Location: Oudtshoorn
Top Things to do in Oudtshoorn
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Things to do in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Oudtshoorn, the "ostrich capital of the world", is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, located between the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Two ostrich-feather booms, during 1865-1870 and 1900-1914, truly established the settlement. With approximately 60,000 inhabitants, it is the largest town in the Little Karoo region. The town's economy is primarily reliant on the ostrich farming and tourism industries. Oudtshoorn is home to the world's largest ostrich population, with a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms, such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.
Restaurants in Oudtshoorn
1. Cali Craft & Gems
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Come discover a world of hidden treasures and beautiful gifts at the most unique specialist store in Oudtshoorn. For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Cali Craft & Gems. A business that specialises in semi-precious gemstones, crystals, minerals, and sterling silver jewellery. For quality gemstone jewellery that is handmade on the premises. Where good old-fashioned service meets with affordable great quality items in a relaxed professional atmosphere. Official winners of international tourism awards and still highly recommended on many sites! Jeweller of the Year Western Cape 2019 by Luxury Travel Guide, Jeweller of the Year Western Cape 2020 by LuxLife Magazine Wedding Awards, Jeweller of the Year Western Cape 2020 by LuxLife Global Excellence Awards!
Reviewed By Crazyredpepper - Plattekloof, South Africa
My daughter collects crystals so it was with great excitement that we found this shop. There was such a variety and we spent quite a bit of time oohing and aching before we made our choices. The lady was fantastic and she was patient enough to talk to my son about crystals and answer his questions. Usually he hates waiting around while his sister shops. He even bought a pendulum.
2. Robinson Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By CliveR253 - Mossel Bay, South Africa
This hike starts at the top of Robinson Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. It’s rated as ‘moderate’ difficulty, which it probably is if you are not 57 years old and moderately unfit, like I am. I would rate it a tough walk. Don’t try it alone, the trail is remote and you are almost always the only people on the trail. Wear good non-slip adventure type shoes, a hat and take a hiking stick. You walk through quite a lot of brush, so I would recommend long pants. I carried a couple of bananas, a roast beef and mustard sandwich and 2 liters of water. It’s about 13km long and is going to take you the best part of a day to complete. Start early, you will want to tarry to take photos. I did 5km in and turned around to go back. Thank god I had my trusty walking stick. In some parts I had to clamber over rocks. I would advise against taking the hike after it rained. The trail can get greasy and slippery. The mountains leach water and it stays wet on the sides where the sun does not reach. If you fall off the trail, it’s a long way down. The sides of the mountains are pretty steep - say 60 or 70 degree slopes. It’s a beautiful trail and is still recovering from fire a huge fire in 2019. The flora is breathtaking, I have ever seen such a variety of plants in such a small area. The mountains are majestic and the rock formations are a sight. Didn’t see them but the trail is used by Klipspringer buck, I saw old and fresh spoor. A curious lack of birds, I only heard them singing 3 or 4 times and didn’t see any on my walk. I highly recommend this trail. It’s a challenging hike and the beauty is breathtaking.
3. Arbeidsgenot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
From the turn of century to 1950 this charming museum was the home of the composer of South Africa’s first national anthem.
Reviewed By paulabQ1240CL - Kloof, South Africa
Despite the town being very busy preparing for the KKNK music festival, we had the most wonderful tour by an informed, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guide. The house is a great window into how life was like and some of the driving forces behind the importance of Afrikaans becomming an official language in South Africa. We can all learn from the struggles of people who have gone before us in wanting their heritage and culture to be recognised. CJ Lagenhoven has so many stories to tell beyond those he wrote down.
4. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 966 reviews
It's true. Highgate is the world's oldest ostrich show farm. But it is a working farm too. So we don't do things for show. We give you the real African farm experience. Our guided tour takes approx. 75 minutes & an expert guide will show you our modern breeding methods, how the largest eggs of any living bird species are incubated, and see the hatching room. Experience the opportunity of hand feeding an Ostrich. Enjoy our Pepper Tree Restaurant! We take advantage ofour magnificent all-year round climate to set the tables under our ancient Peruvian pepper tree so the whole family dines al fresco-style while enjoying the great outdoors. Catch your breath and visit our shop selling only genuine, South African-made products, many of which are produced by our skilled staff on the farm using our own resources. From beautiful decoupage ostrich eggs to delicate ostrich leather products. We are situated 10km outside Oudtshoorn on the R328 road to Mossel Bay.
Reviewed By RichardHugen - Roosendaal, The Netherlands
12 years ago we visited this farm also. This time we wanted to show Highgate to friends. Although it was our second time we enjoyed it as much. The four of us had a “private” tour that made it extra enjoyable. Our guide gave extensive explanations and responded to our points of interest. The one hour- tour was more than worthwhile.
5. Safari Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Safari Ostrich Farm, established in 1956, welcomes you to the ostrich capital of the world. Come and enjoy the worlds only Tractor tour through a working ostrich farm. Get up close and personal with the worlds largest bird. Take awesome photographs, get to see chicks, feed an ostrich, hold a huge 2,5kg ostrich egg. Get to see different species of ostrich - Kenyan, Zimbabwean, South African and rare white ostriches. Learn about the industry, leather, feathers and carving eggs. A full hour of interesting stuff to see and do. Enjoy our cafe or restaurant for set menu or ala carte options
Reviewed By tobiel2017 - Centurion, South Africa
Fun and interactive tractor tour of the ostrich farm. Educational and interesting. Friendly staff. Exquisite ostrich egg, feather and leather art products at the curio shop. Restaurant serves delicious ostrich burgers and cake! Play area for the kids.
6. Swartberg Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,633 reviews
Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.
7. Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Wilgewandel holiday farm is open daily, Great Family fun! Water slides and Camel rides and lots of activities for young and old A fully a-la-carte restaurant and accommodation. 2 km from the Cango Caves
Reviewed By Strydoms5
Super friendly attendants; fresh air; camel riding; donkey cart riding; pedal cars, loads of animals; scenic views; reasonably priced food and a must for families with kids looking for day activites. We lodged at the beautiful De Oude Meul Country Lodge and made a day trip to Wilgewandel. Highly recommended!
8. Cango Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 588 reviews
The Cango Ostrich Show Farm offers the ultimate ostrich experience with exciting and informative guided tours (daily from 8h00 to 16h30), a fantastic curio shop, a fine selection of award winning local wines; and a coffee shop / restaurant serving a lovely variety of light meals. We host groups and schools, whose itinerary often includes delicious pre-booked meals. Situated 14km outside of Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves.
