Oudtshoorn Snapshot
Ostriches have always had the raw end of the deal in Oudtshoorn. From a carefree existence roaming the African plains, they found themselves on a supply-and-demand joyride at the turn of the 19th century. First, they made local farmers wealthy, satisfying the whims of Victorian fashion with their feathers. The feather.com bubble burst soon after, leaving many farmers in financial ruin and a glimpse of hope for the birds. But this was short-lived as local entrepreneurs cottoned onto new ways to keep the ostrich industry alive and kicking. Oudtshoorn is living testimony to their success - a bustling town lined wall-to-wall in ostrich ranches, curio shops, B&B’s and restaurants deriving income from this hapless bird. This said, there’s a whole lot more to Oudtshoorn than “ostrich capital of the world.” The town is the best base for visiting the nearby Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass. It also has a balmy climate and a vibey atmosphere that reaches boiling point once a year at the Klein Karoo Arts Festival.
Things To Do
- Ranked high on the country’s top 10 attractions, the Cango Caves is an obligatory pilgrimage. Whether you like it or not, you too must join the hordes to gawk, gasp and gaze upon this natural underground wonder of echoing caverns, towering columns and dripping rocks. A guided tour is the only way in, so while you won’t need the bloody-mindedness of Indiana Jones to explore the caves you’ll likely need it for the shuffling crowds.
- Many tourists flock to Oudtshoorn to see ostriches, ride ostriches and eat ostriches. And what they don’t see, ride and eat, they buy and take home with them. Whether you too go the whole hog, sorry bird, is your choice. While you’ll see plenty of it driving through the Klein Karoo, either in free-range flocks or in trucks on an outing to Mr Butcher, four show farms dedicate themselves to tours and the spectacle of jockeys racing the birds. The larger outfits are tourist spectacles in themselves, so rather visit a smaller show farm. The Cango Ostrich Farm apparently falls into this category, though at the end of the day we're talking six of one, half a dozen of the other.
- Most of Oudtshoorn’s cultural life occurs along or close to Baron van Reede, the town’s vibey main avenue. On it you’ll find the popular CP Nel Museum, a handsome sandstone building with an interesting collection of artefacts from… you guessed it, the ostrich era. A little way along, on the corner of Loop and High streets, Le Roux Town House sheds light on the opulent life of a feather baron.
- Oudtshoorn is blessed with some good eateries. Again, the main concentration is along Baron van Reede. Not only will you find our nation’s favourite fast-food chains, from Saddles to Santa Fe Spur, but a number of other decent spots cooking it up. Jemima’s is probably best known among them. And yes ma’am, ostrich steak and Karoo lamb are on the menu.
- Believe it or not, after a day or two in Oudtshoorn you will have had your fill of ostrich. Time, then, to pull head from the sand and motor north to experience the Swartberg Pass. Final work of master road builder, Thomas Bain, the Swartberg Pass is an engineering marvel. The drive to the summit is fairly tame – but the views are great. It’s the descent to Prince Albert where Bain struts his stuff, a succession of dramatic serpentine switchbacks, twists and turns winding down, down, down.
Old Mill Lodge & Restaurant
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Head out of Oudtshoorn towards the Swartberg Mountains and you’ll soon enter the dramatic scenery surrounding Schoemanshoek. Here the Groblaarsrivier cuts its way through the mountains, creating...
Rate Guide
From R850-R1400 nightly depending on unit.
Kranskloof Country Lodge
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
When last did you join the hordes at the Cango Caves, wrestle a croc and snap that obligatory pic of the missus perched upon an ostrich egg - praying for her sake it doesn't shatter under the loa...
Rate Guide
From R950, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Bella de Karoo
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
This 19th-century barn has come a long way since the days when it housed wagons, ploughs and probably a flock or two of sheep escaping the Karoo death-chill. It's a somewhat different place today - l...
Rate Guide
From R580 to R1310, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Cango Retreat
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
The magnificent property is situated along the banks of the Grobbelaars River, tucked away under massive willow trees offering visitors the ultimate mountain and river retreat where you can escape the...
Rate Guide
From R1350 to R2300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Mayfair Farm Cottages
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Mayfair Farm Cottages are situated on the West bank of the Grobbelaars river just outside the town of Oudtshoorn on the farm Mayfair. Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Klein Karoo and en route the...
Rate Guide
From R960 to R1940, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Red Stone Hills
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Redstone Hills Guestfarm near Calitzdorp is nestled within what must be one of the most spectacular geological landscapes in the whole South Africa. The striking reddish-hued koppies which surrounds t...
Rate Guide
From R650 to R2300, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Breathe Lodge & Cottage
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
A little piece of paradise where relaxation is as endless as the views. We offer a Self-catering Farmhouse and Rustic stone cottage less than 50 km from George & Oudtshoorn. We offer two different...
Rate Guide
From R1100 to R3150, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Blue Lily Retreat
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Situated in the Matjiesriver Valley. We offer comfortable accommodation and a breath of fresh air in beautiful natural surroundings. In summer, Blue Lily Retreat is surrounded by abundant Agapanthus, ...
Rate Guide
From R1500 to R3350, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland