Oudtshoorn

　　Introduction     Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich farming industry. In the eyes of locals, the ostrich is not only the world’s largest bird but also an economically valuable poultry species. Its skin, feathers, meat, and eggs have all been developed into high-end products. As early as the 19th century, ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn began raising ostriches and exporting their feathers to Europe, where they were used by upper-class ladies as decorations for hats and clothing. The farm owners thereby became wealthy, and one of their luxurious residences was called the “Feather Palace.” Nowadays, Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms are among South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions. Here, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of thousands of ostriches gathered together, learn about ostrich-related knowledge in exhibition rooms, enjoy ostrich feasts, and purchase finely crafted ostrich souvenirs.

　　    Note: Spring is the molting season for ostriches. To prevent them from being startled, most ostriches are moved away by farmers, making the ostrich farms appear rather deserted during this time.  　    Dining / Accommodation / Shopping      Dining: Restaurants in Oudtshoorn serve a variety of ostrich dishes such as ostrich meat, fried ostrich eggs, and ostrich egg ice cream. Ostrich meat is relatively tough, so cooking timing is crucial.     Shopping: Ostrich leather and feathers were once luxury items reserved for the nobility and wealthy. In Oudtshoorn’s souvenir shops, an ostrich leather business card holder costs around 100 rand, a women’s handbag over 1,000 rand, and a scarf made from ostrich feathers about 600 rand. Handicrafts made from ostrich eggshells are exquisitely unique, available in either painted or carved designs. They can be used as desk ornaments or lampshades, with prices varying based on the complexity of the craftsmanship—typically ranging from 150 to 300 rand. Other related souvenirs such as postcards and T-shirts are not very expensive.    Transportation      Oudtshoorn is located in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape Province, about 500 kilometers (approximately a 5-hour drive) from Cape Town. You can drive west along Highway R60–R62 or take the famous Garden Route via Highway N2 westward, then turn north onto Highway R62 at George and drive approximately 60 kilometers to reach Oudtshoorn.  

　　 Cape Town, South Africa