Situated in the heart of the Little Karoo and locally referred
to as the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn is a lovely town that makes a
popular stop on any holiday in the Western Cape of South Africa,
especially along the scenic drive between Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth.
Surrounded by the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the landscape
around Oudtshoorn is a patchwork of farms and forests that receives
more than 300 days of sunshine each year. The area is part of the
Cape Floral World Heritage Site, and the stunning displays of
fynbos and other local flowers make for great vacation photos.
Oudtshoorn's main claim to fame is as the 'ostrich capital of
the world', and several farms in the area offer tours, shows, and
other family-friendly activities for visitors. The presence of so
many of the unique birds is also apparent in the many ostrich
feathers and eggs available in tourist shops. There is also an
abundance of ostrich on the menus of local restaurants,
complemented by excellent local wines.
The other most popular attraction in Oudtshoorn is the Cango
Caves, South Africa's largest show cave system. Towering
stalagmites with names like the Bridal Couple and the Hanging Shawl
are visible in the 3,200 feet (1km) of the caves that are open to
visitors.
A number of nature reserves are located nearby, and while they
may lack the excitement of the Big Five, those looking for a wilder
experience can explore other animal farms in the area offering
up-close-and-personal experiences with cheetahs, meerkats, and even
crocodiles.
Great hiking and mountain biking trails, golf courses, horseback
riding stables, and 4x4 routes provide plenty of activities for
busy holidaymakers in Oudtshoorn, and there are plenty of cosy
guesthouses and B&Bs available after a busy day in the
sunshine.