Shore Excursion Details

Discover Oudtshoorn & Its Ostrich Heritage

Mossel Bay, South Africa

Discover Oudtshoorn & Its Ostrich Heritage

DETAILS

  • 5
    hrs Estimate Duration

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic mountain drive to an ostrich farm on this entertaining tour. Journey along the magnificent Garden Route, passing ancient forests, golden beaches and craggy peaks covered in a flowering scrub called fynbos. As you turn inland into the Outeniqua Mountains, you’ll notice the terrain quickly changes from rugged coastal to an arid, desert-like landscape known as Karoo. Cross the Outeniqua Pass along a highway that was painstakingly blasted out of nearly impenetrable bedrock and wind along marvelous, sweeping curves that offer panoramic views in all directions. Discover Oudtshoorn, set in an oasis-like location in a fertile valley, and behold the town’s ornate architecture, which reflects the opulence engendered by the ostrich-feather boom of 1860-1914, when Oudsthoorn supplied exotic feathers to adorn the clothing of ladies throughout Europe. Visit a working farm to learn how these giant birds are bred and reared, perhaps even seeing ostriches hatching in the incubator rooms.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel the picturesque Garden Route along beaches, ancient forests and rugged peaks.
• Observe the changing landscape as you venture inland to a dry, semi-desert terrain known as Karoo.
• Marvel at a highway blasted from solid bedrock to provide access through dramatic Outeniqua Pass.
• Appreciate the ornate architecture of Oudtshoorn, once the premier supplier of ostrich feathers for European high fashion.
• Tour an ostrich farm for insight into how the birds are bred and reared.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes approximately 1 hour of moderate walking that includes gravel and uneven surfaces. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not recommended for those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; binoculars; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Check Out the

ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours
Wildlife Tours
Shopping

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
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