"Oudtshoorn, Center of the Klein Karoo " a Oudtshoorn Travel Page by DesertRat

Although the town itself is not so very, very impressive -- it reminded me a bit of Eureka, Nevada, actually -- there are some rather extraordinary things to see and do.

First, there are a number of ostrich farms, which are open to the public. Oudtshoorn was the source of most of the ostrich plumes used in the wild and wonderful hats of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and these super-economy-sized birds made many in the town rich.

Second, about a half-hour's drive outside of town are the Cango Caves, one of the world's larger cave systems. If you're into subterranean adventure, these caves are a must. Don't miss them!

Neither my wife nor I will forget the silly antics of the ostriches. A bird with a brain smaller than one of its eyes, they're apt to do just about anything. While sittng in the front row of a sort of mini-bleachers used by the farm to show off their charges, one bird was brought up very close and placed in a sort of chute so that people could ride them. Fine. We had a fine time watching people climb on, then promptly fall off again. However, while attempting to take a few pictures, the blasted bird noticed a button on one of the epaulettes of my travel vest, and very neatly pecked it off! It's a rather odd experience seeing an ostrich beak heading straight for your head!