You’ve heard of the Big 5 safari, the African safari, and, of course, the iconic Kruger Park safari, but have you heard of an Ostrich safari?
Recently, the ATC team set off on our annual getaway and this year we headed to Oudtshoorn, the small town on the Garden Route that is most famous for its ostriches. Being the adventurers that we are, we simply could not leave the area without experiencing something a little unusual; an ostrich safari!
We’ve been on all kinds of African safaris, but this one will stay with us forever! Seated in the back of a comfortable trailer, towed by a tractor, we got to have an up-close experience with these new feathered friends of ours.
An ostrich safari is something you simply have to add to your next Garden Route tour.
It is the kind of activity that will not only leave you in fits of hysterics from time to time, as these gangly and goofy-looking birds come up to the trailer in search of the snacks they know you have in your hands, but your time on the tour will also teach you a whole lot of interesting things about these fascinating birds.
Because we had such a great time, we want to share some helpful information with you, which you can use to plan your own exceptional Garden Route tour, one which includes an ostrich safari.
A Dry Town in the Heart of the Klein Karoo
While often overlooked by those attracted to the more famous towns and attractions on the Garden Route, Oudtshoorn is an integral part of the whole experience.
Situated in the heart of the beautiful Klein Karoo, this town gives guests a bit of a break from the coastal towns that typically define the route.
Oudtshoorn is where the Garden Route, which mostly follows the Eastern Cape coastline, meets the nearly endless open spaces of the interior.
Its position between the Outeniqua and the Swartberg mountain ranges creates a sheltered oasis, perfect for exploring the region’s flora and fauna, including the iconic ostrich. So, while it might not be beachfront, Oudtshoorn is a captivating part of the Garden Route story, one full of the sorts of adventures that are as distinctive as they are rewarding.
When to Visit Oudtshoorn
As a seasoned traveller looking out for an off-the-beaten-path experience, we can confidently say that Oudtshoorn has year-round things to do. That being said, certain times of the year are certainly better times to travel than others.
For those who long for warm, sunny days, the kind that is perfect for exploring the town and the surrounding Karoo landscape, the months between September and April are ideal. The weather during this time of year should be pleasantly mild, making outdoor activities truly enjoyable.
However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate experience, the cooler months of May to August are guaranteed to be more enjoyable. While the days might be a bit shorter, the crisp, clear air will give you the most stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, you’ll likely have more of the attractions to yourself, including the ostrich farms!
Getting to Oudtshoorn
Reaching Oudtshoorn is half the adventure, and if you are already planning a Garden Route tour, you will easily be able to reach the town without having to divert your plans.
For the intrepid traveller, the drive along the iconic Route 62 is a must.
This winding road is full of vineyards, mountains, and a variety of small towns to stop at and enjoy. Your drive will also give you a front-row seat to the region’s picturesque landscapes, which will make for the most exquisite wall art, so be sure to pack your camera!
But driving is not your only option.
If you prefer to fly, George Airport is the closest, making it a more direct route. From there, a scenic drive through the Outeniqua Mountains will take you right to the ostrich capital. While public transport options are limited, rental cars are available and they will also provide you with the ultimate flexibility to explore this region at your own pace.
Safari Ostrich Farm
“The Only Tractor Tour of an Ostrich Farm in the World”
From the northern reaches of Mpumalanga down to the quieter regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa is no stranger to the sights of ostriches running rampant.
But Oudtshoorn’s history is inextricably linked to the majestic ostrich, in a way that no other part of South Africa is.
For centuries, these large, flightless birds roamed the plains of South Africa, their feathers a much-prized commodity.
However, it was in the 19th century that the ostrich industry truly took flight (pun not intended).
As the Klein Karoo’s unique climate proved ideal for ostrich farming, Oudtshoorn suddenly became the epicentre of this burgeoning trade.
As the demand for ostrich feathers, particularly in Europe, soared, the town turned into a centre of wealth and opulence for its residents, almost overnight The industry boomed, and the grand Victorian mansions that still dot the landscape are a historical reminder of the prosperity from this era.
Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I brought an abrupt end to the feather craze, causing just about instant economic devastation. But Oudtshoorn, resilient as ever, adapted and its ostriches suddenly had a new purpose.
Today, the ostrich industry has been revitalised, with the focus now on products like leather, meat, and oil, ensuring that this iconic bird remains an integral part of the region’s identity.
The industry also took on another unusual new form, when it turned its focus to tourism.
The Safari Ostrich Farm is one of Oudtshoorn’s most famous ostrich attractions.
This is a working farm and it provides tourists with a fully interactive and totally fun encounter with these quirky birds.
The farm is situated just 6km outside of Oudsthoorn, on the R328 towards Mossel Bay, making it the ideal stop whether you are about to hit the Garden Route or leave it.
While at the farm you will get to see the Kenyan Red Ostrich, the Zimbabwean Blue Ostrich and the South African Black Ostrich, and not only will you get to feed them during the tour but the incredible team who run the farm will also give you the complete lowdown on these birds, leaving you with an appreciation for them that you probably didn’t have before your tour.
A tour here will also take you to the farm’s breeder bird camp and you’ll get to take a ride through the chick-rearing department where you’ll get to see ostriches in their different stages of growth.
During the tour, you will also learn about the different types of feathers and their uses.
The ostrich tours take place from Monday to Sunday, with the farm open every day except for Christmas Day.
After your tour at the Safari Ostrich Farm, you can head to the Safari Restaurant or Café where you can look forward to tucking into some delicious meals or grab a quick snack. The outdoor atmosphere is part of the experience and one that you will most certainly enjoy after a wonderful day spent enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm.
Other Things to Do in Oudtshoorn
There is only so much ostriching you can do in a day, so while in the area, it is worth taking the time to explore a little. These are just a handful of the things that you can do while in Oudtshoorn and its surroundings.
- Explore the Great Outdoors
The scenery around these parts is absolutely out of this world, and seeing the sights is in and of itself quite magical. While here you simply must go on a scenic drive through the Swartberg Pass, hike to the refreshing Rus-en-Vrede Waterfall, or sign up for a hot air balloon ride.
- Encounter Wildlife
Get up close with ostriches, meerkats, and other fascinating creatures when you visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch.
- Discover the Past
When in Oudsthoorn, you can take a trip down memory lane by exploring the historical C.P. Nel Museum and taking the time to admire the town’s beautiful Victorian architecture.
- Unleash your Inner Adventurer
A journey into the mysterious Cango Caves or trying your hand at those more out-there activities like caving or mountain biking is a must if you are looking to make some adventurous memories.
- Relax and Unwind
Indulge yourself and those you are travelling with by having a leisurely picnic, soaking up the sun, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambience of the Klein Karoo.
- Tuck Into the Local Flavours
While in the area, you must try some of the region’s renowned wines and culinary delights by stopping at the various farm stalls and restaurants, of which there are many.
Oudtshoorn Can (And Should) Be a Unique Addition to Your Garden Route Adventure
While the Garden Route is renowned for its beaches and forests, a detour to this inland oasis provides a refreshing change of scenery and the chance to go on an ostrich safari, something not many holidaymakers get to brag about doing.