Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the region of Little Karoo, which is found within South Africa’s Western Cape province. It is famous for being the ostrich capital of the world!
When to go to Oudtshoorn
Best Time to Go
The ostrich capital of the world
Check out nearby Cango Wildlife Ranch and Cango Caves
Enjoy fascinating tours of ostrich farms
Great range of accommodation
History & Adventure in the Little Karoo
Although the town is not part of the Garden Route, it is close enough to include in a Garden Route itinerary! The distinction between the coasts and forests of the Garden Route and the semi-desert landscape of the Little Karoo is very striking. The latter region is essentially a valley bordered by mountains, and to access Oudtshoorn by road involves traversing the very scenic Outeniqua Pass. The town is found in the north, in a stretch that includes Montagu, De Rust, and Barrydale. You could either begin or end your holiday with a few days in the company of the ostriches, or take a day trip into Oudtshoorn from Knysna (90 km) or Mossel Bay (92.5 km). The town is just 59 kilometres from George Airport.
Activities
Known for its working ostrich farms, a trip to Oudtshoorn is a grand day out. If you are staying longer, consider visiting the Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Ranch.
Visit an Ostrich Farm
Explore the Cango Wildlife Ranch
Tour the Cango Caves
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Ostriches may be viewed on several farms around Oudtshoorn, including Highgate, Safari, and Chandelier. Tours here involve learning about the daily operation of the farm, discovering everything you could wish to know about ostriches, feeding the birds by hand, visiting their breeding camp, and possibly taking an ostrich ride! Some tour options include a meal afterwards, featuring ostrich egg and meat. There is usually a shop on site, stocking leather goods such as handbags, wallets, and purses. The famous feathers can also be purchased.
The Cango Wildlife Ranch is just 4.5 kilometres outside of Oudtshoorn. Open every day of the year, it is home to a wide range of mammals, birds, snakes, reptiles, and fish species, but is best known for its work to conserve cheetah and other endangered animals. You can enjoy various encounters with wildlife, and kids will have a lot of fun in the ranch’s farmyard, featuring a bouncy castle, waterpark, and petting zoo! There is also a great range of restaurants.
The Cango Caves make for a thrilling excursion. These are approximately 30 kilometres from Oudtshoorn, situated on a limestone ridge that runs parallel to the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Two types of tours are available – Heritage and Adventure. During the Heritage Tour, a guide takes you through many of the main halls and rooms, showcasing a variety of intriguing formations. In the Adventure Tour, you are led deep into the caves to wriggle, scramble, and sometimes squirm your way through shafts and tunnels past all sorts of shapes and chambers! This attraction has just one first-rate restaurant, and if you opt for the Adventure Tour, you will certainly work up an appetite!
History
Founded in 1847, the original settlement experienced significant growth following two ostrich feather booms, the first from 1875 to 1880 when the birds’ beautiful feathers had started to be used as fashion accessories by many members of the European nobility, and the second from 1900 to 1914. After the Second World War, ostriches regained popularity – this time for meat and leather. The industry began to recover again! To this day, Oudtshoorn contains several ostrich breeding farms. If you are fond of the big birds, we highly recommend staying here!
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