Oudtshoorn is a town in the Western Cape of South Africa that is known as the ‘Feather Capital of the World’. This is due to its large ostrich population and the associated ostrich-feather industry that is still thriving today.
Oudtshoorn is located in the Little Karoo region and is a great destination for those looking for an escape from city life. It is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, rolling hills, and lush valleys, and is home to some of the most beautiful nature reserves in South Africa.
The town has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with many remarkable buildings and attractions. Visitors can explore the Cango Caves, a series of spectacular limestone caverns, a variety of museums, and the historic Oudtshoorn town centre.
For the adventurous, Oudtshoorn offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. There are also plenty of opportunities for game viewing, with several game reserves and wildlife parks in the vicinity.
For those looking for a taste of the local culture, there are a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Swartberg Pass Festival and the Ostrich Show.
Oudtshoorn is a great destination for a holiday or a weekend getaway, and is sure to leave you with plenty of wonderful memories.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. The Cango Valley: Located in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Valley is known for its spectacular scenery and world-renowned attractions such as the Cango Caves and the Cango Wildlife Ranch. It is a great base for exploring the Klein Karoo and offers plenty of accommodation options.
2. Schoemanshoek: This tranquil rural village is known for its laid-back atmosphere and is located close to the popular Cango Caves and Cango Ostrich Show Farm. It is a great spot for those seeking a peaceful holiday.
3. Oudtshoorn Town Centre: The centre of town is a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the action. It is home to the famous Dutch Reformed Church, the Oudtshoorn Museum and a selection of restaurants, bars and shops.
4. Meiringspoort: This stunningly scenic valley is located about half an hour outside of Oudtshoorn and is home to a number of farms and attractions, including the Meiringspoort Dam and the Swartberg Pass. It is a great spot for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of town.
5. De Rust: This small rural town is located about an hour outside of Oudtshoorn and is known for its picturesque views and outdoor activities such as horse-riding, mountain biking and hiking. It is a great place to stay if you want to get away from it all.
1. Cango Caves: An underground wonderland of spectacular limestone formations created over 20 million years ago.
2. Safari Ostrich Show Farm: A unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the world’s largest bird.
3. Swartberg Pass: A scenic mountain pass that takes you through some of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes.
4. Cango Wildlife Ranch: An interactive experience where visitors can feed and interact with an array of exotic animals.
5. Meerkat Magic: An exciting chance to observe meerkats in their natural habitat.
1. Ostrich Steak - Oudtshoorn is known for its ostrich farms, and the meat from these birds is considered a local delicacy. The steak is tender, juicy and flavorful, and served with a variety of side dishes.
2. Karoo Lamb - This lamb is grass-fed and slow-cooked, giving it a unique flavor that is not found anywhere else. It is usually served with vegetables, potatoes, and gravy.
3. Kudu Stew - Kudu is a type of antelope that is found in the area, and its meat is used to make hearty stews. The stew is usually served with dumplings and is a popular dish in Oudtshoorn.
4. Roosterkoek - This is a type of flatbread that is made with flour, eggs, yeast, and butter. It is usually served with jam and cheese, and is a popular snack in the area.
5. Boerewors - Boerewors is a type of sausage that is made of spiced beef and pork, and it is a popular dish in Oudtshoorn. It is usually served with pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (tomato and onion relish).