Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo, a semi-arid mountainous region situated a short drive inland of the Garden Route. Established in 1857, it is often referred to as the ostrich capital of South Africa, having experienced two economic booms between 1865 and 1913 on the back of the international market for this flightless bird's feathers. Several commercial ostrich farms still operate in the vicinity of Oudtshoorn, and it is also a popular base for exploring the Swartberg Mountains and Cango Caves.
Ostrich Farm visit, Oudtshoorn
A highlight of the day will be a visit to an ostrich farm. Here you'll come face to face with the world's largest bird, which was first farmed in the late 19th century for its plumed black-and-white feathers, but is more important today as a source of low-cholesterol meat.
Guided tour, Cango Caves
An hour-long guided tour into the Cango Caves takes you through a network of ancient limestone chambers cut into the Swartberg Mountains. As you walk from one chamber to the next, you’ll pass immense stalactites and stalagmites, and beautiful drip formations with evocative names such as Cleopatra’s Needle, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall.
South Africa
