
Cango Wildlife Ranch
Experience unforgettable animal encounters and support vital conservation efforts at Cango Wildlife Ranch, a sanctuary dedicated to wildlife welfare.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

Cango Wildlife Ranch
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience unforgettable animal encounters and support vital conservation efforts at Cango Wildlife Ranch, a sanctuary dedicated to wildlife welfare.
"An unforgettable wildlife adventure with exceptional guides and a deep commitment to animal welfare."

🐾 Animal Welfare First
Support a ranch dedicated to conservation and animal well-being. Your visit helps their sanctuary work.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera! Many encounters offer fantastic photo opportunities with unique animals.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lemur Encounter
Get up close and personal with these playful primates in an unforgettable, interactive experience.

Croc Cage Diving
For the thrill-seekers, dive into the water for a unique perspective on formidable crocodiles.

Elephant Hugs
Experience the gentle giants and enjoy a heartwarming hug with these magnificent creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Encounters in Advance
Plan for Self-Guided vs. Guided
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Animal Welfare First
Support a ranch dedicated to conservation and animal well-being. Your visit helps their sanctuary work.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera! Many encounters offer fantastic photo opportunities with unique animals.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on well-maintained paths, so wear comfy shoes.
🍽️ On-site Dining Options
Enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants after your wildlife adventure.
2,5 Weeks in SA - Feedback on travel itinerary much appreciated
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Animal Welfare First
Support a ranch dedicated to conservation and animal well-being. Your visit helps their sanctuary work.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera! Many encounters offer fantastic photo opportunities with unique animals.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on well-maintained paths, so wear comfy shoes.
🍽️ On-site Dining Options
Enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants after your wildlife adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cango Wildlife Ranch for its exceptional animal encounters and strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, particularly guides like Themba and Runicka, enhance the experience. While some find the general tour informative, others highlight the interactive encounters as the true highlight, making it a highly recommended family destination.
"Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn
What started as a pleasant morning turned into an unforgettable wildlife adventure at Cango Wildlife Ranch. My family and I chose the self-guided tour option, which gave us the perfect pace to truly absorb the breathtaking scenery and immerse ourselves in learning about each fascinating species.
Despite it being a quieter day at the ranch, this actually enhanced our experience. The peaceful atmosphere allowed us to connect more deeply with the animals and their stories. The absolute highlight was our lemur encounter – an experience that exceeded all expectations. Our guides were exceptional: knowledgeable, passionate, and incredibly well-prepared. They shared captivating insights about lemur behavior, dietary needs, and the ranch's outstanding commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
What impressed me most was witnessing firsthand how well-cared for all the animals are. The dedication to their wellbeing was evident throughout our visit.
The ranch is wonderfully family-friendly, offering something for everyone. The kids can enjoy the playground, while the adults appreciated browsing the gift shop and enjoying a delicious meal at one of the two on-site restaurants.
Cango Wildlife Ranch delivers an perfect blend of education, conservation, and pure joy. Highly recommended for families seeking a meaningful wildlife experience!"
Nicolene Platjies
"Professionally run, nice landscaping, easy paths and above all, a wonderful guided tour to learn more about the animals. Our guide Jonathan is enthusiastic and friendly.
I chose the Leopard encounter and it was very special. Never saw a leopard so close before and she looked very pleased and healthy. Do support this ranch and the good work they do."
Woon Peng Ziady
"Overall great family experience. The staff goes above and beyond to provide a good experience while putting animal welfare first. They also serve as an animal sanctuary so we were happy to spend our money there. Pricing is very affordable anyway. Special shoutout to Jowellen and Matthew who assisted us during the wildlife encounters and were very professional and knowledgeable. Our tour guide Runicka was so sweet and fun. Our kids (8 and 3yo)loved it, definitely would come back. We happily adopted the leopard Nanji."
Dries Durnez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cango Wildlife Ranch is conveniently located just outside Oudtshoorn. Many visitors opt to drive, as it's a short and scenic trip. If you don't have a car, local taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available from Oudtshoorn. The ranch is well-signposted, making it easy to find.
Yes, the ranch is designed with accessibility in mind. The paths are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Cango Wildlife Ranch typically opens daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially during holidays.
Absolutely! Cango Wildlife Ranch is a popular day trip destination for visitors exploring the Garden Route or staying in nearby towns like George or Knysna. It's easily accessible by car.
If you're on a road trip through the Western Cape, Cango Wildlife Ranch is a fantastic stop. It's located off the main routes, making it a convenient and rewarding detour to experience unique wildlife encounters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Cango Wildlife Ranch are generally considered affordable. While specific prices can vary, visitors often mention the value for money, especially when considering the animal encounters. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and any potential specials.
While you can often purchase tickets at the entrance, booking your Cango Wildlife Ranch tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular animal encounters like the lemur experience. This guarantees your spot and saves time.
Yes, Cango Wildlife Ranch offers various options, including self-guided tours and special animal encounters. These encounters provide more intimate experiences with specific animals and are often highlighted as a must-do.
It's worth checking the Cango Wildlife Ranch website for any ongoing specials or promotions, particularly around events like Black Friday. They also offer family-friendly pricing, making it an accessible outing.
General admission typically grants you access to explore the ranch and observe the various animals in their enclosures. For more interactive experiences, such as holding animals or specific encounters, additional fees usually apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the lemur encounter for its interactive fun and the leopard encounter for its unique closeness. Elephant hugs are also a popular and heartwarming choice.
Yes, Cango Wildlife Ranch offers opportunities to hold and interact with certain animals under the supervision of trained staff. This is a highlight for many visitors, providing memorable photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Cango Wildlife Ranch is very family-friendly, with a dedicated kids' play area and engaging animal encounters that children love. The staff are great with younger visitors.
You can expect to see a diverse range of animals, including crocodiles, leopards, lions, cheetahs, various primates like lemurs, and many more. The ranch focuses on conservation and education.
A self-guided tour can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, but if you plan to participate in animal encounters or enjoy the cafes, you might spend half a day or more.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Cango Wildlife Ranch has two on-site restaurants offering a variety of meals. This makes it convenient to grab a bite to eat during your visit without leaving the premises.
The restaurants typically offer a range of options, from light snacks and refreshments to full meals, catering to different tastes. It's a good place to refuel after exploring the animals.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally advisable to check with the ranch directly regarding their policy on outside food and beverages. However, the on-site dining options are usually convenient and well-priced.
Most restaurants in tourist areas like Cango Wildlife Ranch aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's recommended to inquire about vegetarian or vegan options upon arrival or check their menu if available online.
The pricing at the on-site restaurants is generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction. Visitors often find the food to be good value for the convenience and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
The animal encounters themselves offer incredible photo opportunities, especially with the lemurs and leopards. The well-maintained enclosures and scenic landscaping also provide beautiful backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged during animal encounters. Staff often assist in getting the best shots, and you'll have plenty of chances to capture memorable moments.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and the animals. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them, and follow any specific instructions from staff.
A standard camera or smartphone is usually sufficient for great photos. If you're keen on wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but many encounters are up-close.
While not always advertised, some animal encounters might have staff who can help take photos for you. It's best to inquire on the day if you're interested in professional photo services.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking an encounter in advance to secure your spot. The on-site restaurants offer convenient dining options, and the overall experience is designed to be educational and enjoyable for all ages. It’s a place where kids can learn about wildlife while having an absolute blast.
❤️ Couples & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the ranch's dedication to animal welfare and conservation. The opportunity to get up close with diverse species and learn from passionate guides makes it a valuable visit for anyone passionate about animals and their protection.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Creators will find plenty of engaging content here, from thrilling croc cage diving videos to heartwarming elephant hugs. Remember to check any specific guidelines regarding flash photography to ensure the well-being of the animals while capturing your best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at Cango Wildlife Ranch
The ranch focuses on educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the threats many species face. Through interactive encounters and informative tours, they aim to foster a deeper connection between people and animals, encouraging responsible tourism and support for conservation efforts. This dedication to their mission is a significant draw for many visitors looking for a meaningful travel experience.
When you visit Cango Wildlife Ranch, you're not just seeing animals; you're contributing to vital conservation work. The fees from tickets and encounters directly support the care of resident animals and ongoing conservation projects, making your visit impactful.
Unforgettable Animal Encounters
For the more adventurous, the crocodile cage diving offers a thrilling perspective on these ancient reptiles, providing a unique adrenaline rush and incredible photo opportunities. Other popular encounters include the chance to hug an elephant, offering a gentle and heartwarming connection with these gentle giants.
These encounters are facilitated by knowledgeable and passionate guides who ensure both visitor safety and animal comfort. They provide insights into the animals' behavior, diet, and conservation status, making each interaction educational as well as exciting. Booking these encounters in advance is highly recommended due to their popularity.
Family Fun and Amenities
The ranch is also equipped with amenities to make your visit comfortable. There are two on-site restaurants offering a range of dining options, perfect for refueling after a morning of exploration. Additionally, a gift shop allows visitors to take home a memento of their wildlife adventure.
The overall atmosphere is welcoming and well-maintained, with clean pathways and enclosures that contribute to a pleasant visit for all ages. The staff's friendly demeanor and attentiveness further enhance the family-friendly appeal of the Cango Wildlife Ranch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit