Oudtshoorn

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

Geography and History

Oudtshoorn is situiated in the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Oudtshoorn is famous for being the Ostrich capital of the world. These large flightless birds are world famous for their beautiful feathers, soft leather, large eggs and healthy fat-free meat – all of which are exported all over the world.

Oudtshoorn is surrounded by mountains on all sides! The Klein Karoo is an oasis in a fertile valley surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. Every road leading into Oudtshoorn follows a gloriously picturesque pass, all of which present travellers with a stunningly scenic drive through this unspoilt area of natural beauty and rare fynbos eg: the Protea.

Acitivities

Oudtshoorn is the Tourist capital of the Little Karoo and there is much to see and do:

Ostrich show farms

The magnificent Cango Caves

Hot air ballooning

Mountain biking and Quad biking

Nature reserves, game lodges, wildlife ranch, geo-heritage sites, museums, township tours, grand old architecture, fine dining and much more!

For wine lovers and collectors, the Klein Karoo is a fine wine producing region. The Klein Karoo Wine Route which stretches from Montagu in the West to Meiringspoort in the East and forms part of the Route 62, which is the worlds “longest wine route”. There are many local wineries that offer tasting and sales in the area.

Outdshoorn boasts the most sunny days per year in the whole country! So summer or winter, the traveller is greeted by sunshine, blue skies and the warm friendly hospitality of the town’s residents.

Business

The economy of Oudtshoorn relies mainly on agriculture and tourism - its major attractions being the natural environment (including Cango, the largest show cave in Africa), events like the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), endurance races like the Cango Marathon, the "To Hell And Back" mountain bike race - and, of course, the ostrich!

The best thing about Oudtshoorn is that it is just an hour's drive from Mossel Bay or George at the coast.

Accommodation

Oudtshoorn offers visitors first class hotels, lodges, guesthouses, B&B's, camping as well as fine local wines and excellent cuisine at any of the many restaurants to be found in and around the town. For the adventurous diner - delicious, healthy Ostrich meat is available at all restaurants!