Discover Oudtshoorn & Its Ostrich Heritage

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.