Oudtshoorn is a small town nestled between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountain Ranges in the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape. It is about a 1-hour drive north from the City of George.
Oudtshoorn and its surrounding area is fascinating. At first sight the earth looks dry and barren, but a closer inspection reveals a huge diversity of flora that, amazingly, survives the harsh extremes of temperature during the year.
As you drive around Oudtshoorn, you will notice all the fields are full of Ostrich grazing, resting or standing about. At first you might do a double take, believing the fields to be full of cows, rather than these unique birds. After a while, however, the sight becomes very familiar.
Several old Cape Dutch style homes have been lovingly looked after in the town of Oudtshoorn and many of the streets are lined with bright bougainvillaea trees, contrasting gorgeous bright bursts of colour against the dryness of the land.
Oudtshoorn itself is a town is worth a visit, even just to experience the different flora and fauna.
There are also a few excursions that “What to do in South Africa” recommends you do not miss out on when visiting Outdshoorn.
Spend a day driving a circular route from Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert and back via the Swartberg Pass.
The scenery on this entire route is magnificent, with the Swartberg Pass being the ultimate finale.
You can drive this route clockwise, or anticlockwise, but our recommendation is to drive it anti-clockwise.
Firstly, take the R62 to De Rust, a quaint village surrounded by olive farms. In 2024, one of these olive farms, De Rustica, was voted producer of the best Olive Oil in the World.
Have a little wander around De Rust, there are several interesting antique shops to rummage in. Or if you prefer, stop for a coffee at one of the little road side cafes. Ray’s Coffee Shop by the river is a peaceful place for a pit-stop.
From de Rust, continue on the N12 through the Meiringspoort Pass.
Take a break and a short stroll to the Meiringspoort Waterfall. This is a lovely refreshing stop for a swim, on a hot day.
From Meeringsport, drive to Prince Albert, another pretty Cape Dutch town with some interesting architecture and history and some cute shops to browse in.
What to do in South Africa would recommend the Lazy Lizard for lunch and definitely don’t miss visiting AVOOVA. Here they make beautiful items for your home by mosaicking ostrich egg shells. Yes, can you believe it, you can even use the broken egg shells from an Ostrich to make something exquisite.
After lunch, hop back in the car and drive the Swartberg Pass. It is best to drive this in a high clearance vehicle, but normal sedan cars have made it.
What to do in South Africa, has even seen an old rusting campervan driving the route (although we don’t recommend that!).
Take your time on this route. Not only because it is a gravel road, with hair-pin bends, but because the scenery and views are sublime.
The vistas will take your breath away.
There are plenty of viewing spots to pull over and get out of the vehicle, so just enjoy the experience and do not rush.
(If you would like to read about the history and building of the Swartberg Pass, please click here)
Once you drive down the other side of the Swartberg Pass, you will return to Oudtshoorn, passing the turning to the Cango Caves on your left.
The Cango Caves are definitely worth a visit too.
The Cango Caves are absolutely fascinating to visit. Located on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn with several guided tours running throughout the day. These last approximately 90 minutes.
For the adrenalin junkie, there is an option to join the Adventure Tour.
The guides share a vast amount of information about the caves, how and why they were formed and how they are still developing. It really is a tour not to be missed.
The size of the caves and the stalactites and stalagmites amazed us. From the outside you have no idea this vast cavernous space exists.
Calitzdorp is located about 50kms west of Oudsthoorn. It is a wine making area and definitely worth a visit.
Boplaas and De Krans Wineries are two of the most well known in this wine region, but there are several others to visit too.
The wineries of the Klein Karoo produce a different wine variety to the ones found in the Cape Winelands or the Hemel-en-Aaarde Valley.
As a result of the climate being similar to the Portugese climate, the Calitzdorp wineries tend to grow grape varieties similar to those found in Portugal.
Take a visit to these wineries to sample not only their wines, but also their ports, brandy and whiskeys.
For those of you keen to learn more about the ostriches that adorn the fields in and around Oudtshoorn, perhaps visit or stay on an Ostrich Farm.
A great place for lunch is Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.
You do not need to be a guest staying overnight to enjoy it’s beautiful surroundings and delicious food. Either call ahead and book a table or just turn up. Be sure to keep an eye open for the hippos residing in the dam there.
Oudtshoorn is a great place to spend a few nights and there is accommodation to suit all types and all budgets.