Museum
C. P. Nel Museum
The town museum in the center tells the story of the ostrich feather boom and life in the Little Karoo around 1900. A good starting point before you see the city's feather palaces.
South Africa
Oudtshoorn
CityCulture
Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo and the heart of ostrich farming. From here, you can reach the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass.
by Felix Gillen
Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo and the heart of ostrich farming. From here, you can reach the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass.
Sights in Oudtshoorn
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Highgate Ostrich Show Farm
One of the ostrich farms south of the city that offers guided tours. You'll learn how the birds are kept and see eggs and chicks up close.
Museum
Cango Caves
The dripstone caves about 30 kilometers north of the city can only be visited with a guide. The standard tour leads through large, illuminated halls. The adventure tour requires crawling through tight spaces and is not for those with claustrophobia. Book in advance, especially during the holidays.
Essen & Trinken
Food and Drink in Oudtshoorn
In Oudtshoorn, you'll discover a diverse culinary scene, especially renowned for its ostrich meat specialties. Restaurants like Nostalgie Restaurant offer traditional dishes, while you'll also find international options in the city.
Strauss in all variations
Oudtshoorn is the heart of South African ostrich farming, its meat featuring on nearly every menu. It’s dark red, very lean, and reminds more of beef than poultry. Try it as a seared steak, carpaccio, or biltong.
Karoo Lamb and Dried Fruit
Karoo lamb is known for its distinct flavour, thanks to the herbs and shrubs in its diet. Potjie stews and sun-dried apricots and peaches from the region also feature.
Dessert Wines from Calitzdorp
Calitzdorp, just under an hour's drive west, is known for port-style wines made from grape varieties like Touriga Nacional. Along Route 62, you can visit several estates.
Culture and History
Oudtshoorn was founded in the mid-19th century. Around 1900, ostrich feathers were highly sought after in European fashion, and farmers quickly became wealthy, building magnificent sandstone houses known as Feather Palaces. With the First World War, the market collapsed in 1914. The C. P. Nel Museum showcases this era.
On the way
The nearest airport is George, about an hour away. You explore the centre on foot. For Cango Caves, ostrich farms and passes, you'll need a car, as there are no public connections.
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