During the ‘ostrich feather boom’ in the early 20th century, ostrich farmers became instant millionaires, and today a number of impressive sandstone ‘ostrich palaces’ and public buildings bear witness to the opulence of that time. The town’s rich vernacular culture is further reflected in its museums and National Monuments. The CP Nel Museum houses a collection of musical instruments, an antique shopping mall, feather fashions and vintage vehicles, and is the only museum in the world containing a complete Jewish Synagogue. The Le Roux Townhouse was built in 1909 with the best of imported and local materials of that time, with money being no object. It stood out from the ordinary townhouses because of its lavishness, and is open for visitation. ‘Arbeidsgenot’ was home to the Afrikaans lawyer and author of a section of our national anthem – CJ Langenhoven. The antique suspension bridge (the only one of its kind in SA) across the Grobbelaars River was originally made in England.
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival: Approximately 180 000 people flock to Oudtshoorn annually at the end of March/beginning April for the KKNK – a lively festival of arts, crafts, local & international acts, productions, exhibitions & workshops.

The Cango Caves: One of the world’s great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages - mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, a subterranean wonderland.

The Ostriches: Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, 3 have distinguished themselves worthy to be named “Show Farms”. Experience riding on one of these exotic bird species, the largest in the world. Guided tours on flock movement, feeding, breeding and plucking as they occur on a working farm, are on offer.
The Cats and Crocs: Situated 3 km from Oudtshoorn on the Caves Road. Visitors can see crocodiles (dare to try Nile Crocodile cage diving!), alligators, cheetahs (one of only two southern hemisphere breeding stations), lions, jaguars, tigers, snakes and many other wild animals. The braver individual may attempt to touch these cuddly (and some not so cuddly) creatures.
Nature: Meiringspoort – this magnificent gorge extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range and is the gateway between the Klein Karoo and Groot Karoo.
Die Hel/Gamkaskloof – a fertile valley in the Swartberg Range, surrounded by mountains. In bygone years this small community was only accessible on foot.
Rus-en-Vrede Waterfall – You are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the 74m high waterfall is an ideal place for a picnics and relaxation.
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve – An isolated mountain plateau, covered with mountain fynbos. Succulent Karoo dominate the drier veld below. Between these two extremes riverines vegetation is found in the deep gorges that cut through the mountain.
Eat and Drink: Some of the finest dining in South Africa awaits you in Oudtshoorn, with the main street alone boasting more than 20 exceptional restaurants offering a wide array of tastes from all over the world. Jemima’s one of our local restaurants has been selected in the top 10 in SA for the past three years. Top quality local wines complement superb cuisine, and be sure to try the extensive selection of ostrich dishes on offer. Less than 50 km from Oudtshoorn you will find the Port Capital of SA – Calitzdorp. With five well-known wine cellars – Boplaas (Port of the year 2006/2007), Die Krans, Calitzdorp Wine Cellar, Withoek and Axe Hill in Calitzdorp and Domein Doornkraal and Mons Ruber towards De Rust, wine connoisseurs are spoilt for choice.
Sport: The town serves as the hub of the region for the sports enthusiast with its challenging modern Karoo-style 18-hole golf course, squash courts, bowls, athletics (Oudtshoorn boasts one of the super fast tracks), tennis, cricket, rugby, cycling club (biggest in the Southern Cape), Olympic-size swimming pools, motor sport, miniature aircraft and many more.

Oudtshoorn has a well-developed commercial and public infrastructure.
Education:
South Cape Collage: Offers: BA, BCom, BSc and other diplomas.
Principia College: Private High School;
Oudtshoorn High School and Langenhoven Gymnasium with resident hostels are two top schools in the Southern Cape;
Three dual-medium primary schools with high family value standards.
Health:
Oudtshoorn has a public regional hospital with all facilities available;
The Medi Clinic is a state-of-the-art private clinic and comes highly rated.