Cango Retreat

The wildlife felt wonderfully natural, close by without any forced or touristy feel. I loved waking to birdsong and seeing animals wandering around. It was quiet, green, and full of life. The views at Cango Retreat in Oudtshoorn make you slow down and enjoy the moment. The accommodation was comfortable and warm, and fitted right into the surroundings. Everything felt calm and easy. I spent a few days there and honestly didn’t want to leave. A lovely place to relax and be around nature.

The kitchen wasn’t clean. The top shelf was very dusty, and there was a stale bun behind the microwave that wasn’t ours. The bed linen badly needs replacing too. We stayed three nights in Believe cottage. It’s a pretty tiny house, but there’s no indoor seating, so it doesn’t suit a winter visit. The hot tub has no cover, and in sub-zero nights all the heat escapes. Traffic on the main road to Cango caves, which is extremely close, was noisy day and night. There were too many free-roaming dogs to keep out of the cottage. Our braai tongs and blitz were stolen while we were out, and the poorly fenced property made safety a concern.

Even at 37°, the place stayed cool and comfortable thanks to its position beside the river. It’s also ideally situated, 10 km from Cango caves and 20 km from town. The owners and staff were fantastic and very accommodating. The animals on the property were superb, friendly, and fun to play with. Highly recommend, and I’ll visit again.

A lovely family-friendly spot, with a little river and kayaks. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and roomy enough for a big family. There’s safe parking and a beautiful view across the hillsides. I’d definitely recommend it.