Ostrich Tourism
Accommodation in Oudtshoorn
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Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich capital of the world and is nestled
between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains.
Oudtshoorn has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in
South Africa and boasts with natural wonders, such as the Cango Caves,
Meerkats and the Swartberg Mountains world heritage site.
Ostrich Show Farms have been an important part of the Oudtshoorn
tourism scene since Highgate first opened it's doors to the public way
back in 1938.
Increasingly popular are the Working Ostrich Farms where tourists
get to experience the true lifestyle of both the farmer and the commercial
ostrich.
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An Overview of Ostrich related Tourism
It could be argued that ostrich tourism started with the Ostrich Show Farms
which have been entertaining tourists since the Hooper family started the
concept at Highgate in 1938.
Since then more ostrich-oriented tourism concepts have been developed and
more new ideas are a certainty as the ostrich farmers realise the need
to diversify.
Funded by fortunes built around ostrich feathers, and mostly built during
the boom between 1900 and 1914, the beautiful old sandstone Feather Palaces
leave Oudtshoorn with an interesting architectural drawcard to attract visitors.
One of the latest developments by some ostrich farmers is to provide guided tours
of their Working Ostrich Farms, usually offering accommodation as well.
Quite a few of the local accommodation establishments offer scrambled ostrich
egg as a memorable option for their guests.
Of course, Ostrich Arts & Crafts are also inextricably linked to tourism
which provides the main market for the products created.
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