Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world, with about 200,000 ostriches — the largest population of any place globally. The town lies in South Africa's Little Karoo, famous for the Cango Caves and a Victorian-era feather boom that briefly made ostrich feathers more valuable than diamonds. Today, tourism and ostrich farming drive the local economy, offering visitors unique farm experiences, cave explorations, and access to the scenic Garden Route.

The town was founded in 1847, but scarce local water supplies initially limited growth. Despite the arid conditions, ostrich farming proved prosperous during two feather booms: the first from 1865-1870, when ostrich feathers nearly matched diamonds in value per pound, and a second smaller boom from 1900-1914. Today Oudtshoorn has a population of about 67,000 (2017), making it the largest town in the Little Karoo region.

Oudtshoorn is accessible by road via the R62 and R328 routes. The town is a common stop along the Garden Route itinerary. No major airport exists in town; visitors typically drive from George Airport (approximately 100 km away) or Cape Town (about 420 km via the scenic R62). The mapframe coordinates are -33.5833, 22.2000.

Most attractions including ostrich farms and the Cango Caves require private vehicle transport. Several farms are located 12-15 km outside town along the R328 toward the caves. Car rental is available in town for visitors without their own vehicle. Taxis may be arranged locally but are not abundant.

The Little Karoo experiences hot, dry summers (December-February) with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Winters (June-August) are mild and cooler, making this the most comfortable time for outdoor activities and cave tours. Spring and autumn offer moderate temperatures ideal for visiting both the Cango Caves and ostrich farms.

Oudtshoorn offers various accommodation options from guesthouses to country lodges. Karoo Soul Travellers Lodge sits on the highest hill in town with panoramic views. La Pension Guest House provides a pool, gardens, and gated parking on a one-acre plot. De Oude Meul Country Lodge is situated 15 km from town in Schoemanspoort, completely surrounded by mountains along the willow-lined river. Budget-conscious travelers can find B&B options like Miles B&B Guest House near hiking trails.

As the ostrich capital, this is the place to taste ostrich meat — most show farms offer restaurants or braai (barbecue) facilities. Highgate Ostrich Farm tours include the option to add an ostrich meal afterward for an additional charge. De Oude Meul Restaurant, located 14 km from town on the R328 en route to Cango Caves, specializes in ostrich and venison dishes. The Barons Palace Hotel reveals an era of Victorian opulence with its ornate fireplaces and original ostrich plume showcases.

The Cango Caves, 15 minutes north of town, are South Africa's premier cave system featuring impressive limestone formations. CP Nel Museum (3 Baron Van Reede St, Sa 09:00-13:00) exhibits the town's ostrich trade history and Victorian-era cultural heritage of the Little Karoo. Three major ostrich show farms offer tours: Highgate Ostrich Farm (largest, adult R110, child R60), Safari Ostrich Farm (adult R100, child R50), and Cango Ostrich Show Farm (adult R85, child R50). Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers bush safaris, meerkat experiences, and elephant interactions on a private ranch. Cango Wildlife Ranch focuses on reptile and wild cat conservation with interactive animal encounters.

The Garden Route and Tsitsikamma National Park are accessible from Oudtshoorn. Cape Town is approximately 420 km away via the scenic R62 route through the Little Karoo. Meerkat Adventures tours depart from the intersection where the R328 from Mosselbay joins the R62 from Calitzdorp. Rock climbing near the campsite, about 12 km toward Cango Caves, offers some of the world's best quality limestone climbing.