Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is situated in the Western Cape in South Africa and world-known for its ostrich farms and the nearby Cango Caves.

Travel to Oudtshoorn, visa requirements

By Plane

There is no airport in Oudtshoorn. The nearest airports are in George (very small, local flights only), Port Elizabeth (domestic flights only) and Cape Town (domestic and international flights).

By Bus

The main bus companies serve Oudtshoorn on regular schedules.

By Car

It`s a scenic drive on the R62 from Montagu and the trip from George over the Outeniqua pass offers some spectacular views. Worth the drive!

By Train

Up until a few years ago there was a regular train service east to Port Elizabeth as well as south to George, Knysna and Cape Town. However, these trains have been stopped and as of early February 2007 there are no scheduled passenger trains to or from Oudtshoorn.

Get around

Oudtshoorn attractions and sightseeing

  • Cango Caves, ☎ +27 (0)44 272-7410, [1]. The number one caves to visit in South Africa. From Oudtshoorn drive to the north. You will be there after approximately 15 minutes.

City tours

  • Cango Wildlife Ranch, ☎ + 27 (0)44 272-5593 (), [3]. Not to be missed. Reptiles and wild cats are bred for conservation and where it is possible you can enter the enclosures and interact with the animals.
  • Highgate Ostrich Farm, ☎ +27 (0)44 272-7115, [4]. The biggest and also offers ostrich rides for tourists
  • Rock Climbing (near the campsite about 12km outside of the town in the direction of the Cango Caves). Oudtshoorn has some of the best quality limestome rock climbing in the world.
  • Safari Ostrich Farm, ☎ +27 (0)44 272-7311, [5]. Offers a similar experience as at Highgate, but smaller.

Shopping, Oudtshoorn souvenirs

Good restaurants and cheap meals

As this is the ostrich capital, this is the place to taste everything one can get out of this species. Most of the ostrich (show) farms offer a restaurant or braai facilities.

Oudtshoorn nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

  • The Barons Palace Hotel, Corner High & Hope Street, ☎ +27 (0)44 279-1727 (, fax: +27 (0)44 279-1747), [6]. Reveals to her guests an era of affluence and opulence. The Hotel was Built at the turn of the century by a wealthy Ostrich Baron. Lush drapes, high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and original ostrich plume showcases recreate an era of gracious elegance. Ascending the majestic staircase to the sweeping reception rooms and vast veranda, one imagines the lavish entertaining that took place in celebration of the flourishing ostrich feather industry. The hotel is ideally equipped to host weddings and other special functions. The Barons Palace lies in close proximity to the famous ostrich show farms, Cango Caves, cheetah ranch and numerous other attractions. Enjoy a scenic drive over Swartberg Pass to the hamlet of Prince Albert, returning via Meiring's Poort, well known for it's interesting geological formations.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Get out

Go to the Garden Route and visit the Tsitsikamma National Park. Cape Town is also not far away (go there via the scenic R62).

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