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Oudtshoorn
About Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. Here ostriches are found in great numbers, but the world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of interesting contrasts.This small, safe town is the commercial hub of the greater Klein Karoo region (encompassing Prince Albert, De Rust and Calitzdorp) and is situated in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua- and Swartberg Mountains. This unique position means that every road into Oudtshoorn follows a dramatically picturesque pass or “poort” (portal) and all these present travellers with magnificent scenic drives through unspoilt areas of great natural beauty.
A number of imposing sandstone “ostrich palaces” and public buildings have survived in and around Oudtshoorn.
Every year, in April, hundred thousands of people stream into Oudtshoorn to enjoy a week of South African cuisine, culture, art, drama and music during the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
The Oudtshoorn region’s outdoor attractions include hiking trails, mountain biking, caving, abseiling, rock climbing, quad biking, hot air ballooning, micro light flights, eco tours, visiting the Meerkat colony, going to Hell (the Gamkaskloof), travelling on a donkey cart, driving across a historical pass, birding and taking part in a large number of sports activities on the excellent facilities in the Klein Karoo.
Local highlights
Explore the city
- Stroke a Tiger or a Cheetah
- Taste our Prize-winning Wines
- Experience Xhosa Culture
- Visit an Ostrich Palace which offer daily entertaining tours
- See the curio shops on the farms and in Oudtshoorn with the finest ostrich leather, ostrich meat and ostrich feather products
- See the Klein Karoo Ostrich Boutique
- Do the Historic Walk
- Visit the Ode To Stone
- Meet our Artists
- Fly a Hot-air Balloon or Microlight
- Attend the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
- Do a Cage Dive with Crocs
- Be pampered at Wellness Centres
- Wine & Dine in Superb Eateries
Highlights in the vicinity
- Visit our Ostrich Show Farms
- Explore the Cango Caves-the most popular attraction in the region
- Join the Meerkatman
- Relive the Live Pioneers Experience
- Do Game drives
- Ride a Quad Bike
- Do Eco-walks & Tours
- Ride a Camel
- Try Adventure Activities
- Gaze the Stars
- Travel a Historical Pass
- Ride a Horse in Nature
- Do Mountain Biking
- Do a 4X4 Route
- Do a Wine Route
- Hike Nature
- Go to Hell (Gamkaskloof)
Good to know
- No. of inhabitants: Approximately 87 000
- Timezone: UTC +2
- Weather: Summer can be hot, Spring and Autumn has mild weather, average winter day temperature 16–20 °C
- Emergency number: 044 203 9000 of 10111 (SA Police Service Oudtshoorn)
Local transport
Inbound transport
- Nearest airport: George Airport (40 km) from Oudtshoorn
- Bus: several shuttle services available
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