Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn Trips & Tours

A pretty, settlement-era outpost deep in the heart of the Klein Karoo

When you begin to catch sight of plumes of brightly-coloured ostrich feathers for sale at the side of the road, you know you’re approaching Oudtshoorn. Nestled deep in the Klein Karoo at the end of the infamous Route 62 (and Ronnie’s Sex Shop), the tiny town is renowned as the ostrich capital of the world thanks to its colony of farmed ostriches. The long-legged birds roam around dusty aloes and across country roads; and there are more ostrich-related activities to get stuck into than you ever thought possible, ranging from the sublime (indulging in delicious ostrich steaks) to the ridiculous (ostrich-back racing anyone?!). When you’re birded out, head for the Cango Caves, an impressive system of caves and tunnels with a collection of enormous stalactites and stalagmites, or head into the Swartberg Mountains and embark on one of the many hiking trails through the wilderness.

What to do in Oudtshoorn

In South Africa’s ostrich capital, there’s little doubt about the theme running through the majority of Oudtshoorn’s activities. Shopping for ostrich handbags, belts or feather dusters in one of the town’s boutiques is a rite of passage, and many of the shops are the old homes of the illustrious feather merchants and a treat to see. Visiting a farm to see the long-legged birds in action comes a close second and you’ll have the chance to feed them, sample ostrich-egg omelettes, and learn a little more about their history in the Karoo. Outside the town are the Cango Caves, enormous caverns of astonishing stalagmites and stalactites that extend for over 4 kilometres. Only a quarter of the cave system is open to visitors on guided or un-guided tours. Our favourite is the slightly longer ‘adventurous’ tour with some, ahem, squeezing required! Also in the area is the beautiful Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall, perfect for a short walk and a picnic, or a variety of trails in the Swartberg Mountains.