Location: Oudtshoorn
Top Things to do in Oudtshoorn
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Top 8 Free Things to do in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
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. Lugro Ostrich Leather Products
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Lugro Ostrich Leather Products are of the highest quality. We only use the best ostrich leather. All our products are designed and handmade in our workshop by highly skilled people. Both the showroom and workshop are located at 133 Langenhoven Road, on the main road from George towards the Cango Caves. We do not manufacture for or sell to trade or on a wholesale bases. We do ship individual items to international customers.
Reviewed By geoffexplorer
a lovely shop staffed with lovely people . A great choice of handbags and leather goods which are so distincitve . highly recommended
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Karusa Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Karusa is a family operated and managed wine and fruit farm.The word “Karusa” is a Khoi San word meaning: Land with little water, a scarce resource in the semi arid plateau of the Klein Karoo.Karusa is situated at the foothill of the majestic Swartberg in the tranquil and scenic Cango Valley settlement of Schoemanshoek. The farm is en route to the world famous Cango Caves. It is situated 12km north of Oudtshoorn which is also the capital of the Klein Karoo region, and ostrich capital of the world.Karusa is the first and only Premium Private winery in Oudtshoorn.Directions to Karusa: Follow the R328 north (The Cango Route) from Oudtshoorn for 12km to Schoemanshoek. Turn left into Schoemanshoek and drive left around the back of the Church, the entrance to Karusa is ~200m on your right.
Reviewed By BeaPop - Western Shore, Canada
This lovely family owned and managed vineyard/eatery is well worth a visit. Lovely wine and craft beer with a selection of gin from the area. We enjoyed 2 wood oven pizzas, Chicken and Sal on salads and their wraps. Great service, good quality food in a safe and beautiful setting. When in the area do drop in, lovely grassed atea
6. Oudtshoorn Tourism Bureau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
7. ArtKaroo Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
8. Klein Karoo Ostrich Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Visit the Klein Karoo Ostrich Emporium in Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world. We offer various exotic leather products including Ostrich, Springbok and Nguni at affordable prices as well as Ostrich feather, egg and meat products. Come and meet our manufacturing team and experience our trade.
Reviewed By 92lauren
Beautiful and unique products for sale in the shop and great customer service! The staff are very friendly and more than happy to send a little bit of extra time when wrapping fragile gifts
