Oudtshoorn sits in the heart of South Africa’s Klein Karoo, surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. It became famous for its ostriches, but there is much more to see here: spectacular caves, beautiful mountain roads, wildlife, fabulous farm experiences, South African small-town charm, and some of the most beautiful Karoo scenery.
Oudtshoorn (also known as the “ostrich capital of the world“), is situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
DID YOU KNOW: Located on the famous Route 62 and situated between the Swartberg Mountains and the Outeniqua Mountains, it forms part of the longest wine route in the world.
The town is centrally located for travellers, as it is approximately halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizaberth, as well as close to beautiful places like: George, Knysna, Wilderness and Calitzdorp.
It also forms part of the Cape Garden Route, which includes the following towns: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Great Brak River, Little Brak River, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Nature’s Valley; with George, the Garden Route’s largest city, as well as Albertinia, Riversdale, Heidelberg, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, De Rust and Uniondale.
Taking a road trip up or down the Garden Route is something every Capetonian must do, and travelers from around the world will find interesting.
When planning your holiday or vacation to Oudtshoorn, there is a few fabulous things we suggest you include in your itinerary.
Start your visit to Oudtshoorn by appreciating the beautiful architecture of the town and visiting popular museums. But first you need breakfast or maybe a late brunch. Try the local cuisine with true authentic Karoo dishes.
Next Stop: Visit a Working Ostrich Farm
No visit to Oudtshoorn is complete without exploring a working ostrich farm. These farms offer guided interactive tours—where you can hand-feed ostriches, learn about the history of the feather boom, and see how ostrich leather and crafts are made. Each site features delicious onsite cafés, curio shops with genuine ostrich feather and leather goods, and an excellent, hands-on outing for all ages.
Safari Ostrich Farm – Known for its unique, comfortable tractor-trailer tours through the breeding paddocks.
Highgate Ostrich Show Farm – The area’s oldest show farm, focusing on classic heritage tours, craft demonstrations, and authentic Karoo meals.
Cango Ostrich Show Farm – Conveniently located along the route to the Cango Caves, offering concise walking tours in a lush valley setting.
If you want to see ostriches running at full speed up close, the show farms (like Safari Ostrich Farm) demonstrate their incredible pace—reaching up to 70 km/h –during guided tractor tours inside their dedicated paddocks.
From the ostrich farm, make your way to the Cango Caves—South Africa’s premier show cave system and an absolute must-see in Oudtshoorn. Right from the entrance, the massive scale of Van Zyl’s Hall sets an unforgettable scene with its towering ancient dripstone formations.
Two official guided options let you choose how deep you want to go:
The Heritage Tour: A relaxed, easy walk through the vast main chambers. Ideal for families, gentle strollers, or anyone who feels uneasy in tight spaces.
The Adventure Tour: Continues past the main chambers into narrow rock tunnels, steep shaft climbs, and famous squeezes like the “Post Box.”
Note: Advance bookings are essential for both tours, as entry slots are limited each day.
Next Stop: Cango Caves Estate (1 km from the Caves)
Located right at the base of the mountain pass, Cango Caves Estate offers a great mix of adventure and relaxation:
Cango Caves Zipline: Soar high above the valley floor across two fast, scenic zipline slides.
Local Food & Wine: Savor wood-fired pizzas or try a curated pairing of local Karoo wines with specialty ostrich products.
Atmosphere: An inviting, picturesque setting to relax with a coffee or glass of wine after exploring the caves.
For bookings, inquiries, or current operational details, you can reach out directly via their primary contact channels:
Direct Phone / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 891 8248
Email: [email protected]
Cango Wildlife Ranch is a fantastic, all-in-one stop that offers something for the whole family.
A few highlights include:
Amazonia Rainforest: Walk through a vibrant aviary filled with rainbow lorikeets. You can even buy a cup of nectar and let these playful birds land on your hands and shoulders for a quick feed!
Cheetah Land: Stroll along the elevated treetop walkways for incredible views of cheetahs, lions, and African leopards while learning about the ranch’s big cat conservation programs.
Lemur Falls: Explore a replica Madagascan forest setting complete with ring-tailed lemurs, whistling ducks, and a colorful Betsileo village backdrop.
Valley of Ancients: Spot bright pink flamingos, watch pygmy hippos playing in the water, and marvel at giant Nile crocodiles.
If you are feeling extra brave, check off an ultimate bucket-list item: Crocodile Cage Diving, where you are lowered into the water inside a secure cage to come face-to-face with these ancient reptiles!
Website: cangowildlife.com
You can use it to view tour times, check ticket rates, and review the latest details on their animal encounters before finalizing your itinerary.
For a luxurious and historic stay, La Plume Guest House offers an authentic Karoo experience.
Set on a working farm in the tranquility of the Olifants River Valley, this 1902 Victorian “Ostrich Palace” features period antiques, sweeping views of the Swartberg Mountains, an on-site spa, and fine dining. It is an ideal retreat after a day of exploring the region.
For Animal & Nature Lovers: Explore Minwater Eco Adventures for guided nature tours, succulent botany, hiking, and 4×4 trails.
Family Fun at Wilgewandel: Enjoy camel rides, ziplining, and bumper boats at Wilgewandel Holiday Farm.
Wildlife & Game Drives: Experience wild bush safaris, elephant encounters, and wild meerkat habituation tours at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and Buffelsdrift Chandelier Safari Lodge.
Nature & Waterfalls: Visit the serene Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall or take a refreshing dip at the natural pool of Meiringspoort Waterfall.
Mountain Passes & Heritage: Drive the dramatic, gravel Swartberg Pass inside the Swartberg Nature Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Adventurous travelers can tackle the rugged road down into Gamkaskloof (“Die Hel”) (high-clearance vehicle required).
The Swartberg Circle Route is an incredible scenic drive that loops from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp over the Swartberg Pass and back through the majestic cliffs of Meiringspoort, connecting the historic towns of Prince Albert, Klaarstroom, and De Rust.
TRAVEL TIP: A good tip is to stop at the local Tourist Office in town and they will also point you in the direction of current events. Or you can email them should you need more information before your road trip.
E-mail: [email protected]
(Address: 80 Voortrekker Street, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, 6625)
Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) and the Groot Swartberg Nature Reserve are absolutely worth visiting, provided you know what kind of experience to expect. They rank among the most spectacular, off-the-beaten-path landscapes in South Africa.
Breathtaking Mountain Scenery: The UNESCO World Heritage Site features dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and vibrant Fynbos and Succulent Karoo flora.
The Swartberg Pass: Designed by Thomas Bain and completed in 1888, this world-renowned gravel pass offers winding switchbacks, towering rock walls, and mountain viewpoints.
Outdoor Trails: It is ideal for day hikes, mountain biking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
Unmatched Isolation & History: Gamkaskloof is a hidden valley inside the reserve where an isolated community lived off the land for over a century without a proper road link until 1962.
Cultural Heritage: The valley features preserved historic cottagers’ homes, a small museum, and original farmsteads managed by CapeNature.
Peace & Stargazing: With zero light pollution and minimal cell reception, it offers tranquility and incredible night skies.
Vehicle Requirement: The road descending into Gamkaskloof (Otto du Plessis Road) is a steep, unpaved 50 km gravel track off the summit of the Swartberg Pass. A high-clearance vehicle (ideally a 4×4) is necessary. The drive into the valley alone takes 2 to 2.5 hours each way.
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay:
Driving the Swartberg Pass as part of a loop (Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert or De Rust) is an easy day outing.
Visiting Gamkaskloof is best done as an overnight trip staying at CapeNature’s restored self-catering historic cottages or campsites, as driving in and out in a single day is long and demanding.
Traveler Tip: The KKNK Festival
The Event: Oudtshoorn hosts the annual Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) every March/April.
Atmosphere: A week-long celebration of South African arts, featuring live music stages, pop-up markets, and street performances throughout town.
Planning Note: If you want to experience the festival buzz, book accommodation far in advance. If you prefer a tranquil Karoo getaway, check the event calendar to plan your trip around these dates.