Cango Caves set to reopen after long lockdown
THE iconic Cango Caves heritage site is set to open its doors tomorrow after six months of lockdown.
The attraction, which successfully draws about 250 000 tourists a year, is regarded as a provincial, national and international tourism treasure. More than half of all visitors every year are from outside the borders of South Africa, with 60% coming from Europe and the UK. The Caves are widely seen as a key contributor to the economy of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, and in particular Oudtshoorn.
“The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and its resultant negative impact on the economy of the region, meant that the Cango Caves’ management, along with key partners of the Oudtshoorn Municipality, had to think very carefully about a future business and plan” said Cango Caves acting manager Alison Moos.
“As far we know, this is the first time since opening its doors in the late 1900s the Cango Caves had to close for such a long period – nearly six months since lockdown was introduced in March this year,” Moos said.
While the facility looked forward to opening its doors to welcome tourists again, management was well aware of the importance of protecting the safety of both employees and visitors.
“We are also aware of the negative impact of Covid-19 on the economy, locally, nationally and internationally.
“This means at least for the next 18 months we are unlikely to experience as strong a flow of visitors as we saw prior to the onset of the pandemic.
“We also know that should we register a Covid-19 case at the Cango Caves, we would most likely have to close our doors again, albeit for a much shorter period.”
Regarding tours, Moos said as part of the measures introduced to manage the situation, the Cango Caves would for the foreseeable future only offer its heritage tour, which is an easy walk through the first six largest chambers.
The size of the groups on this specific tour will also be limited, given requirements for social distancing.
“The tour originally catered for a maximum of 100 people. This has been changed, in line with safety protocol, to 20 people.”
Sanitising stations are available throughout the complex before visitors embark on their tour and they are encouraged to regularly sanitise their hands. Face masks are obligatory for all staff and visitors.
Electronic temperature screening and sanitising will be conducted at the entrance to the complex.
For more information, visit: https:// www.cango-caves.co.za/