Oudtshoorn is set in a picturesque farming valley, surrounded by the majestic Outeniqua mountains. This valley has the ideal climate for ostriches and established Oudtshoorn as the world ostrich feather capital from the mid 1800’s to 1914 when the fashion faded. The ostrich kings made a bundle of “feather” money during this period, and the beautiful sandstone buildings and houses in the town reflect this.
Ostrich business is still very much part of the town with the ostrich leather and meat industry. Ostrich skin is much sought after for stylish bags, wallets and other designer items and the meat for its taste and fat free healthy qualities.
But, there is a lot more to Oudtshoorn than ostriches. The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival that take place in the first week in April; Oudtshoorn’s top class restaurants, interesting shops, wine route and olive industry, all supporting a thriving tourism industry.
Museums include CP Nel Museum, Le Roux Townhouse, CJ Langenhoven Museum and activities include the Cango Caves, Meerkat Adventures, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Cango Ostrich Farm, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Swartberg Hiking Trails, Hot Air Ballooning, Cycling the Swartberg Pass, Adrenalin, 4×4 trails or Skydiving.
If you love the open road, there are several day drives boasting some of the most stunning scenery SA has to offer, including the famous Swartberg and Meiringspoort passes and The Hel . The quaint town of Prince Albert, accessed via the Swartberg Pass or Meiringspoort will definitely impress even the most seasoned traveler.
Why not take the very scenic ShowMe R62 Self Drive Route from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn?
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