Oudtshoorn, also known as the "ostrich capital of the world", is a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, between the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. It is the largest town in the Little Karoo region, with a population of approximately 60,000 people.
The town's economy is primarily reliant on the ostrich farming and tourism industries. Two ostrich-feather booms, during 1865–1870 and 1900–1914, truly established the settlement. Today, visitors can learn about the history of ostrich farming at a number of ostrich farms in the area, such as the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm and the Safari Ostrich Farm.
Oudtshoorn is also home to a number of other attractions, including the Cango Caves, a spectacular system of limestone caves that are millions of years old; the Cango Wildlife Ranch, a conservation park where visitors can see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs; and the Swartberg Pass, a scenic mountain pass that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The town is also a great base for exploring the Klein Karoo region, which is known for its semi-arid landscape, unique plant and animal life, and small towns with a rich history and culture.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Oudtshoorn:
- The best time to visit Oudtshoorn is during the spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
- The town is located about four hours' drive from Cape Town, so you will need to factor in travel time when planning your trip.
- There are a variety of accommodations available in Oudtshoorn, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.
- The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
- English is widely spoken in Oudtshoorn, but Afrikaans is the most common language spoken in the region.
I hope this helps!
