What to Do
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres from the large coastal town of George. First class hotels, lodges, inns, and guesthouses await the visitor. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country!
The Architecture
Exceptional stone masonary, lending that special touch. Admire the grandeur of the numerous “ostrich palaces”, established in the times of the ” feather boom”. Conserved to this day as museums, guesthouses and dwellings for the discerning.
The Cango Caves
One of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. It is situated close to the Klein Karoo Town of Oudtshoorn. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, a subterranean wonderland. Regular guided tours daily.
The Ostriches
Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, 3 have distinguished themselves worthy to be named ” show farms”. Become exposed to this exotic bird species, the largest in the world. Guided tours available.
The KKNK Festival
An Annual gathering in March/April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts, for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art & poetry. A momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship.
Taste the fine local wines and the excellent cuisine of the Restaurants – meals which could include ostrich – all exquisitely available to satisfy every taste.
Cheetahs
A highly successful breeding station of this threatened species… – one of the only two in the southern hemisphere. One of the foremost examples of Eco-tourism in the world and a superb mixture of conservation and tourism. You can get yourself photographed cuddling a cheetah cub, the fastest animal on land.
Crocodiles
Gaze with the awe at the slithering reptiles species from all over the world. Imagine… more than 400 crocodiles and alligators in their prehistoric unattractiveness. They’re being bred here and they’re awfully nice, as long as you don’t get too close!
Grundheim Wines
Just outside Oudtshoorn lie the vineyards of Sandkoppies, home of Grundheim Wines, established in 1858. Six generations have been farming here for more than a century. ou cannot leave the Little Karoo without a product or two. Discover a treasure of taste at Grundheim.
Meerkat Tours
Seeing these shy little critters in their natural habitat is a unique privilege. Our experienced guide will meet you before sunrise, from where you’ll depart to the conservation area. Enjoy a hot cuppa before taking a short hike to the burrows, where you’ll observe the meerkats waking up, foraging in the sunshine and going about their daily routine.
Swartberg Circle Route
The Swartberg Circle Route is a scenic and interesting drive. Travel from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp to De Rust, Klaarstroom and Prince Albert, over Swartberg Pass and through Meiringspoort. The trip may be started at any of the four towns and traveled in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
Rivers & Falls
Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the surrounding Swartberg, Outeniqua, Kamanassie mountain ranges. Waterfalls abound, and the visitor is fortunate to safely visit two examples at the Vrede and Meiringspoort falls.
Hiking and Biking
The eco-tourist, and those thriving on the outdoor life, alike, will be faced with a large selection of challenging opportunities. Hiking and biking trails are in abundance. Make your choice from lush subtropical to semi-arid. You will leave fulfilled!
Sport
Oudtshoorn is the hub of the region for the sport enthusiast, offering a challenging modern 18 hole golf course with full amenities and squash courts. Also, bowls, athletics, tennis, cricket, rugby, Olympic standard swimming pools, motorsport, miniature aircraft and many more.