Oudtshoorn
Why Visit Oudtshoorn?
The sleepy town of Oudtshoorn is situated on the Garden Route. Once a thriving ostrich town, the area is home to many ostrich farms as well as a crocodile farm. The most famous attraction here however is the Cango Caves – a series of caves that can be explored, offering a thrilling adventure beneath the ground.
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Oudtshoorn Overview
The town of Oudtshoorn lies on the outskirts of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. Many years ago the town grew into prosperity during the ostrich boom, where feathers in particular were in huge demand. Today, much of that old-world charm can still be found, with plenty of working ostrich farms that produce meat, feathers, leather and curios.
Oudtshoorn is also home to the famous Cango Caves, which are a system of interlinked caves that can be explored. While some of the caves require a challenge to enter, many others have paths that can be walked by visitors of all ages.
Another highlight is the crocodile farm, where you can see these fierce reptiles up close and personal. Crocodile leather is also produced in Outdtshoorn, providing a sustainable lifestyle for many farmers living within the area.
Highlights & Places in Oudtshoorn
- Cango Caves
- Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
- Anysberg Nature Reserve
- Little Karoo Wine Route
- Kammanassie Nature Reserve
- Klein Karoo National Arts Festival
- Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Route 62
- Oudtshoorn Golf Course
Oudtshoorn is located about 400 kilometers east of Cape Town is known for its friendly people, many tourist attractions, the annual National Arts Festival (an Afrikaans festival), it's hospitality and of course ostriches.
This quaint little town not only have some of the most beautiful town houses (which was built in the Ostrich era) in South Africa, but is home to the Cango Caves, has it’s own wine route and you can even ride an ostrich here.
Best Time to Visit Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn Weather
Oudtshoorn averages midday temperatures ranging from 18.9°C in July to 32°C in January.
The region is the coldest during July when the temperature drops to 4.9°C on average during the night.
Oudtshoorn is very well known for its dry heat in the summer months and lovely autumn days.
When to Go
The best time to visit Oudtshoorn and the rest of the Garden Route is any time of year, with each season offering its own perks.
Summer runs from November to March, bringing hot, dry weather that is ideal for outdoor pursuits.
Winter runs from June to August, with cold, rainy days broken by bright sunny days – whales can also be seen along the coast during these months if you take a drive from Oudtshoorn.
Spring runs from September to October, with sunny weather and occasional showers. This is when the countryside blooms into a carpet of wildflowers.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting To Oudtshoorn
The best way to get into Oudtshoorn is by car along the Garden Route from Cape Town. This will give you the chance to enjoy the long stretches of beautiful coastal road.
Getting Around Oudtshoorn
There are a few different ways to get around Oudtshoorn. Self-drive offers the best option, as this will give you a chance to explore the route at leisure. Walking is also possible.
Oudtshoorn Tips : Know Before You Go
ATMs:
ATMs can be found in the town. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank.Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities are available at shopping malls, Cape Town International Airport, hotels and banks.Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets. -
Oudtshoorn Accommodation: This page features 4 recommended places to stay in Oudtshoorn.
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Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Safari Lodges
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge provides a four-star safari experience on the Garden Route, near Oudtshoorn.
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De Opstal Country Lodge Oudtshoorn Priced from ZAR 593 pps
Category : Boutique Hotels
Experience true hospitality at De Opstel, a 4-star country lodge in the heart of the Klein Karoo.
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Queen’s Hotel Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Hotels
Built in 1880, the Queen's Hotel in the Western Cape is the third oldest hotel in South Africa. Experience the old world charm of a building that was originally made of stone and had a thatched roof, and now boasts only the finest amenities.
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Rosenhof Country House Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Country Retreat
Rosenhof is widely known as one of the finest establishments in the Karoo.
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Oudtshoorn Tours: This page features 4 package tours that visit Oudtshoorn.
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Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari Self Drive Holiday Priced from ZAR 12,391 pp
Category : Safaris,Self Drive Holidays
11 days in South Africa, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth
This tour is packed with highlights. Starting in Cape Town you will drive further to discover the Cape Winelands, the famous Garden Route and end the tour in the Amakhala Game Reserve.
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Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari: Family Holiday Priced from ZAR 21,080 pp
Category : Beach Holidays,Guided Tours,Safaris
11 days in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Cape Town
Enjoy a fun, safe, adventure filled family holiday exploring the Cape’s wonderland of activities. From Table Mountain’s view-from-the-top to rubbing noses with wildlife, this trip not only brings you closer to nature, but to your family too.
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Garden Route Getaway Priced from ZAR 10,705 pp
Category : Safaris
5 days in Garden Route, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Cape Winelands, Cape Town
You travel along the world’s longest wine route and discover the beautiful coastlines along the garden route, gathering unforgettable memories.
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Garden Route Guided Tour: PE to Cape Town Priced from ZAR 6,400 pp
Category : Guided Tours,Short Breaks & Getaways
4 days in Garden Route, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town
The Garden Route is dappled with charming coastal towns that offer an exploration of the finest natural attractions of the area. This trip offers a scenic trip to all of them, cramming the full Garden Route experience into four days of exploration.
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Things to do in Oudtshoorn: This page features 5 "must see" Oudtshoorn activities.
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Garden Route Elephant Riding Safari Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Wildlife & Game Viewing
Oudtshoorn -- Activity, Guided
TheGarden Route Elephant Riding Safari is a unique adventure that allows you to explore the beautiful Klein Karoo landscapes on the back of an African elephant, spotting game and birdlife along the way. Guided by trained safari experts, this is an activity that cannot be missed.
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Garden Route Elephant Walk Safari Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Wildlife & Game Viewing
Oudtshoorn -- Activity, Guided
The Garden Route Elephant Walk Safari is a guided experience offered at Buffelsdrift Lodge in the Klein Karoo, with the chance to interact with tame elephants on an unforgettable walk around a large waterhole.
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Garden Route Horse Riding Tour at Buffelsdrift Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Wildlife & Game Viewing
Oudtshoorn -- Activity, Guided
Experience a Garden Route Horse Riding Tour at Buffelsdrift to view a diversity of wildlife and birdlife in the Klein Karoo, near the town of Oudtshoorn on the Garden Route.
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Garden Route Safari Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Wildlife & Game Viewing
Oudtshoorn -- Activity, Guided
Enjoy a thrilling two hour long Garden Route Safari in the Klein Karoo, with three of the Big 5 to be seen along with a diversity of other wildlife and birdlife in the Garden Route.
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Oudtshoorn Elephant Safari Oudtshoorn Price On Request
Category : Wildlife & Game Viewing
Oudtshoorn -- Activity, Guided
The Oudtshoorn Elephant Safari is ideal for anyone who has ever wanted to view African elephants up close and personal, with the chance to meet the three elephants of Buffelsdrift Lodge in the Garden Route. You will be able to feed and meet these amazing animals during your encounter.
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Oudtshoorn Map
