""THE OSTRICH-FEATHER CAPITAL OF THE... " a Oudtshoorn Travel Page by PEE-WEE

Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 km from the large coastal town of George.
Oudtshoorn offers the visitor an endless array of attractions.
The Cango Caves, one of the worlds great natural wonders,sculptured by nature through the ages are situated close to the town.
400 Ostrich farms scatter the area surrounding Oudtshoorn, 3 of which have distinguished themselves worthy to be named "Show Farms".
Even a highly successful cheetah breeding station can be found in this area - have yourself photographed cuddling a cheetah!

The principal centre of the Little Karoo and capital of the southern Cape,Oudtshoorn is also the ostrich - feather capital of the world.
It is the only town at which ostrich feathers are regularly sold at public auction.

The town is named after Baron Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn,who died in 1773 on his way to the Cape to take up the office of governor.
It was founded in 1847 around a church.

On a site 300 metres above sea level, the town spreads itself along both banks of the Grobbelaars River.
It is sheltered by the Swartberg range to the north and the Outeniquas to the south.

The region is warm in summer , with little humidity, and has plenty of sunshine in winter.

There are 12 churches in the town , representing eight denominations, and a new Roman Catholic cathedral.

Oudtshoorn's C.P Nel Museum owes its origin to a local businessman who collected historical objects.
In 1953 he bequeathed the museum to the town.
It is housed in what was formerly the Boys' High School, a green - domed building of sandstone blocks.Its facade is regarded as Southern Africa's finest example of stone - masonry.

The museum's exhibits include firearms, a chain - drive car of 1898, an ox - wagonmade in 1837, stuffed birds and geological items.

The Ostrich Room has a series of exhibits depicting every aspect of the evolution and commercial use of ostriches.

Oudtshoorn, a beautiful Karoo town situated between the majestic Outeniqua- and Swartberg Mountains, has a wealth of treasures, which will whet any tourist's appetite. There is such a lot to be seen that it will take you a few days to do sightseeing. Our town is the holiday-playground of the Klein Karoo and caters for the needs and tastes of any tourist be it Adventure, Cultural or Ecological.

National Monuments in Oudtshoorn, including the C.P. Nel Museum, Le Roux's Townhouse, ostrich palaces dating back from the 19th century and the Suspension Bridge are only a few of those to be seen.

Approximately 23 km from Oudtshoorn, is the turn-off to Rust-en-Vrede Waterfall where you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and the 74 m high waterfall is an ideal place for a picnic and relaxation. Do not let a short gravel road of 11 km stand in your way of viewing an absolute gem of nature hidden away off the beaten track.

The Swartberg Pass and alternatively Meiringspoort give the tourist the opportunity in meeting the quaint town of Prince Albert. On the top of the Pass a beautiful sight greets the visitor and looks out on the whole of the Prince Albert valley. During winter the mountains are covered in snow and are extremely popular with visitors.

The Meiringspoort gorge extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain range and is the gateway between the Klein and Groot Karoo. Halfway through the gorge you will find the breathtaking 61 m high Meiringspoort Waterfall. The road through the gorge crosses the river no more than 26 times. A few kilometres further you will find a small monument of Herrie, the elephant, which features prominently in C.J. Langenhoven's stories.

With so much to see and do, you must make use of our accomodation facilities which include hotels, country lodges, self-catering resorts and bed-and-breakfast establishments, which gives the visitor a variety to choose from.