrew and Glenn Eriksen in 1986. They made the decision to actively support the situation of the critically endangered cheetah because they wanted to do more to promote conservation.
While the ranch still houses a huge population of crocodilians today, it has recently focused on the situation of endangered animals, leading to the decision to expand and bring in a number of big cats. Initially focusing on the critically endangered cheetah, the Cango Wildlife Ranch now has more than 90 different species of mammals and reptiles living there.
What can you see at the ranch?
Set in the tranquil Oudtshoorn, the ranch's huge natural enclosures, which are home to some of the best big cats in the world, will wow cat lovers. View the graceful cheetah, powerful lion, beautiful African leopard, and magnificent white Bengal tiger from the treetop outlook. Even hand-reared cheetahs and other large ambassador cats are available for close encounters.
Visit the lorikeet aviary to see the colourful birds. Additionally, you have the opportunity to buy nectar and feed these lovely creatures while they make themselves at home on your shoulders and head.
Only one interactive lemur exhibit-Lemur Falls-replicates a Madagascan forest on the South African continent. The entrance to the forest lies across a large river that is filled with birds, including whistling ducks, and has a striking backdrop of volcanic rock waterfalls. The ranch is home to three different kinds of lemurs, including the curious brown lemurs, black and white ruffs, and ring-tailed lemurs.
If you are not afraid of snakes and other slithering reptiles, you can visit the snake park to discover a different aspect of these creatures. Here you will learn intriguing information about snakes, including their origins. Explore areas where most people are hesitant to go and take in the odd beauty of these creatures that are so vital to the ecosystems.
Perfect for kids of all ages
Even though certain park activities have age limitations, kids of all ages may still have a blast at the kids' section. This adorable small area of the ranch was created to keep kids occupied for hours. There is playground equipment including jungle-jims, a jumping castle, and a waterpark. There is even a tiny farmyard filled with many adored farm animals. The Tiny Tots section is created with your child's safety in mind, and nearby shady sitting is available for weary parents.
Enjoy a scrumptious meal at Turtles Restaurant
With cascading waterfalls and roving peacocks, The Turtle Restaurant creates a tranquil African ambience. The Turtles Restaurant can wow your taste buds with dishes like crocodile kebabs and ostrich steaks if you're in the mood for a treat. They provide a wide variety of delicious vegetarian meals as well as many more conventional dishes for the more traditional customer. To please the younger members of the family, they also feature an excellent kids' menu.
For larger parties looking for an evening dinner or braai in a rural African setting, The Turtles Restaurant also provides the right atmosphere. Reservations are required.
More details about the Cango Wildlife Ranch
Location: Baron van Reede Street (on road to Cango Caves)
Oudtshoorn
Email: info@cango.co.za
Contact no: 044 272 5593
Entrance fee: Tickets are priced from R120 and vary depending on the type of tour you wish to have at the ranch.
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