|
|
The Ultimate Destination
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. Nowhere else are ostriches found in such great number and nowhere else do they produce feathers of such fine quality - but the world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of enormous contrasts.
This small, town is the commercial centre of the Klein Karoo, an ancient rolling plain between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. This unique position (surrounded on all sides by mountains) means that every road into the district follows a dramatically picturesque pass and all present the traveller - whether you’re coming from the Garden Route, Cape Town or the hinterland - with interesting scenic drives through unspoilt areas of great natural beauty. Four ostrich show farms - Highgate, Safari, Oudtshoorn and Cango - offer daily tours and demonstrations during which you will learn about these unique birds, about their life cycle and about how they are farmed.
Curio shops on the farms and in the town itself specialise in the finest ostrich leather and ostrich feather products. Nature: Mother Nature exhibits some of her finest works with the numerous rivers, streams and falls originating in the Swartberg, Oteniqua en Kamanassie Montain Ranges with a prime example being the Rus en Vrede Falls. The Swartberg Mountain is South Africa's most recently declared world heritage site. A number of imposing sandstone 'ostrich palaces' have survived to bear witness to the opulence of the 'feather boom period' early in the twentieth century. the rich culture of the town is reflected in its many museums and National Monuments - CP Nel Museum' with its collection of the musical instruments and old-fashioned vehicles, is the early part of the twentieth century.
The Le Roux Townhouse and Arbeidsgenot, home of the Afrikaans lawyer and writer CJ Langenhoven, provide interesting and authentic glimpse of life as it was once here in the Klein Karoo. Many of the older buildings in Oudtshoorn showcase fine examples of traditional 'karoo architecture.' There is also an interesting (well as fascinating) suspension bridge originally made in England, dismantled imported to Oudtshoorn and reconstructed- known as the swaaibrug".
Interesting developing tourism project in Oudtshoorn are the Sindwendwela Art Craft & Cultural Route Thando's Township Tours, Journey to Kannaland Tourism Cabaret and several Homestays that efford you the opportunity to experience sleepovers in the township, as wellas a visit to "Ma Bettie's Traditional Xhosa Kraal" that will showcase new cultures when you participate in traditional dances and meet a sangoma (traditional healer). Every year during march/April thousands of people stream into the town to enjoy a feast of South African cuisine, culture and music during the Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees (the National Arts Festival). They come for the craft acts in more than 50 venues. The KKNK Festival is a mind-blowing experience. This year in September the first Klein karoo Klassique (local cuisine, wines and classical music) Festival takes place in Oudtshoorn.
The Cango Caves are the oldest and most popular attraction and one of the great natural wonders of the world. Three systems of spectacular limestone caverns have been discovered - 'Cango One' is about 760m in lenght, 'Cango Two' - the Wonder Cave - is about 260m, and the most recently discovered'Cango Three' coversabout 1 600m. All are filled with a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and helicties (limestone formations that grow in unusual directions). Two tour options are available: the Standard Tour and the Adventure tour.
The Standart Tour is an enchanting hour-long journey through the first six chambers, and the 90 minute Adventure Tour which follows a 1 200m wheelchair-freindly museum, auditorium and restaurant welcom visitors and all tours are accopained by top rated guides.
Oudtshoorn's outdoor attractions include walking trails, and 4x4 enthusiast relish the rugged terrain of the Jlein karoo with the opening of a couple of game lodges, situated just outside of Oudtshoorn, on the r328 and the N12 the Klein karoo is a fine wine-producing region with variety of growing zones.oudtshoorn and klein karoo Wine Route from part of Route 62, the World's Longest Wine Route. Visit 17 local wineries for tasting and sales.Children are more than welcome at various activities in Oudtshoorn and this makes the region and ideal holiday destination for famalies with children. Take a hilariously entertaining camel ride at Wilgewandel - which also offers bumper boast and a touch farm - or visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to touch a cheetah, to see rare white Bengal tigers and for an enthusiastic insight into the breeding and conservation of many other species of wild animals.
Food & drink: Some of the finest dining in South Africa awaits you in Oudtshoorn, with the main street alone boasting more than 20 exceptional restaurant offering a wide array of tastes from all over the world. Franchise brand co-exist with local restaurants that usually emphasize owner involvement. No visit would be complete without dining on its favourite delicacy - delicious, healthy, fat-free ostrich steaks. Anumber of restaurant offer ostrich dishes with top quality local wines to complement the superb cuisine.
Township Tour: The Bongolethu Township is home to some 15 000 inhabitants and they look foward to sharing their hospitality with you. See the most interesting places and meet the warmest people. You can visit the house built, some of the 30 churches, old and new schools, go to typical township store [spaza shop], visit a real sangoma [ traditional healer], some of the shebeens [taverns] and an arts and crafts market. This is a township in small town style - experience the vast difference from city culture. The tours end at the Xhosa Cultural Village.
Other cultural experiences include traditional meals at Ma Bettie's Xhosa complex. Here they also you to traditional dancing.Wildlife Ranch:. Home to more than 47 species of animals and reptiles, comfortably hosted in large, free-roaming enclosures.., the ranch is internationally recognised for its far-reaching conservation efforts . Come and meet a host of endangered animals - you can even interact with some of them. The centre is currently the oldest and largest cheetah contact centre worldwide. For the more adventurous individual, there is now also cage-diving with crocodile. Ostrich Show Farms: Approximately 400 ostrich farms surround Oudtshoorn. There are four ostrich show farms in the region and few others offer working farm tours . The show farms offer educational guided tours about the largest flightless bird in the world. Ostriches are famous for their feathers, leather and meat which is low in cholesterol and very healthy. Activities such as riding an ostrich and experience ongoing activities such as flock movement , feeding, breeding and plucking as they occur on working farm, can be experience. Oudtshoorn lies within easy driving distance od al the atractions of the Garden Route. Its quiet, rural atmosphere provides an excellent, safe, distraction-free environment for conferences and business meetings, and well designed adventure tours make for excellent incentives. The town also serves as the commercial hub of this region and boasts 330 days of sunny weather per year - hence their slogan ''Come for the sun''.
The people of Oudtshoorn enjoy meeting visitors and go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. Show more
|
|
Unique, understated elegance in luxury tent accommodation. With mountains as backdrop and a magnificent waterhole at your doorstep,it's the closest you'll get to the wild of the Klein Karoo. Just off the famous Route 62, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge...
|
|
|
|
|
|
On a peaceful little farm in town.Walking distance from restaurants. 14 metre swimming pool.
7 Apartments. Air -conditioning. Off-street parking. Wireless Internet. Private river front. Bird life
Children welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 renovated cottages, circa 1880, nestle in a valley of vineyards, surrounded by colourful red stone hills, displaying their own natural windows. Cottages are 120m apart with spectacular views of the red stone hills, vineyards and river.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains in the heart of the Klein Karoo, this hidden gem has spectacular views with 162 bird species and not the "big 5" but the "shy 5".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boulders Lodge & Spa offers a comfortable home to the traveler visiting the Klein Karoo to explore its many wonders. Experience a wellness haven with 9 elegant en-suite rooms, a Spa and our very own Pomegranate a la carte Restaurant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonquani Cottages offers a stylish blend of historical elements, modern luxuries and original artworks by well-known South African Artists. Everything is original and unique.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oue Werf Guesthouse is a peaceful homestead nestled in the charming Schoemanshoek Valley near Oudtshoorn. Situated in a radius of 15km all atractions and activities. We offer the ideal setting for exploring the Klein Karoo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We welcome you to our 150 year old sandstone home in the centre of the historical town of Oudtshoorn. All 10 rooms are en-suite with shower, have 100% cotton linen, complimentary coffee & tea facilities and private entrance. A cooked breakfast...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Die Fonteine is a luxury guest house, situated in the heart of the Cango Valley near Oudtshoorn. With beautiful views of the Schoemanshoek Valley and the Spectacular Swartberg Mountain Range.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Situated approximately 10km from the Cango Caves, next to Koos Raubenheimer Dam in a valley surrounded by mountains. Top 100 Resort. Caravan park 3 Star. Caravan and tent sites. 4 and 6 Bed fully equipped brick chalets (with DSTV) with their own...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terra Bianca rests on the banks of the Grobbelaars River, overlooking Oudtshoorn and the majestic Swartberg Mountains. This establishment offers visitors one of the most spectacular views of Oudtshoorn and surrounding areas
|
|
|
|
|
|
