Oudtshoorn- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Oudtshoorn, eloquently regarded as the ostrich capital of the world, presents an intriguing blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, this town finds itself cradled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, offering a picturesque landscape that captivates visitors from the outset. With a rich tapestry woven through its history, Oudtshoorn's narrative spans the peaks of prosperity brought on by the ostrich-feather booms in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to becoming the nucleus of socio-economic evolution in the Little Karoo region. This town, the largest in the Little Karoo, thrives on a symbiosis between ostrich farming and tourism, sustaining an economy with global implications. With the world's largest ostrich population, Oudtshoorn is a hub for specialized breeding farms such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, showcasing this unique element of its heritage. Beyond feathers, the town has transitioned into modern relevance by diversifying into ostrich leather and meat markets post-World War II, as well as developing into a critical player in specialised agricultural seed production. A stroll through Oudtshoorn is a venture into its resilient spirit, evident from its robust settlement history marked by the steadfast pioneer farmers of the 1750s. It’s a narrative that transitions from subsistence to market economy, underpinned by rugged endurance amidst challenges such as droughts, floods, and the oscillating fortunes of ostrich farming. The architectural marvels, termed "feather palaces," stand today as stately reflections of its erstwhile opulence during the ostrich boom eras, narrating tales of wealth, desire, and eventual adaptation. Notably, the cultural tapestry of Oudtshoorn is enriched by the vibrant Jewish community that thrived here, once known as the "Jerusalem of Africa." Educational progress marked by the commencement of the first state-supported "Farmers' School" to the multifaceted religious establishments provide glimpses into its inclusive and evolving societal matrix. Adding to its cultural allure, Oudtshoorn is a literary bastion, home to C.J. Langenhoven, who significantly contributed to Afrikaans literature and is celebrated annually at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees. Tourism in Oudtshoorn offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from exploring the vast underground wonder of the Cango Caves to engaging with the magnificence of nature at the numerous ostrich farms. The Route 62 wine route commences here, inviting connoisseurs to savor award-winning Port style wines that mirror the region's agricultural prowess. Furthermore, the town's commitment to biodiversity conservation is evident in the preservation of its unique succulent species, adding another layer to its ecological significance.