Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape, South Africa. It is also famous for its ostrich farms as well as the Route 62 wine route. Among the many tourist sites, the central one is the CP Nel Museum, which tells about the ostrich boom era, and there are also plenty of farms and conservation parks nearby. But the world’s largest birds are one of the attractions here.
Oudtshoorn 10 places to see wildlife
Go beyond South Africa’s beaches and exotic locales and explore these places to take a look at Oudtshoorn wildlife.
1. Cango Wildlife Ranch Cheetah Conservation
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It is a major Oudtshoorn Wildlife Park. The cheetah conservation program is the mainstay of the Cango Wildlife Ranch, which is home to numerous white tigers, cheetahs, jaguars and other big cats. Here tourists can learn more about these animals and they can also enjoy educational tours here. Cheetah Conservation Foundation was actually established in the year 1988 to ensure the protection of cheetah as well as other endangered species. The Foundation allows visitors to contribute directly through time and money. Visitors here can stay at Boulders Lodge & Spa or Mount Noah Lodge, which cost around R600 to R700 per night.
Place: 191 Baron Van Reade St, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa
Time: 08:30 – 17:00 during high season (December to March)
entrance fees: Adult: R180, Child: R135 (5 – 13 years), nature encounters are charged separately.
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2. Hot air balloon ride over Oudtshoorn
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No wildlife experience is complete without seeing the view from above. So rise early and bright to catch the hot air balloon ride to the Klein Karoo that will take you across the city. Once the balloon is inflated and ready, have a cup of hot coffee, then set off on a spectacular journey that will give you the chance to see some of the most beautiful views of Oudtshoorn. Experience flying slowly over the rooftops and watch the slow sunrise gradually change from dusty red to bright orange over time. After the ride is over, head back to land to enjoy a chilled glass of sparkling champagne.
Place: Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa
Time: This journey lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
entrance fees: not sure
3. Cango Caves
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There is plenty of wildlife in Oudtshoorn, but let’s look at something different. Located about 28 km from Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are located in the stunning Cango Valley. These are huge underground caves that form extensive systems of chambers and tunnels that extend up to 4 kilometers. These large underground caverns that form the caves lie in the Precambrian limestone foothills of the Swartberg Range. But only a small part of it is open to visitors. What’s more, water has seeped into the limestone peaks over thousands of years and has created some pretty amazing calcite creations. You can choose to go on a guided tour through the series of caves.
Place: Cango Valley Road, Oudtshoorn, 6625, South Africa
Time: This tour can last for about an hour.
entrance fees: Adult: R 120.00. Children: R 75.00
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4. Ostrich Palace
Ostrich castles are actually a very common sight in the town of Klein Karoo. A huge boom in feathers began in 1870 when about 450,000 kilograms of ostrich feathers began to be exported per year. European fashion demanded more feathers and hence it found growth in international markets. This meant that ostrich farmers experienced a new level of luxury and were able to build magnificent mansions made from sandstone. But the boom stopped during the two world wars and has not yet recovered.
Place: Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa
Time: Check out specific palaces.
entrance fees: check with them
5. Ostrich Show Farm
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The Klein Karoo is home to the world’s largest bird and has marked a place for this town on the map. Currently, Oudtshoorn is home to a large number of ostrich show farms where visitors can spend over an hour feeding and interacting with these birds. If you’re really adventurous, try an ostrich ride.
Place: R328, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa
Time: 8 am to 5 pm
entrance fees: not sure
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6. Congo Wildlife Ranch and Valley of the Ancients
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It is an important Oudtshoorn Wildlife Sanctuary. Oudtshoorn, located in the Western Cape; It is home to more than 90 species of amazing animals. They have been engaged in conservation efforts for over three decades and they guarantee a wonderful experience for people of all ages. Go inside with full day access and a guided tour to really enjoy this place. There is a very special meeting program that gives the chance to spend a magical moment with an ambassador animal. There is also a Kid Zone, which offers virtually unlimited entertainment for children.
Place: 191 Baron Van Reade St, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
entrance fees: Adult: R180.00. Child: R135.00 – 5 to 13 years.
7. Meerkat Magic Tour
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The Meerkat Magic Tour, which takes place just outside Oudtshoorn, starts before sunrise and gives you the chance to see a family of meerkats waking up in the morning. The walking tour lasts for three hours and is led by someone who has abundant knowledge about it. Here visitors will have the chance to learn more about the way of life of these animals, learn about their social dynamics and see them foraging and playing in their natural environment. Visitors can stay at the nearby Earthbound B&B or Memories Self-Catering, with prices starting at R300 to R600.
Place: Oudtshoorn, 6620, Scenic Cape Route 62, South Africa, South Africa.
Time: all day long
entrance fees: Free
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8.Chandelier Game and Ostrich Show Farm
Situated between Garden Road and the Klein Karoo is the chandelier game which covers over 3500 hectares of amazing Karoo and Cape Fynbos. The farm has more than 23 species of waterbuck, sable, bontebok and kudu. It is also home to the black-backed jackal as well as the extremely rare and indigenous leopard. The farm also allows guests to have a game drive where guests are taken high into the surrounding mountains and are treated to some sundowners and a braai.
Place: N12 (R62) direction George, next to the Garden Route.
Time: all day long
entrance fees: not sure
9. Wilgevandel Holiday Farm
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Wilgewandel Holiday Farm is a small adventure destination located next to the Cango Caves. Children can play on the rope slide or trampoline here. They can also go for a camel ride, donkey cart ride or bumper boat ride. It’s great fun for kids.
Place: R328 North, Cango Caves Road Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa
Time: 8 am to 5 pm
entrance fees: not sure
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10. Swartberg Mountains
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The amazing Swartberg Mountains stretch from east to west along the northern edge of the Klein Karoo. These all come together to form a barrier between the Great Karoo and the Klein Karoo. The site is characterized by high rocky slopes as well as deep valleys. The Swartberg Mountains were once considered invincible and impenetrable as most of the mountains are over 2000 meters high. It is actually the highest range of mountains found in the Western Cape. There are three stunning passes that connect the interior of the Great Karoo to the cities in the Klein Karoo and the coast beyond. Navigating all those passes makes for a very adventurous experience that is full of unforgettable views.
Place: Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa
Time: all day long
entrance fees: Free
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Oudtshoorn is a place that rarely appears on travel maps, but it’s a great place to go for a neat little vacation packed with adventures at the unique Wildlife Farm Oudtshoorn. So if you are thinking of a holiday to South Africa, don’t miss the chance to see this lesser-known place in the country!
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