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Town in Western Cape, South Africa
Photo: Reinderd Visser, who releases it under the terms below. JMK (talk) 13:26, 15 June 2011 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Oudtshoorn is "the ostrich capital of the world", in South Africa's Western Cape Karoo, and world-known for its ostrich farms and the nearby Cango Caves.
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The number one caves to visit in South Africa. From Oudtshoorn drive to the north. You will be there after approximately 15 minutes.
It houses exhibits depicting the role of the ostrich trade in the town's history, as well as the cultural history and lifestyle of the people of the Little Karoo region, as it was during the Victorian era and early 20th century.
A smaller, privately owned farm.
The largest farm in the area, tours also offer the option of an ostrich meal afterwards for an additional charge.
Offers a similar experience as at Highgate, but smaller.
Gaming machines, casino style pub & grub.
This private game lodge is situated on a large open expanse and offers bush safaris, meerkat safaris, and the opportunity to feed or ride elephants. Animals on the property include hippos, elephants, giraffes, eland, zebra, buffalo, rhino, springbok and others. Note that these are not truly wild animals - the property is managed as essentially a giant ranch rather than a nature preserve - but the animals have plenty of room to roam, making it a far better experience than any zoo. No fee is charged for entry, which makes this lodge a particularly nice place to have lunch or enjoy a drink. Nature activities are all charged on a per-person basis. Tented and lodge accommodations are available for those looking for a more extensive wildlife experience.
Reptiles and wild cats are bred for conservation and where it is possible you can enter the enclosures and interact with the animals.
Meerkat Adventures offers the chance to spend time close (several meters) to a family of wild meerkats. Devey Glinister, a passionate and eccentric local who might best be described as the Crocodile Dundee of meerkats, has spent years habituating wild meerkats to the presence of humans, and now leads groups out before dawn to watch these animals awake from their dens and go about their morning routines. Time spent with the meerkats is entirely dependent on the animals - if the meerkats are feeling lazy the encounter can last for a few hours, but if they feel like foraging they might disappear into the brush after only ten or fifteen minutes. Devey meets participants near the main highway and then leads them onto a private ranch where coffee and tea are provided, as well as background on meerkat behavior, before everyone is handed a folding chair and led on a short hike to the meerkat den. Tour sizes are limited and usually fill up in advance so reservations are necessary. Children must be older than ten to join tours.
Oudtshoorn has some of the best quality limestome rock climbing in the world.
Reveals to her guests an era of affluence and opulence. The hotel was built at the beginning of the 20th 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.
An à la carte restaurant, specializing in ostrich & venison dishes.
Art, travel, peace, action, sharing, magic space, highest hill in Oudtshoorn with stunning views. Style, comfort and generosity.
Five minutes away from the centre of town, but near the hiking trails in the area.
This B&B is located on a one-acre plot that includes several buildings, all in good repair. Gardens, a pool, gated parking, and common rooms create a pleasant environment that is enhanced by the very friendly owners, who will do their best to provide travel advice and ensure that you are having a pleasant stay.
Located in beautiful surroundings for long walks and hiking trails. Has rooms in different sizes. All 3 of the rooms are stylishly and comfortably furnished.
This lodge is in Schoemanspoort and is completely surrounded by mountains. The willow trees and river provides a peaceful tranquil setting for couples, families, individuals as well as groups
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!
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George · International · GRJ
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