"BIGGEST BIRD IN THE WORLD" Oudtshoorn by Bert_Pearson

Oudtshoorn Travel Guide: 106 reviews and 234 photos

OSTRICH FARM

I traveled through George into Karoo little desert, a region of arid and semi dry landscapes best known as the hub of the ostrich industry.

Here are grown many fruits such as apricots and peaches, as well as sweet grapes used in the making of South African sherry wine.

the main industry of this area, however, is ostrich farming. 120 000 of the world's 150 00 ostriches are in Little Karoo.

Oudsthoorn is spread along both banks of the Brobbelaars River, and the Elephant's river. It is a very fertile valley. It is an ideal place for the breeding of the world's biggest bird.

Visiting that farm was a remarkable and unforgetful experience.

Close to the farm, there is a local art and crafts and Ostrich products. Great souvenir shop. It is incredible what they can do with eggs and feathers.
They sell the feathers to great International shows like Lido, le Moulin Rouge, The Samba dancing schools in Brazil - 50 bucks a piece.

Chicks everywhere

An Ostrich egg has a very strong shell. I was chosen to break the egg for the party. I had to dress like a cook . It took me so long to cut all around the egg to finally pry it open with my thumbs.

The chick will take two years to grow into a 100kgs Ostrich.

We were served Ostrich egg omelet. I did not like it very much though. The egg could contain close to 2 dozen of hen eggs.
But the thin slices of Ostrich steak was a real delight.

Cango Caves

This farm is breeding thousands of Ostriches. Entering a breeding camp was very exciting. My friend and I step on a nest of Ostrich eggs and put all the weight we could and could not break them.

I could drive an Ostrich for a little while. Got scared but did not fall.
They put a little bag on its head so that we will have time to jump on them. Then they remove it and there we go at full speed.

We assisted to an Ostrich race too.
That was very amusing.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A magnificent site to see and ponder.

Intro Updated Dec 12, 2002
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (3)

Cango Caves Off The Beaten Path (1)

Not far from the Ostrich farm we can fill our eys with splendors: The Cango Caves. The Cango Caves, one of the world's... more travel advice

The Ostrich farm and the Ostrich race Things to Do (1)

Don't forget to taste the Ostrich egg omelette, you might like it. But the Ostrich steak is a must. The soup was also a... more travel advice

try a ride on an Ostrich and try to break an egg!! - Oudtshoorn

try a ride on an Ostrich and try to... Favorites (1)

more travel advice

Have you been to Oudtshoorn? Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 12, 2002

2 photos

Cango caves

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (4)

Reply
- Report abuse
Alain_Smeets Jul 3, 2003 at 11:40 AM

Very good informative page and lovely photo's splendid tip about the Cango Cave.
Reply
- Report abuse
jorgblaser Apr 6, 2003 at 3:12 AM

looks funny to ride those ostriches...hahaha... well done!! joerg
Reply
- Report abuse
Kristina1701 Feb 8, 2003 at 2:55 PM

ostrich races!??! *lol* sounds funny!
Reply
- Report abuse
CharleneP Dec 16, 2002 at 10:29 AM

I agree, that small tunnel is just to tiny to crawl through, I stopped there too. ;o)