Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is located between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountain Passes on the edge of the Garden Route, about halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and approximately 56 km’s away from the coastal town of George. The town is spread along the banks of the Grobbelaars River and its fertile valleys produce crops like grapes, lucerne, grains, fruit and tobacco.

During the ostrich boom many years ago the town rose to prosperity due to the high demand for ostrich feathers and many working ostrich farms still operate in the area today producing feathers, leather, meat, curios and other trinkets. Oudtshoorn is also the home of the largest ostrich population in the world.

Some of the best locally produced wines, ports and Sherries originate from this region and there are numerous wine estates to be found along the Klein Karoo Wine Route, which starts in Montagu in the West and continues up to Meiringspoort in the East. Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo Wine Route are also part of Route 62, which is the longest wine route in the world

Visitors to Oudtshoorn can experience what life in the country is like while they enjoy breathing in healthy, unpolluted air, as well as an atmosphere that is friendly, relaxed and hospitable. Accommodation in the town includes a choice of hotels, inns, lodges and guesthouses. Plus there are a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from catering to those who want a five course meal, as well as those who just want to grab a quick bite on the go – there’s something to suit everyone’s palette.

Oudtshoorn is a great destination for singles, couples and families and there are a number of attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained including the KKNK, which is an annual national arts festival; the Cango Caves, which are one of the great natural wonders of the world; working modern ostrich farms; a variety of outdoor activities; modern sports facilities and activities; and heritage sites to explore.

• The KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees) in April
• Cango Caves
• Craft markets and art galleries
• Hiking trails
• Caving at the Cango Caves
• Mountain biking
• Rock climbing
• Abseiling
• Quad biking
• Travelling on a donkey cart
• Bird watching
• Micro light flights
• Meerkat Adventure tour
• Hot air ballooning
• Eco tours
• Going to Hell (the Gamkaskloof)
• Driving across a historical pass
• Offroad 4×4 routes
• Game viewing
• Bush safaris
• The crocodile farm
• Kammanassie Nature Reserve
• The Cango Wildlife Ranch and Cheetah Conservation
• The Valley of the Ancients
• Anysberg Nature Reserve
• Chandelier Game and Ostrich Show Farm
• Ostrich Palaces
• Ostrich Show Farms
• Interact with Elephants at Buffelsdrift
• C.P. Nel Museum
• Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
• Little Karoo Wine Route
• Route 62
• Oudtshoorn Golf Course
• Horse riding

Oudtshoorn is a great place to visit any time of the year due to its high number of sunny days.

Summer is between November and March and the daily average temperature is around 32°C with a maximum of around 36.8°C and night time lows of 5°C, while the weather is hot and dry with occasional thundershowers.

Winter is from June until August and the daily average temperature is around 18.9°C, while at night it can drop to around 4.9°C on average, with occasional light snowfall in the mountains.

Spring falls between September and October, with warm sunny days and the occasional rain shower. Rainfall occurs throughout the year in this region, but peaks in early winter and spring.

• Incredible views
• Fresh air
• Lots of exercise
• A mix of restaurants, cafés, pubs and coffee shops
• Rest and relaxation
• Scenic drives
• Exciting adventures

Pick a Garden Route destination to explore:

• George
• Knysna
• Mossel Bay
• Plettenberg Bay
• Wilderness