Oudtshoorn Travel Guide
City City in Western Cape, South Africa
Oudtshoorn sits in the Klein Karoo among semi-desert ridges; visitors tour ostrich farms and feather houses, descend into the Cango Caves, and drive scenic passes where Karoo farms and dry kloofs shape the landscape.
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Why Visit Oudtshoorn? #
Known as the ostrich capital of South Africa’s Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn is a magnet for travelers interested in unique farming culture and dramatic Karoo landscapes. Visiting an ostrich farm and exploring the limestone Cango Caves provide very different but complementary experiences, while Route 62’s slow-driving appeal and local Karoo lamb on the plate round out the trip. Seasonal flower displays and hearty country hospitality make it an accessible base for exploring the semi‑desert region.
Top Things to Do in Oudtshoorn
All Attractions ›
- Cango Caves - Extensive limestone caverns with dramatic formations and guided spelunking tours.
- Ostrich farms (e.g., Highgate) - Working ostrich farms offering tours, feather shows, and insight into local industry.
- Cango Wildlife Ranch - Conservation-focused park featuring reptiles, big cats, and interactive animal experiences.
- CP Nel Museum - Local museum covering ostrich industry history, local fossils, and regional artifacts.
- Meiringspoort scenic drive - Less-visited mountain pass route with waterfalls and quiet picnic pullouts nearby.
- Local pottery studios - Small studios producing Karoo-style ceramics and offering hands-on pottery sessions.
- Swartberg Pass and Prince Albert - Scenic mountain pass drive to the historic Karoo town of Prince Albert for antiques.
- Tsy-Boschberg nature reserves - Short drives to nearby reserves offering fynbos walks and birdwatching in the Klein Karoo.
Best Time to Visit Oudtshoorn #
Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are the most pleasant times to visit Oudtshoorn for wildlife, ostrich farms, and scenic drives. Summers are hot; winters can be cold with frost.
Best Time to Visit Oudtshoorn #
Oudtshoorn's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 33 mm of rain.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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October
October is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn (Western Cape) is best reached by road from George Airport (GRJ) or by coach from Cape Town and George. There is no regular passenger train service to the town; car rental or coach services are the most practical options.
George Airport (GRJ): George Airport is the closest commercial airport to Oudtshoorn, about 60-80 km away via the N12/N7 or via the scenic Route 62 variants. Driving time is roughly 1-1.5 hours. Taxis or private transfers from George to Oudtshoorn typically cost around ZAR 300-600; car hire at George is a common choice for visitors.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT): Cape Town (CPT) is farther away (around 420 km) and about a 4.5-6 hour drive depending on route. Many visitors combine Cape Town-Oudtshoorn by car or by scheduled coach services.
Train: There is no regular passenger rail service to Oudtshoorn; the historic Outeniqua line no longer runs passenger trains to the town.
Bus / coach: Intercity coaches (e.g., Intercape and regional operators) run between Cape Town, George and Oudtshoorn. Coach journeys from George or Cape Town take between 1-5 hours depending on origin and operator; fares are typically ZAR 150-400.
How to Get Around Oudtshoorn #
Oudtshoorn is best reached and explored by car; the town is spread out and attractions like ostrich farms sit outside the centre. The town centre is walkable for a few blocks-shops, restaurants and museums are close together. Taxis and limited local shuttle services operate; booking tours or transfers through guesthouses is common for visiting farms and the Cango Caves. Roads are good but distances between sights can be significant, so plan travel time.
Where to Stay in Oudtshoorn #
- Rosenhof Country House - Quiet guesthouse near town center.
- De Zeekoe Guest Farm - Rural guest farm, family rooms.
- Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Lakefront chalets with wildlife view.
- The Drosdy Lodge (The Cango Caves area) - Good base for local attractions.
- Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - High-end chalets and private wildlife experiences.
- Leeu Collection properties (nearby guesthouses) - Luxury country-house-style accommodations.
Where to Eat in Oudtshoorn #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Oudtshoorn's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Oudtshoorn #
Nightlife is modest-pubs, wine bars and guesthouse lounges provide evening options rather than late-night clubs. Most visitors focus on daytime tours and return to quiet evenings in town.
Shopping in Oudtshoorn #
Oudtshoorn is noted for ostrich-related products: ostrich leather goods, feather items and souvenirs are the town’s main specialty and sold at farm shops and local retailers. Small craft shops and market stalls offer local produce and mementos.
