What to do in Oudtshoorn

In South Africa’s ostrich capital, there’s little doubt about the theme running through the majority of Oudtshoorn’s activities. Shopping for ostrich handbags, belts or feather dusters in one of the town’s boutiques is a rite of passage, and many of the shops are the old homes of the illustrious feather merchants and a treat to see. Visiting a farm to see the long-legged birds in action comes a close second and you’ll have the chance to feed them, sample ostrich-egg omelettes, and learn a little more about their history in the Karoo. Outside the town are the Cango Caves, enormous caverns of astonishing stalagmites and stalactites that extend for over 4 kilometres. Only a quarter of the cave system is open to visitors on guided or un-guided tours. Our favourite is the slightly longer ‘adventurous’ tour with some, ahem, squeezing required! Also in the area is the beautiful Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall, perfect for a short walk and a picnic, or a variety of trails in the Swartberg Mountains.