Swartberg adventures

After much deliberation we decided not to do the Meerkats experience as we had to be there by 5am and it was about a 30 min drive. I had also read a few not so great reviews. We decided to visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch instead as according to the website it had animal encounters and 5 cheetah cubs had been born 3 months ago. We enjoyed a delicious breaky on the terrace and made our choices for dinner before we set off for the ranch, also about 30mins away. There were opportunities for animal encounters with cheetahs, cheetah cubs, feeding a leopard, feeding lions, crocodile cage swim and snakes. The entrance fee included a tour of the ranch by a funny and informative guide who took us through the ranch and it lasted about 45 mins. Before the tour, we saw meerkats, snakes and a trip to home with the bird enclosure that had rainbow lorikeets. On the tour, some highlights included the white lions, snow tigers, vultures, hippos and some crocs which we got to see be fed. For the encounters, all 5 of us opted for the cheetah cubs experience and it was so special being able to pat them and learn so much about the local conservation efforts and their habitat. Ted opted to feed the leopard and Liv to pat the adult cheetahs and Pete, Jess and I were able to observe from the wooden suspension bridge. Liv went first and it was so different to be in an enclosed area with them as even though they had been domesticated they are still wild animals. The cheetahs patiently let people near to pat them, there were no leads and it was all very relaxed with more informative facts. Ted then went for his leopard feeding experience, we hadn’t been able to spot it as it was hiding in the bushes during the tour. Her name was called and she came to the glass panels where Ted was able to feed her. Beautiful creature. It was a hot day of 38 degrees. We enjoyed another delicious meal at the ranch cafe, simple sandwiches and salads done well and Ted enjoyed a crocodile hamburger and his best ever milkshake! We decided to detour in to town to get some indigestion medication for Pete. Pete then had 4 backseat drivers as there was indecision as to where to pull up, Pete not having the right change for parking attendants. We did a couple of blocks and decided against it, Jess very paranoid we were going to be jacked. We then spotted Spec Savers and did another block to get a pic for Jess. Perhaps we were on high alert as we were following a car at a slow speed with no other cars around. Eventually we were able to overtake it and made it back to the manor, where Jess was then concerned about a nearby bushfire! We then relaxed, reading playing games and chilling by the pool as much too hot to do anything else. Pete and I went on a walk around the environs, still hot and dusty. Back for showers and another delicious feast. At dinner, much to our amusement, the waitress confirmed that they tried and actually couldn’t put out the fire, alarming Jessica further. She however confirmed that it won’t reach us and we’re safe here (still not enough to placate Jessica who said she wouldn’t sleep).Read more