Things To Do in OudtshoornCrocodile Cage Diving Outshoorn
Animal Sanctuaries Extreme Sports Karoo
Where? Cango Wildlife Ranch, R62 en route Cango Caves, 3km outside Outshoorn, Karoo.
When? Daily from 08h00 to 17h00 (last tour 16h30). We are open every day including Christmas and New Years Day. Please Note Crocodile Cage Diving is closed from mid-May to beginning September annualy, as crocodiles do not eat for the entire winter period.
How? Call +27 (0)44 272-5593
How much? Falls into price group R201 to R500 per person. Confirm with the provider.
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Oudtshoorn, in Western Cape
'If you don't hurry up and eat all your vegetables, I'm not going to submerge you in an underwater cage into a pool of crocodiles five times your length'. Brussel sprouts and broccoli might not be the munch of choice of teenagers, spouses or crocodiles but the thrill of 'swimming' in a heated pool (25ºC) with these heavy toothed creatures of the Nile can do more for adrenalin seeking adolescents and adults than the biggest bowl of ice-cream.
The vast filtration system circulates crystal clear water allowing daring participants to get close enough to these jaw snapping creatures to see their toe nails (unmanicured due to wild grooming habits). A 10 minute dive at the Cango Wildlife Ranch exposes divers to five crocodiles bred in captivity and familiar with human movements. This experience in a specially designed secure cage is the first of its kind in the world and allows the true predatory nature of these reptiles to be magnified by their fierce underwater power often falsely displayed on land as sluggish.
The crocodiles are fed 3 times a week due to their metabolic requirements and never on a dive. The impact of the dive on the crocodiles is minimal as they are not lured to the cage with chumming methods. The cage is simply manoeuvred as close as possible to these hunters for the ultimate up close and personal encounter. The deepest part of the pool is 2m with sufficient space in the cage to keep your head above water. Underwater cameras are allowed in the cage with you and can also be purchased on site, there are definitely enough pearly whites for a 'Colgate' crocodile smile.
You can bring your own swimming gear but swimwear, goggles and snorkels are provided. Photo footage documenting your encounter is an optional paid extra and presented to you in a photo folder for your 'Guess-what-I-did' memoirs. Site amenities include nice showers (for humans only no crocodiles are exposed to indoor plumbing for purposes of conservation).
