Oudtshoorn 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.
Best Things to Do in Oudtshoorn#
Oudtshoorn Bucket List#
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.
December - February
20-35°C (68-95°F)
Hot days with occasional afternoon thunderstorms; good for long daylight hours but pack sunscreen and drink lots of water on drives.
March - May & September - November
10-25°C (50-77°F)
Comfortable days and cooler nights - the best time for hiking, cave tours, and photography when light and temperatures are forgiving.
June - August
0-17°C (32-62°F)
Cold nights with regular frost and occasional mountain snow; days can be crisp and sunny, so layers are essential for mornings.
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 experienced by car or coach from George or Cape Town. For most visitors renting a car or joining organised tours gives the best access to local attractions; the town itself is walkable for short visits.
- Car hire (ZAR 350+/day) - Hiring a car is the most flexible and popular way to visit Oudtshoorn and the surrounding Klein Karoo. Roads are generally good and scenic drives along Route 62 are a highlight. A car lets you visit Cango Caves, ostrich farms and remote viewpoints at your own pace.
- Intercity coach (Intercape / regional) (ZAR 150-400) - Coaches connect Oudtshoorn with George and Cape Town; services are comfortable and economical. Book tickets in advance during holiday seasons. Expect travel times of about 1-1.5 hours from George and 4-5 hours from Cape Town depending on stops.
- Airport transfer / taxi (ZAR 300-600) - Taxis and private transfers from George Airport to Oudtshoorn are convenient for arrivals; pre‑book for fixed pricing. Transfers take about 1-1.5 hours depending on route and traffic.
- Local taxi / shuttle (Moderate (local rates)) - Local taxis and hotel shuttles serve short trips around Oudtshoorn and nearby attractions. Many guesthouses and tours offer pickup/dropoff for attractions like the Cango Caves and ostrich farms.
- Tour operators (ZAR 300+ per tour) - Day tours and guided excursions are common for key attractions (Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch, ostrich farms). Tours include transport and guide services, simplifying logistics if you don’t have a car. Prices vary by itinerary and group size.
- Walking - Oudtshoorn’s town centre is compact and pleasant to explore on foot for shops, restaurants and local museums. For anything outside the centre you’ll need a car or taxi.
Where to Stay in Oudtshoorn#
Central Oudtshoorn - $40-90/night
Affordable guesthouses and farm stays near town center; options limited but comfortable and characterful.
Rosenhof Country House - Quiet guesthouse near town center.
De Zeekoe Guest Farm - Rural guest farm, family rooms.
Outskirts & Cango route - $90-160/night
Comfortable lodges and boutique guesthouses around Oudtshoorn, good for visiting Cango Caves and ostrich farms.
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Lakefront chalets with wildlife view.
The Drosdy Lodge (The Cango Caves area) - Good base for local attractions.
Rural reserves near Oudtshoorn - $180-400+/night
Upscale lodges and exclusive guest farms offer private game experiences and high service levels.
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.
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.
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.
