Oudtshoorn Central, Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn Central at a glance

In the heart of the Klein Karoo is its attractive capital town of Oudtshoorn, once the ostrich centre of the world. Today, this town enjoys a reputation as a tourist centre for a variety of reasons. Within 30km of the town, there are several interesting attractions, including the world-famous Cango Caves, one of the world's leading show caves (be sure to book ahead for a tour).

Also within a 35km drive of Oudtshoorn is the historical village of De Rust at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, with a beautiful tree-lined main road, featuring many 19th-century buildings. For those who enjoy road-tripping, there are two scenic drives also within easy distance of Oudtshoorn.

Foremost among these is the Swartberg Pass, with its switchback twists and turns, and dramatic mountain views en route to the town of Prince Albert. This famous pass was the last to be built by the respected 19th-century road engineer, Thomas Bain, and is regarded as his finest work.

Oudtshoorn's other claim to fame is that once a year it is the centre of the largest Afrikaans language arts festival in the country, known as the KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees), usually held around Easter when actors, artists, musicians and poets descend on the town to celebrate this unique language.

Located at the start of the Klein Karoo wine route and forming part of the Cape Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, Oudtshoorn features some of the best South African Port style wines. Make sure to visit Oudtshoorn Cellar and Grundheim Wines, which is renowned for its "witblits".

Oudtshoorn is well known for its abundance of ostriches and while you're in ostrich country, it is highly recommended to visit one of the show farms in the area. Here you can ride, sit on, and feed the ostriches, as well as stand on their record-breaking large eggs. Show farms to visit in Oudtshoorn include Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Safari Ostrich Show Farm, and Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Farm, which offers ostrich tours and trips to the community craft centre to browse home-made curios like ostrich feather dusters and painted ostrich eggs. Riding these huge grey birds is practically compulsory for first-time visitors to Oudtshoorn.

If big birds aren't your thing, visit De Zeekoe Guest Farm and do a Meerkat Safari. Tours begin at sunrise and last 2 - 3 hours. You will be given refreshments and chairs to sit on while you observe these unique animals that form part of South Africa's "shy five". Other activities in Oudtshoorn include cage diving with crocodiles and holding snakes at Cango Wildlife Ranch or hiking into the surrounding Swartberg Mountains to sight ancient rock art.

Nature lovers will be thrilled at the abundance of nature reserves surrounding Oudtshoorn. Minwater is a private nature reserve that offers eco adventures such as hiking, 4x4 trails, and bird watching. Other reserves to visit in Oudtshoorn include Anysberg Nature Reserve, Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, Kammanassie Nature Reserve, and the Swartberg Nature Reserve.