Oudtshoorn is a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is known as the ostrich capital of the world because it is ho…
Best for you if…
Oudtshoorn is a strong pick for wildlife safari & caving and adventure sports — plan about 3-5 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: December to February.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 93/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈120 km span)
High season: December to February
Best months for lower-cost travel: May · June · September · October
March to May (15-25°C)
September to November (15-25°C)
December to February (25-35°C)
June to August (5-15°C)
Oudtshoorn, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, is a charming town known for its ostrich farms and stunning natural beauty. If you're planning a visit to this unique destination, here are some ways to reach Oudtshoorn:
The nearest airport to Oudtshoorn is George Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to George from major cities in South Africa. Once you land at George Airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to reach Oudtshoorn. The drive from the airport to Oudtshoorn takes about 45 minutes.
If you prefer a scenic road trip, Oudtshoorn is easily accessible by car from various cities in South Africa. From Cape Town, you can take the famous Route 62, a picturesque drive that passes through beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and small towns. The journey from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
If you're coming from Johannesburg, you can take the N1 highway towards Cape Town and then join the R62 route towards Oudtshoorn. The drive from Johannesburg to Oudtshoorn is approximately 10 to 11 hours.
Oudtshoorn is well-connected by bus services from major cities in South Africa. Several reputable bus companies operate regular routes to and from Oudtshoorn. The journey duration and ticket prices may vary depending on the departure location. It's advisable to check the bus schedules and book your tickets in advance.
While there is no direct train service to Oudtshoorn, you can take a train to George, which is the closest major town. From George, you can then hire a car or take a taxi to reach Oudtshoorn. Trains in South Africa offer scenic journeys and are a popular choice for travelers who enjoy the experience of train travel.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Oudtshoorn will reward you with an unforgettable experience. The town's unique attractions, including the Cango Caves and ostrich farms, make it a must-visit destination in South Africa.
Oudtshoorn is a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is known as the ostrich capital of the world because it is home to the largest population of ostriches in the world. Oudtshoorn's economy is primarily based on ostrich farming and tourism, with visitors coming from all over the world to learn about these fascinating flightless birds and their role in the town's history.
In addition to its ostrich farms, Oudshoorn is also home to several fascinating tourist attractions. The Cango Caves, a series of underground caves and tunnels, are a popular destination for those interested in geology and natural history. The town also has an interesting cultural heritage, reflected in its many museums and historical buildings, including the CP Nel Museum and the St Jude's Church.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Swartberg Mountains on the outskirts of town offer a range of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping and wildlife watching. Oudtshoorn is also a popular stop on the Garden Route, a scenic coastal drive along the south coast of South Africa.
All in all, Oudtshoorn is a place that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just want to see some truly amazing birds, Oudtshoorn has it all.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
50 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
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Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~23.3 km path
~169.9 km path
~10.4 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days days in Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
High season is typically December to February.
Travelers often find better value in May, June, September, October.
Oudtshoorn suits Wildlife Safari, Caving and Adventure Sports, Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours, Ostrich Farm Visits.
Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.
Don't miss the Meerkat Magic Conservation Project
Add Oudtshoorn and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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