Driving around the Western Cape’s awe inspiring mountain passes , one can’t but be amazed at the genius of Thomas Bain. Thomas Bain (1830-1893) was responsible for 900km of road which included 24 mountain passes built between 1848 and 1888. These passes and roads played a  major role in opening up the Cape Colony of South Africa to the rest of the country.  What makes this even more incredible is the fact that these roads were built by hand  – Mr  Baines making use of prisoner gangs to help him construct the roads and mountain passes.

When coming into Oudtshoorn to visit Safari Ostrich Farm for a guided tour you will drive over a Mountain pas to access the region since Oudtshoorn is bordered to the North by the spectacular Swartberg Mountains and on the South by the equally impressive Outeniqua mountains.

The Swartberg Pass just outside Oudtshoorn going over the Swartberg  mountain range to the little town of Prince Albert,  was started in 1884 and finished in 1887. It is 27km long and considered as his crowning achievement. One can not but be blown away by the scenery and the dry stone walling which has held for more than 130 years.

Many of our visitors to Safari Ostrich Farm includes a day trip over the Swartberg Pass into Prince Albert (and visit the world famous Cango Caves, situated in the Swartberg mountain range, on the way) and then around to De Rust via the immaculate Meiringspoort Pass. This is known as the circle Route and well worth the time to experience when you are in Oudtshoorn to visit Safari Ostrich Farm and the Cango Caves.