In 1826, a trader, travelling to Cape Town to sell his goods, harvested some of the huge and very dramatic Ostrich wing feathers from ostriches in the Oudtshoorn area.  As he found them very beautiful, he took them with to Cape Town, to sell. This handful of feathers were spotted by an astute buyer and the princely sum paid for this exciting new product was enough to buy land!  And so, it was, the first Ostrich farm was started in the Klein Karoo area of South Africa, later to be known as Oudtshoorn and the Ostrich Capital of the World. Today, the Oudtshoorn based company, Klein Karoo International, is still the largest producer and exporter of ostrich products, such as leather, meat and feathers in the world.  

Oudtshoorn is a unique gem in the popular Garden Route Tourist area. Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains, and well known for its scenic mountain passes:  Montague Pass and the Swartberg. Oudtshoorn can also be reached traveling via the Route 62 wine route.

The central C.P. Nel Museum traces the history of the ostrich feather boom era, and includes an original synagogue. The nearby Cango Wildlife Ranch is a conservation park offering close views of many wild animals. The brave can enjoy a diving adventure with crocodiles, or have the amazing experience of petting the young cheetahs. The famous Cango Caves, a 20 million-year-old network of limestone chambers, is a scenic 20km drive away offering views of breath-taking formations and an adrenaline filled adventure walk. 

The Oudtshoorn area offers a wide range of activities to visitors.

8-hole local Golf Course,75 St Saviour Street |  Tel: +27 44 272 4201

Cango Caves with spectacular limestone chambers, 29km outside of Oudtshoorn at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains | Tel: +27 44 272 7410

Cango Wildlife Ranch with a wide range of wildlife species, situated just outside of town en-route to the Cango Caves | Tel: 27 44 272 5593

Wilgewandel  great for children with a fun-farm offering a range of activities for children and the young at heart situated 28km outside Oudtshoorn, close to the Cango Caves | Cell: +27 72 784 6732

Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall, a magnificent moderate hike to a breath-taking waterfall, also en-route to the Cango Caves.  The route is well signposted to Bergoord up to the reserve. For information, contact the Oudtshoorn Info Centre | Tel: +27 44 272 2532

Buffelsdrift is a game farm, 10-minute drive outside of Oudtshoorn where you can experience a game drive, lion feed or elephant encounters. En route to the Cango Caves | Tel: +27 44 272 0000

A nature lovers’ favourite; the Scenic Circle Route from Oudtshoorn to Prins Albert, De Rust and back.  Drive the dramatic dirt road of the Swartberg Pass, unsurpassed for the spectacular views. Visit the historical town of Prins Albert and feast on lunch at one of the local restaurants or coffee shops.  Browse the little shops offering a selection of homemade goods and local crafts, a delightful hamlet. Driving back via the beautiful Meiringspoort with dramatic rock formations and overhangs, stretch your legs with a walk up to the Waterfall, then make one last stop in De Rust to experience the hospitality of The Village Trading Post and shop at Klapperbos for true South African Handmade items.  This drive is leisurely completed in a day and really not to be missed.

The town of Oudtshoorn only came to be because it is the natural home of the ostrich, and enjoys the largest ostrich population anywhere in the world.  It has fondly become known as the “ostrich capital of the world” so a must do activity is visiting one of the several ostrich show farms in the district.  

Safari Ostrich Farm | Tel: +27 44 272 7311

Highgate Ostrich Farm | Tel: +27 44 272 7115

Cango Ostrich Farm | Tel: +27 44 272 4623

Nowhere in the world can a bigger display of ostrich related products be seen than in the beautifully decorated Klein Karoo Ostrich Emporium.  Take the opportunity to walk into the factory area and witness the skilled hands of locals manufacturing a range of beautiful ostrich leather goods.  Handbags, wallets, belts, soft furnishings are some of the exceptional products on display. Feather goods, from handbags to dusters and lampshades are a feast for the eyes with so much that is unique to this area.  A must visit for a memorable souvenir of Oudtshoorn. On the corner of Rademeyer Street & Langenhoven Road | Tel: +27 44 279 1094

Products on offer:

• South African made excellent quality Ostrich Leather Products
• Ostrich Feather Products from dusters to handbags
• Ostrich Leather Furniture & Interior Items made from ostrich leather, feathers & ostrich egg shells
• Game Skin & Leather Products
• Ostrich Meat Products and Pet Food Range
• Handmade unusual South African Curios
• South African Wines

C.P. Nel Museum for a glimpse of the history of the Klein Karoo and Ostrich Feather Boom. On the corner of Voortrekker Road and Baron van Reede Street | Tel: +27 44 272 7306

Arbeidsgenot: Today the house of the famous South African writer, CJ Langenhoven is open to the public to visit between 09h00 – 17h00 on 217 Jan van Riebeeck Road | Tel: +27 44 272 2968

Schoemanshoek

Karusa Wine Estate: Wine tasting and light lunches, including pizzas | Tel: +27 44 272 8717

Calitzdorp Is well known as the Port Capital of South Africa.

Boplaas: Wine & port tasting or enjoy lunch in restaurant. Also offers locally distilled gin, whiskey and brandy | Tel: +27 44 213 3326

De Krans: Wine & port tasting with lunch menu | Tel: +27 44 213 3314

Calitzdorp Wine Cellar: Wine tasting and light meals | Tel: +27 44 213 3301

Karoo Pot offers a selection of South African Dishes as well as a Sushi Menu. Situated on 6 Baron van Reede Street | Tel: +27 44 272 3570

La Dolce Vita at 60 Baron van Reede Street, has a bar area and outside restaurant offering a wide selection from the menu.  They are well known for their fun quiz evenings on Tuesday nights and often offers live entertainment | Tel: +27 44 279 3269

Nostalgie traditional South African food cooked to perfection by owner chef Arona. Visit us on 74 Baron van Reede Street | Tel: +27 44 272 4085

Casa Del Sol & Bello Cibo, situated at 145 High Street in an enclosed garden area with small patio areas offers a day menu including tapas and woodfire pizzas. In the evening they also offer a selection of Italian inspired dishes  | Tel: +27 44 272 0071

The Colony at the Queen’s is situated on the 2nd floor at the Queens Hotel on 5 Baron van Reede with a cosy bar area for pre-dinner drinks or finishing off the perfect dinner with coffee or after-dinner drink.  For fine-dining and a romantic evening, this restaurant in town is a good choice | Tel: +27 44 279 2414

Black Swan on 109 Baron van Reede Street  offers a selection of different dishes prepared by the in-house chef to your preference | Tel: +27 44 272 0982

Jemima’s Restaurant highly rated, and recommended by travellers from all over the world, offers a beautiful setting in town for an excellent dining experience.  The Chef always has something special and different to offer on the daily menu. Located on 94 Baron van Reede Street | Tel: +27 44 272 0808

Surval Boutique Olive Estate, situated ±7km outside of Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves offers a beautiful setting to enjoy lunch or dinner on this luxury olive estate | Cell: +27 87 350 1950

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, a gem in the Klein Karoo.  Perfect location for a sundowner and early dinner enjoying the view from the deck and if lucky, spotting the hippos in the water or the elephants going out for an afternoon walk and drinking water.  Try their famous venison burger on a traditional roosterkoek or enjoy a selection of South African meals available on the menu. A 10-minute drive outside of Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves | Tel: +27 44 272 0000

Be sure to make a reservation at the restaurant of your choice to prevent disappointment, especially in high season.

Beans about Coffee: Perfectly brewed coffees and teas with light meals on offer. Located @ 136 High Street | Cell: +27 82 380 2984

Beans about Coffee @ Emporium : On the corner of Rademeyer Street & Langenhoven Road. Combine your shopping experience at the Emporium with a regular or rooibos cappuccino, something sweet or a light meal | Cell: +27 82 380 2984

Café Brulé at The Queens:  Located at the Queens Hotel on 5 Baron van Reede Street in the centre of town. Offering breakfast, selection of cakes and lunch | Tel: +27 44 279 2412

Enchanted Coffee is a coffee shop located on 152 John Street Street and offers breakfast, a selection of cakes and lunch | Tel: +27 44 279 1778

For more options and information on attractions, restaurant and places of interest in and around Oudtshoorn, contact the Oudtshoorn Info Centre at +27 44 272 7410 or visit the website at www.oudtshoorn.com.