Oudtshoorn

When you cross the Outeniqua Mountains you enter the Klein Karoo; here you witness a dramatic change of scenery. From the moment you view this rugged landscape, you will be struck by the vastness of the countryside.

If you hope to see ostriches roaming around, you will not be disappointed. This is Oudtshoorn, the ‘home of the ostrich’, where a visit to one of the ostrich farms in the area could culminate in the thrill of a ride on the back of one of these beautiful creatures.

Safari Ostrich Show Farm is an operating farm where visitors will see large flocks of ostriches in the surrounding fields: all at different stages of their growth. A mere 29 km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo – the Cango Caves.

Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. Cango Wildlife Ranch is the oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre in the world.

It offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with our hand-reared cheetahs and becoming actively involved in saving this species, and others too, from extinction. Their snake park contains unusual and rare reptiles from all over the world, such as the giant albino Burmese Python, the extraordinary-looking prehensile skink (a lizard) and the fearless 4 m King Cobra: the longest and most deadly snake in the world!

Wander among a number of different crocodile and alligator pools accommodating more than 300 Nile crocodiles.

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival is an annual gathering in March/April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts. They come here for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open-air concerts, plays, displays of the literary arts and poetry.

This is a truly momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship. Taste the fine local wines and the excellent cuisine of the restaurants – meals which could include ostrich meat – all dishes that are exquisitely prepared and available to satisfy every individual taste.

Oudtshoorn is situated approximately 83 km from Mossel Bay.